Businesses leaders met in Denmark on Sunday to try to unite behind a call for long-term climate policies on oil, power and technology ahead of a U.N. conference in December that aims to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Many companies want new rules to help plan investment and capitalize on green technology. Some shareholders also want more climate-friendly business, but companies reliant on fossil fuels may lose out from measures to boost low-carbon alternatives.
Businesses leaders met in Denmark on Sunday to try to unite behind a call for long-term climate policies on oil, power and technology ahead of a U.N. conference in December that aims to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
Many companies want new rules to help plan investment and capitalize on green technology. Some shareholders also want more climate-friendly business, but companies reliant on fossil fuels may lose out from measures to boost low-carbon alternatives.
"We see climate change as a strategic issue of great significance for the business community," Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, said of the three-day talks.
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Not all businesses believed that fighting climate change would mean higher costs, organizers said.
Most firms stood by previously stated aims to cut carbon emissions despite recession but wanted governments to boost green investment, according to a survey of 58 global companies published at the start of the May 24-26 Copenhagen meeting.
