Scientific Case

Climate change is the key environmental issue for business in the 21st century. The earth's surface temperature has already increased by a global average of 0.6°C over the past 140 years and is predicted to rise by a further 1.4-5.8°C over the next 100 years. This will have wide-ranging consequences for both the environment and business.

There are a number of natural indicators which show that climate change is undeniably occurring. These include the retreat of mountain glaciers, the shrinking of the Arctic ice cap and rising sea levels and sea-surface temperatures. Scientific evidence is also steadily increasing and particularly significant are the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

A message at the heart of public debate is that human activities are leading to climate change – we need to act individually and collectively if we are to halt this.

The need for business to reduce carbon emissions and move from a high to a low carbon economy, was well brought out in the Stern Review of October 2006. Business is as vulnerable to the physical effects of climate change as individuals are. It affects how and where it is possible for a company to operate and may lead to increased regulatory control.

Through taking action now we can all take a lead in developing a sustainable future.