New WBCSD report on frameworks for technology diffusion Geneva, 15 June 2010 - In its latest report on Enabling frameworks for technology diffusion, the WBCSD puts forward six key elements to enhance investments and sales of low-carbon technologies. These range from government signals to foster low-carbon solutions to engaging business more actively into the international and national climate change process.

We Can Act Today to Achieve a Low-Carbon Future Geneva, 15 March 2010 - While it is easy to criticize and highlight the unmet – and perhaps unrealistic – expectations for the climate talks in Copenhagen last December, true failure would be to use the outcome to place blame or as an excuse to abandon the effort. As executives with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), we remain optimistic that the world will meet the climate challenge.

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The Climate Challenge

Climate change has never been more in focus than it is today. Everyone, from political leaders to business leaders to members of society, recognizes the threat of climate change to societies, economies and our individual well-being. An understanding and appreciation of the science and economics of climate change underline the necessity of action, now.

International negotiations have been led by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, aimed to reduce the developed world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012. The first commitment period in the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

The current focus is on the international negotiations that are leading to a major conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. A new climate agreement is needed in Copenhagen to provide a framework for international commitments by governments in developed and developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Progress to date has been slow and demonstrates the scale of the political challenge ahea.

The role of business as a major player and as a solution provider within the international climate debate is now recognized, and interaction with the public policy agenda is increasingly important.

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