Introduction
Today, the Alliance is a global network of CEOs who continue to set the bar higher and catalyze action across all sectors and engage policy makers to help deliver the transition to a net-zero economy.
About the Alliance
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2015, 51 CEOs provided a strong business voice when, ahead of meetings between governments to negotiate the Paris Agreement in 2015, they publicly called upon governments to "take bold action at the Paris climate conference (COP 21) in December 2015 to secure a more prosperous world for all of us. We are already taking action, and we stand ready to work together with the international community to help deliver practical climate solutions."
27 CEOs urged G20 nations to formally accept and act on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure, chaired by Michael Bloomberg. Alliance members argued that companies should disclose the material financial risks they face from climate change in an open message to the G20:
"Timely implementation of the recommendations is an important step towards delivering the commitments of the Paris Agreement and keeping global warming to well below 2°C. Enhanced disclosure will also enable better assessment of financial stability implications and help support an orderly transition to a low-carbon economy."
CEOs released an open letter ahead of the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the World Economic Forum (the Forum) on behalf of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. By 2018, the Alliance has collectively reduced emissions by 9% and is committed to reducing these further.
Two Degrees of Transformation
Business has a vital role to play in curbing its effects on climate change by limiting carbon emissions, but success isn’t just about action from individual companies. Business, sectors, states and regions need to create enough change to halt the crisis. CEOs released a report in collaboration with the Forum – Two Degrees of Transformation that highlights the climate action and innovation that is already happening. It brings together examples from companies around the world that are finding smart ways of working, new thinking and innovation. It highlights examples that others can follow, and that will make transformation happen faster than ever before.
2020
Since then, the Alliance has grown to about 85 Chief executive officers who see the business benefits of bold and proactive action to ensure a smooth transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
Climate commitments
Joining the Alliance requires CEO alignment with the Vision and Mission of the Alliance.
All members of the Alliance:
- Publicly disclose their emissions data, ideally via CDP.
- Set a net-zero target for no later than 2050 (publicly) - this includes committing to 1.5-2.0° C-compliant reduction path for all scopes (1, 2, 3), including a 2030 emission reduction target in line with that pathway.
- Publicly report on progress against emissions reductions targets.
In addition, the Alliance implements the Task Force recommendations on climate-related financial disclosures and follows guidance for effective Climate Governance on Corporate Boards.
Companies in the Alliance also take action through a range of projects and commitments that they either lead or contribute to, including:
- The Mission Possible Platform
- The Natural Climate Solutions Alliance
- Climate Governance Initiative
- Business Ambition for 1.5°C
- We Mean Business Commitments
- High-Level Commission on Carbon Pricing and Competitiveness
- UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance
During the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in January 2020, the World Economic Forum asked participants to commit to a net-zero by 2050 or sooner target. This is a 3-year voluntary initiative, with it being a prerequisite only to joining the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. The Alliance is a best consulation and leadership group driving the net-zero challenge.
COVID-19
In light of COVID-19 the Alliance held a special virtual meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2020 where the ner governance structure was announced, with two new Co-Chairs, CEOs of Ingka Group and Swiss Re, alongside the Founder and Co-Chair, Feike Sybesma. The Alliance also announced Rich Lesser, CEO, BCG, as Chief Advisor to the Alliance on the Net-Zero Challenge.
By working together, the Alliance can accelerate this transition and realize the future that humanity wants and needs.
Three major focus areas for 2021
- Membership growth
- Policy advocacy for COP26
- Climate action groups