We Mean Business Coalition

At the World Leaders Summit at COP29, the UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced an ambitious headline NDC target that sends a strong signal of climate policy leadership to governments of other countries. The targeted 81% cut in emissions (compared to 1990) by 2035 aligns with the recommendations of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, and the goal of limiting global heating to 1.5°C. It also signals that the UK plans to keep up with global race towards a competitive clean energy economy. As the Committee made clear in its advice to the government, such action “can boost investment and support new jobs across the country as well as reducing the UK’s dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. Rapid reductions in fossil fuel dependence are the best way to enhance UK energy security.” UK businesses will now be looking for details of how the UK’s NDC will be implemented, especially the 2030 Clean Power Plan, so they can invest in the jobs and technology that will deliver the UK’s clean energy future. In a recent letter organized by Corporate Leaders Groups?more than 50 companies, investors and financial institutions including IKEA UK and Ireland, SSE Renewables and BT Group urged the UK government to reassert its climate leadership with an NDC underpinned by credible delivery mechanisms that encourage other countries to follow suit. Ambitious and investible NDCs are the key to unlocking business action and investment to accelerate the shift from #FossilToClean and protect and restore nature globally. We also welcome Brazil's ambitious headline NDC target range, announced at COP29 as well. It is an important signal from the COP30 hosts but, again, business is now looking for more precision on how this target range will translate into concrete policies via Brazil's “Plan Clima” policy framework. To ensure that the transition is truly global, these NDCs need to be backed up by international finance.?We’re calling on governments at COP29 and beyond to ensure global public financial flows that help unlock scaled-up private finance and investment, particularly in low- and middle- income countries, along with clear policy signals via the NDCs and implementation plans that align with 1.5°C. Speaking earlier today, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a rousing speech and rallying cry to world leaders, urging them to follow through on their previous commitments as governments negotiate climate policy at COP29: “At COP28, all of you agreed to move away from fossil fuels; to accelerate net-zero energy systems, setting milestones to get there; to boost climate adaptation; and to align the next round of economy-wide national climate plans – or NDCs – with the 1.5°C limit. It’s time to deliver.” Today’s announcement suggests the UK government recognizes the urgency of ?climate leadership. Business applauds the clarity of this ambition and looks forward to details on how it will be implemented. #WMBC #COP29

??#COP29: Join our flagship events at the We Mean Business Pavilion, E13, Blue Zone.? ? 1?? Women Leading on Climate? A powerful conversation on increasing women’s leadership in climate action, featuring We Mean Business Coalition CEO María Mendiluce, former Canadian climate minister Catherine McKenna, and others. The event will focus on how the Women Leading on Climate network is driving momentum toward ambitious outcomes at COP29 Azerbaijan and beyond, including through a global social media campaign and targeted advocacy for stronger national climate plans. ?? Tuesday, 12 Nov | ?? 16:00 AZT? ?? Register Here: https://lnkd.in/evcG-cS6? ? 2?? From #FossilToClean? This event will bring together policymakers and businesses to explore what policymakers need from business—and what businesses need from governments—to ensure that #NDCs are ambitious, investible, and help accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions.? ? ?? Wednesday, 13 Nov | ?? 17:30 AZT? ?? Livestream: https://lnkd.in/eqTBYJWP 3?? Unlocking SME Growth & Resilience? #SMEs and multinationals will discuss how leading companies are leveraging innovative financial partnerships to support small to medium-sized businesses in their supply chains and networks to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. ?? Friday, 15 Nov | ?? 16:45 AZT Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eMaZunqz Don’t miss out—whether in person or via livestream, be part of the conversation at COP29! Discover our full events listing here: https://lnkd.in/er9x4mK6 #WMBC ??? Climate and Nature Solutions SME Climate Hub The Climate Pledge Exponential Roadmap Initiative BSR CDP?Ceres, Inc.?Corporate Leaders Groups?Climate Group?The B Team?WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development

How can we work together to support progress in the energy sector through collaboration and shared insights? What potential does the North Sea hold for exporting clean energy across Europe? How are companies implementing innovative approaches to optimize?grid?infrastructure???? ? All to be discussed at #COP29. ? Join We Mean Business Coalition Pavilion silver sponsor?National Grid?at their events in-person or via livestream: ? ???14 November - Reception: Celebrating and Supporting Women in Energy:?https://lnkd.in/eVax3XB4 ???15 November - Powering the Future: Collaboration in Energy across the North Seas. Available on livestream:?https://lnkd.in/eHNHaMBf ???18 November - Transforming?Grid?Infrastructure: Embracing Technology & Systems Innovation. Available on livestream:?https://lnkd.in/ezeQknE9 ? See more details about these and all events at the We Mean Business Coalition pavilion:?https://lnkd.in/enab3V7U

