The Chemical Industry at COP-22

ICCA at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP 22)

Successful implementation of the landmark Paris Agreement hinges in large part on the private sector both informing and transforming international policy directives on climate into action by investing, developing and deploying innovations to address global sustainability challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Chemistry plays a key role in the development of solutions, such as more efficient modes of transport, heating energy carriers, and carbon capture and sequestration. To create the supportive environment needed to address the global climate challenge, it is important for the international community to reap and expand the chemical sciences potential by helping to bridge the gap between a product idea and development of product solutions

Read the ICCA Perspective on COP 22

THE PARIS AGREEMENT: ENTERING A NEW PHASE

The UNFCCC COP-22 will take place in Marrakech, Morocco from 7-18 November 2016. ICCA will be represented at this meeting and will actively participate in discussions on how best to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. As policymakers around the world consider actions needed to mitigate climate change, particularly through reducing GHG emissions over the coming decades, the chemical industry is enabling greater carbon efficiency throughout the economy with the use of our products. For every ton of CO2 the industry emits in manufacturing, its customers save more than twice the emissions when using these products, and, thanks to continuing developments, these emissions savings are growing.

THE DRIVE TO SUSTAINABILITY

The chemical industry plays a unique role in meeting the needs of an expanding world today by providing solutions to address global challenges, including climate change mitigation. Our industry contributes significantly to a more sustainable society by developing innovative technologies and products while ensuring the safe, responsible and sustainable management of chemicals throughout their life cycle.

OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY

Chemistry is the backbone of energy efficient products and technologies that help enable a more sustainable future. Although greenhouse gas is emitted in the manufacture of chemical products, the use of the products downstream and in other sectors can help save more energy and emissions than what is required to produce them. To that end, ICCA has developed multiple energy technology roadmaps and life cycle assessment tools to help businesses up and down the value chain realize new gains in energy efficiency while reducing the environmental footprints of their operations.

To learn more about COP 22 in Marrakesh, please visit  www.cop22.ma

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) warmly invites you to attend the side event:

BUILDING A GREEN ECONOMY –
TOWARDS COLLECTIVE ACTION AND TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTIONS

Saturday, 12 November – 9:00-10:30
COP22 Green Zone (next to the UN venue) – room Souss

Panel:

  • Maxime BUREAU, Director, Government Affairs, Europe & Member of Operating Committee, EMEA, 3M
  • Martina MACPHERSON, Head of Sustainability Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices
  • Russel MILLS, Vice-Chair Energy and Climate Leadership Group, ICCA
  • Mark RADKA, Chief Energy, Climate, and Technology Branch, UN Environment
  • Paul WATKINSON, Chief Negotiator and Head of the Climate Negotiations Team, Government of France
  • Michael WILKINS, Managing Director, Environmental & Climate Risk Research, Global Infrastructure Ratings, S&P Global
  • Government of Morocco representative (tbd)

Moderator: Barbara BUCHNER, Executive Director, Climate Policy Initiative

With the threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement achieved, we are on a path to a green economy – such an economy needs to be economically viable, low-carbon, efficient and clean in production but also inclusive for society. To boost this transition towards resilient, low-carbon societies and economies at scale now and when needed, effective climate mitigation and adaptation requires scaling-up and advancing existing and new solutions and greater investments.

Climate change is expected to increase risks to businesses, infrastructure, assets, and economies. Additionally, a growing world population – mostly in urban areas – and adequate standard of living for all are linked to sustainable economic growth and an increase in energy demand.

While these risks and drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to keep the average global temperature increase well below two degrees are a challenge, they also present new business opportunities that may arise from the changing climate and market conditions.

This active dialogues session will explore some of the most exciting solutions and new developments in terms of technologies, products, services, and finance. The engagement of multiple stakeholders is thereby crucial to create green and inclusive economies. Private and public sector experts will discuss significant options for collaboration to enable a low carbon and climate-resilient development as well as a high quality of life.

We hope you can join us for this discussion.
Coffee/tea and breakfast snacks will be provided.

For any questions, please contact andrea.bacher@iccwbo.org.