14 June 2019: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has unveiled the groundbreaking “Chambers Climate Coalition”.

Launched in Rio de Janeiro by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO at the 11th World Chambers Congress, the Coalition showcases the pivotal and essential role that the global network of chambers can play in driving climate action.

Mr Denton said: “As a group, we are committed to climate action and commit to limit global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius and commit to the development of policy frameworks that enable business action on climate at scale.

The Coalition, available online, commits signatories to the following:

  • To advocate for climate action within our business networks and for well-conceived policies to limit the global average temperate rise to 1.5°C.
  • To support the goal of achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2050.
  • To mainstream climate mitigation and resilience guidance into chamber services.
  • To work with public and private entities to support effective climate solutions as part of a transformational change that works for people and planet.
  • To reduce the greenhouse footprint from chamber activities without delay.

The coalition recognises climate change as a growing emergency, threatening water supplies, destruction of infrastructure and an ability to thrive on our planet. It calls for global cooperation to ensure climate solutions are deployed at scale to enable leapfrogging to cleaner, more resilient economies. The Chamber Climate Coalition brings together ICC and its World Chambers Federation to mobilise business to make action on climate everyone’s business.

Hamad Buamim, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation said: “Through the Coalition we are supporting our members, particularly SMEs, to help them to continue to shape solutions and taking action to address economic and social challenges.”