Leaders, ministers and climate negotiators from around the world are gathered at COP29 Azerbaijan, which opened in Baku today. This COP matters. It's time to deliver global finance to drive ambitious, investible and equitable national climate plans that will move us from #FossilToClean. Governments can accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future, through a COP29 outcome that: ?? Commits governments to develop ambitious and investible nationally determined contributions (#NDCs) and implementation policies aligned with 1.5°C. ?? Sets a new robust goal for global public finance flows, that helps to unlock scaled-up private finance and investment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Hundreds of companies are urging national governments to address the primary cause of climate change: burning fossil fuels. They are switching to renewable energy, electrifying their fleets, investing in energy efficiency, and decarbonizing their supply chains because it’s good for business – and because people overwhelmingly want to see greater action on climate change. But business cannot make this transition alone. We need world leaders to act with the urgency that the climate crisis demands, and wealthy countries have a responsibility to be the first movers. Read our policy asks for #COP29 here: https://lnkd.in/dRWJ4WXj #WMBC

To journalists covering COP29, We Mean Business Coalition will be on the ground in Baku from now to November 23. For media interviews & comment from our CEO, policy directors or business leaders on the ground please email [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 7432533080.

?? We are pleased to partner with Climate Action for the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2024, returning for its 16th annual edition as an Affiliated #COP29 Event on 13-14 November. Our CEO, María Mendiluce, will join the opening panel on the 13th, along with Lord Adair Turner, Faustine Delasalle, Jon Creyts and moderator Nik Gowing to discuss the impact and opportunities for business being opened up by the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), forthcoming NDC renewal and more. Bringing together global sustainability leaders across all sectors including business, government, cities, finance, and civil society, the Forum will promote transformative innovation and tangible climate action to help us go further, faster together. With multiple networking opportunities, it is an ideal opportunity to connect with climate leaders, pioneers and practitioners and keep the #FossilToClean message at the forefront of COP29 Azerbaijan. ??Register today: https://j1l.in/jYHvIV #WMBC

?? As the UN Climate Summit and G20 approach, the power of nations coming together to tackle global challenges is in the spotlight. While multilateralism faces valid criticisms, its role in coordinating a global response to climate change, economic transitions, and shared challenges remains indispensable. From climate change to AI and poverty, Gillian Nelson, Director of Policy at We Mean Business Coalition, discusses why cooperative international agreements are crucial for our future. Although the implementation of the #ParisAgreement has not yet achieved the speed or scale needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, it has already led to significant progress. ?? Read more in Sustainable Views: https://lnkd.in/eFAaeKAj #WMBC #COP29

A message?in the wake of the U.S. election results:? “We Mean Business Coalition will continue uniting thousands of businesses across the U.S. to build on the progress achieved to date, accelerating efforts and advocating for the policies and investments that will enable the clean energy economy. Global businesses, committed to responsible growth, understand that climate-related factors—such as extreme weather events, shifting supply chains, and rising insurance costs—present concrete risks to business operations that transcend political changes. While federal focus may shift, business commitment to clean energy and climate resilience remains firm, rooted in material impacts and driven by long-term value...? ...Most of the world’s major economies and largest companies remain committed to investing in clean technologies and solutions. Businesses operating globally need to remain competitive in a world rapidly shifting towards clean economies. The global market for top clean technologies is set to triple to over $2 trillion by 2035, close to the value of today’s crude oil market. This is because they outcompete fossil fuels... ...President Trump’s election win comes at a pivotal time for climate action, and negotiations at #COP29 must not lose focus or momentum. World leaders made a historic commitment to a clean energy future at COP28.?At #COP29, it’s time for countries to deliver global finance to drive ambitious, investible and equitable national climate plans that will move us from #FossilToClean.? Polling across multiple countries around the world consistently shows high levels of public support for climate action and investments in green technology. The United Nations climate change conferences will continue to serve as a critical platform for uniting and advancing climate resilience, economic innovation and stability globally.” Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eRr-besu ?

We’re getting ready for COP29! We Mean Business Coalition is hosting a pavilion?in the Blue Zone to bring an ambitious and coordinated business voice to COP29?in Baku, Azerbaijan. ?? At COP29 we must continue to build on the progress of the UAE Consensus and accelerate the transition from the fossil fuel era to a clean-energy, nature-positive future. At this year’s summit, world governments will negotiate a crucial post-2025 climate finance deal. A strong agreement is key to building trust and encouraging private investment in the transition. Meanwhile, governments are preparing the new national climate plans – nationally-determined contributions, (#NDCs) – that they have agreed to communicate by early 2025. ?? You can join us in person and online, take a look at our schedule here: https://lnkd.in/er9x4mK6 ??? Ceres, Inc. CDP BSR Climate Group The B Team Corporate Leaders Groups WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development WeAreALBERT Iberdrola Renewables Futerra Sustainable Entertainment Alliance National Grid ACCIONA Topsoe Unilever Arup KfW Climate Leadership Coalition Conservation International VCMI

?? The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has opened applications for new members to join its Expert Panel in 2025! The Expert Panel provides independent technical expertise and advice on the implementation and revision of the Integrity Council's Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and Assessment Framework. The ICVCM is seeking recognised professionals and emerging experts in carbon accounting, sustainable development, and social and environmental safeguards to contribute to a high-integrity and effective carbon market. ? Applications are open until Sunday, 3 November 2024. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://lnkd.in/emTCC3Ej #CarbonMarkets