World Economic Forum: Why is Now the Time to Focus on Climate Change?

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Jacobs launched its Climate Action Plan. Committing to 100% renewable energy and Net Zero Carbon in 2020 and a long-term goal to be carbon negative by 2030, this plan details how the company will continue to make a positive environmental, societal and economic difference for businesses, governments and communities around the world.

World Economic Forum Executive Director of the Mission Possible Platform Anthony Hobley shares with us why leadership on climate change is more eminent than ever before and how Jacobs is leading the way.

Climate change poses an urgent threat demanding decisive action. Communities around the world are already experiencing increased climate impacts, from droughts to floods to rising seas. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report continues to rank these environmental threats at the top of the list. The current COVID-19 crisis shows that our society and the economies that underpin it are more vulnerable to systemic shocks than we would have anticipated. Therefore, it is important to both mitigate for such systemic risks whilst also making our society more resilient.

To limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, and as close as possible to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, it is essential that businesses, policy-makers and civil society advance comprehensive near- and long-term climate actions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The opportunity and the need for companies and investors to show leadership on climate change is more eminent than ever before. This year we asked all companies that participated in the Annual Meeting 2020 in Davos to commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier to mark this meeting as a perfect opportunity to demonstrate leadership on climate change.

The World Economic Forum's Climate Initiative supports the scaling and acceleration of global climate action through public and private-sector collaboration. Including the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, a global network of business leaders from various industries developing cost-effective solutions to transitioning to a low-carbon, and therefore a more resilient economy.

We are delighted to have Jacobs Chair and CEO, Steve Demetriou join the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, and we look forward to seeing the impact this group can have to accelerate the transition and realize the economic benefits of delivering a safer climate and resilient society. With the publication of Jacobs Climate Action Plan, it is clear that Jacobs is seeking to demonstrate leadership in climate action and decouple its business growth from a rise in carbon emissions to ensure a strong and resilient future for its people, clients, investors and communities.

Written by Anthony Hobley, Executive Director of the Mission Possible Platform

Contact:

For more information on Jacobs' Climate Action Plan, contact VP Global Sustainability Zoe Haseman.

For more information on Jacobs' engagement with the World Economic Forum, contact VP International Relations Deborah Geideman.