Jul 9 2007
Alcan Inc. announced today that it has signed the UN Global Compact's "Caring for Climate: The Business Leadership Platform" statement. The official statement, which was announced in conjunction with the Global Compact Leaders Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, is a powerful call to action from the participants of the Global Compact who wish to advance practical climate change solutions and voice the need for all businesses, governments and citizens to take steps to address climate change. "Alcan is pleased to join the more than 150 signatories of the Global Compact's statement on climate change," stated Dick Evans, President and CEO of Alcan Inc. "At Alcan, we firmly believe that climate change is a truly global issue, and therefore we need to combat the negative impacts of climate change on a global level. This statement clearly articulates the urgent need for all sectors around the world to work together towards the common objective of advancing practical climate change solutions," he added.
Alcan has long been committed to addressing the issue of climate change. In addition to significantly reducing its own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past 17 years, Alcan has been a leader in the climate change debate. The company chaired the Executive Forum on Climate Change in 2005; took part in the Carbon Disclosure Project; participated in the United States Climate Action Partnership; and on an ongoing basis, lends its support to progressive NGOs like the World Environment Center.
Mathieu Bouchard, Vice President, Business Sustainability for Alcan Inc. is in attendance at the Global Compact Leaders Summit in Geneva and has endorsed the declaration on Alcan's behalf. "Alcan believes that a market-based solution, such as an emissions trading system is an effective way to address climate change. This statement from the UN Global Compact's participants recognizes this and urges governments to facilitate these systems with clear and effective legislation," he stated.
The "Caring for Climate: The Business Leadership Platform" statement was drafted by the UN Global Compact, UN Environment Programme, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. It is a message from the business sector recognizing the urgent need for extensive action from all sectors to address climate change. The signatories commit to taking practical action to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions from their respective organizations. The statement also calls on governments to create long-term effective climate-friendly legislation and fiscal frameworks and to co-operate internationally to create a robust global policy on climate change.