COP23: U.S. Business Showcase
2017 has been a remarkable year for business climate action. Following the Trump Administration’s June announcement of intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, an unprecedented number of businesses banded together with cities, states and universities to announce they would uphold the goals of the Agreement. They are doing so through innovation, investment and action on critical areas such as science-based targets and renewable energy.
This showcase is the first major international gathering of American business climate leaders since the June announcement. It will bring together companies from diverse sectors, and the NGOs that work to lead climate action across the U.S. economy, to share their latest advances and priorities for the road ahead. The showcase will comprise of sessions ranging from target setting to how states can work with business and how to finance the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Business Showcase is hosted by World Wildlife Fund – U.S. and Ceres, with support from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), and World Resources Institute (WRI). The U.S. Climate Action Center is sponsored by We Are Still In, the coalition of more than 2,300 mayors, governors, CEOs, and college presidents that are committed to supporting climate action to help meet the U.S. emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
The event will be livestreamed: https://livestream.com/nexusmedia/usclimatefiji
Agenda
12:00 PM |
ARRIVAL |
12:15 PM |
WELCOMERepresentatives from some of the Showcase’s convening organizations will provide remarks and premiere a short video entitled “New Hope.” Speaker: Sheila Bonini, Senior Vice President, Private Sector Engagement, World Wildlife Fund – U.S. |
12:30 PM |
THE AUDACITY OF “STILL IN”This conversation will highlight business leaders and We Are Still In signatories who can share the business case for climate action, why leading on climate remains a priority for industry, and how We Are Still In will facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy. Moderator: Amy Harder, Climate & Energy Reporter, Axios Speakers:
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1:00 PM |
THE POST-PARIS WAVE OF TARGETS & COMMITMENTSDuring this panel, companies will discuss the importance of science-based commitments to cut GHG emissions and how their companies develop goals. Moderator: Amy Harder, Climate & Energy Reporter, Axios Speakers:
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1:40 PM |
PREVIEW – CALIFORNIA’S GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION SUMMITThis talk from a state government perspective will share California’s plans for a global non-state actor summit in September of 2018 where businesses can participate by ensuring their targets are part of the proceedings. Speaker: Aimee Barnes, Senior Advisor, Governor’s Office, State of California |
2:15 PM |
COFFEE BREAK |
2:45 PM |
CAPITAL FOR DECARBONIZINGThis conversation with leading U.S. financial service companies will ask the question: “How do we finance the transition to a low carbon future?” Moderator: Anne Kelly, Senior Director, Policy and BICEP Network, Ceres Speakers:
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3:25 PM |
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHERThis session will feature major businesses with targets, energy commitments, and other strategies that reflect the scale of action and innovation taking place towards the achievement of decarbonizing the U.S. economy. Moderator: Tim Juliani, Director, Corporate Engagement & Sustainability, Edison Energy Speakers:
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4:10 PM |
CLIMATE NEXUS POLLING INSIGHTSIn this session, Climate Nexus will share business-focused and relevant results of their recent climate and clean energy polling. Speaker: Allison Fajans-Turner, Manager, Strategic Communications, Climate Nexus |
4:40 PM |
ENERGY TECH AND SYSTEMS SOLUTIONSThis panel will feature American businesses that are implementing solutions to reduce GHG emissions and increase resilience in the electricity grid, the built environment, transportations systems, and in homes and communities in the U.S. and abroad. By utilizing a wide array of clean energy technologies and innovative business models, we can power the ambition of governments to drive further climate action and achieve economic growth at the local and national levels. Moderator: Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy Speakers:
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5:30 PM |
FROM “STILL IN” TO A NATIONAL POLICY TRANSFORMATIONThis panel will focus on what the private sector can do to push for policy changes that lead to reducing GHG emissions, increasing resilience, and creating jobs that will grow the economy Moderator: Anne Kelly, Senior Director, Policy and BICEP Network, Ceres Speakers:
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6:00 PM |
CLOSING REMARKSWWF-US’s Lou Leonard will end the formal program with his thoughts on the road ahead. Speaker: Lou Leonard, Senior Vice President for Climate Change & Energy, World Wildlife Fund – U.S. |
6:15-7:00 PM |
NETWORKING RECEPTION |
Special thanks to the Coca-Cola Company and MARS, Inc. for sponsoring the Business Showcase’s coffee break and networking reception.
Projects
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The global standard for companies and organizations to measure and manage their GHG emissions and become more efficient, resilient, and prosperous.
Part of ClimateScience Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
Driving ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
Part of Business