Copenhagen, Friday 11 December
As a British citizen living in London, I thought it smart to start my COP15 tour by attending an event related to my own country. Hosted by UK Trade & Investment, a panel of experts explored how the UK’s unique political, structural and economic conditions are perfect for fostering a low carbon future in business and industry. Leading a low carbon transition means business opportunities across all sectors as introduced by panelists who represented a cross section of business industries.
Michael Ward (UK Trade Investment) stated that businesses are at the heart of delivering solutions for climate change as there are facilities and resources to collaborate on an international level. However there was clear consensus amongst the panelist that London is one of the best places to start a low carbon – climate friendly business. From his own experience, James Cameron (Vice Chairman of Climate Change Capital) was able to set up his climate change business less than ten years ago as there was continuous flow of capital in London. The UK is a hub of low carbon innovation. Catherine Bremmer (Head of International Development at the Carbon Trust) highlighted key factors of the UK economy that allow companies to be “born global”. London has a developed financial district which has links to major global cities. Low carbon industries are supported by broad government agenda, building synergies cross-sector. The UK has a stable political system that has consensus in climate investment projects as supported by the Boris Johnson’s Mayor of London Green Development Plan. Furthermore the UK has natural resources such as offshore wind potential to make low carbon society which the private sector is leveraging to its advantage. Successful business opportunity includes strong research and development capability, partnership with business and academia and creativity which exists within the UK.
Paul Dickinson (CEO at the Carbon Disclosure Project), “When I look at climate change, all I see are investment opportunities” leading him to discuss the telepresence project supported by his business. Telepresence, like modern day Skype, is replacing face-to-face global meetings to video conferences thus cutting carbon emitted by air travel. This is not a new idea however businesses are taking advantage of old ideas and using these as alternate low carbon methods of modern communication. Peter Head OBE (Director and Chairman of Global Planning for Arup) stated that integrated approaches are important in creating successful low carbon ventures. Research should be used “intelligently” by combining new and existing information and fed to world communities.
Martin Powell (Director of Projects at the London Development Agency) discussed the London 2012 Olympic project and how they are re-developing London into a low carbon society. While I did not agree with some of his statements (as I live in the area where the Olympic stadium is being built) it was interesting to see his vision of ‘green’ London in the near future. With the current developments in progress, Martin believes that London should reach a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2026. He also said that the way we spend our money is the most important democracy in the world, and this, as many activists may agree, could be the solution in reducing consumer carbon in the West.
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