From January 21 – 24, 2020, the World Economic Forum will engage the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The theme of the 2020 meeting is “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.”
In a letter sent to company leaders on their way to the summit in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, Klaus Schwab, the Forum’s founder and executive chairman, and the heads of Bank of America and Royal DSM, said this year’s meeting is a perfect opportunity to show leadership on climate change.
While the world continues to heat up, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have continued to increase at 1.5 per cent per year, whereas they must fall by 3-6 per cent per year between now and 2030 is needed to limit global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Climate action will be a key theme of this year’s meeting, with the title of one session putting the challenge bluntly: Averting a climate apocalypse. The forum is asking all participants to set a net-zero climate target.
One of the main themes being explored is “How to Save the Planet”. The Earth is getting hotter, the ice is melting, the oceans are rising and filling up with plastic, and species are being lost. With these realities in mind the session will focus on how humans can apply sustainable solutions to repair the damage.
Speakers will include the following: Greta Thunberg, climate and environmental activist; Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International; Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, Al Gore, former vice-president of the United States; Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute; Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment; and, Frans Timmermans, executive vice president for the European Green Deal.
Canadian environmental advocate Autumn Peltier will participate in a presentation on January 21 entitled “Forging a Sustainable Path Towards a Common Future”. Peltier, 15, is known as a “water warrior” who campaigns for the rights of First Nation communities in Canada whose water has been contaminated by industrial activity and oil pipelines.
The presentation will provide insights into how the passion of youth activism can help address climate change and other global environment issues and inspire positive behaviour change for future generations.
For a link to this web access presentation, click here.
For information on other forum features, click here.
Feature image courtesy of Autumn Peltier’s family.
