ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

Climate change presents an enormous threat to both our planet and all those that inhabit it. While the world's poorest countries and communities are most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, climate change will impact us all, threatening the stability of the global economy and sustainable development.

Despite the challenges presented by climate change, addressing it opens new opportunities to create a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous planet. We have the technology and knowledge to deliver meaningful climate action and limit the worst impacts of climate change. It is clear that the climate movement is building - we are seeing collective action at the grassroots level continue to grow, governments setting net-zero emissions targets, and now more than 1200 companies committing to set science-based emissions reduction targets. Now is the time to take even bolder, more decisive action to ensure the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and fair, securing a sustainable future for all.

The United Nations Global Compact Network UK's Climate Action Programme aims to support businesses on their journey to a low-carbon economy. Businesses are an integral part of society and they have an essential role to play in the fight against climate change. Businesses are responsible for significant amounts of global greenhouse gas emissions; however, they are also well equipped and well-placed to drive innovation on reducing emissions and build a better future. Businesses already taking climate action have shown there are numerous benefits to be recognised - these include reduced operating costs; increased resource efficiency; enhanced reputation; greater access to capital; and improved resilience.

This year, the team will continue to  encourage companies to set ambitious targets for their carbon emissions reductions through through the Science-Based Targets initiative’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. Companies setting science-based targets show their commitment to limiting average global warming to 1.5°C and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

We will be delivering a range of activities throughout the year covering topics such as:

  • Science-based targets 
  • The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 
  • Scope 3 emissions
  • Climate and human rights 
  • Nature-based solutions and natural capital
  • Sustainable finance 

We welcome suggestions if there is anything you would like to see us cover in our Climate Action Programme. Please email: alexandra.ranft@unglobalcompact.org.uk.

Hourglass in the dawn time
Young woman with poster in front of people protesting about climate changing on the street. Meeting about problem in ecology, environment, global warming, industrial influence, climate emergency.
Rusty ship in a dried ocean. Concept of global warming and climate change

Initiatives Led by United Nations Global Compact Headquarters

Learn more about the climate initiatives led by United Nations Global Compact Headquarters in New York below:

Uniting Business and Governments to Recover Better - Since its launch on 18 May 2020, 170+ Companies with a combined market capitalization of over US$ 2.4 trillion and representing over 5 million employees have signed a statement urging governments to align their COVID-19 economic aid and recovery efforts with the latest climate science. CEOs are invited to continue indicating their support by completing this online form.

Caring for Climate - Mobilizing a critical mass of business leaders to implement climate change solutions and help shape public policy, Caring for Climate is the world's largest initiative for business leadership on climate change with over 400 companies from 60 countries.

Business Ambition for 1.5°C - An urgent call to action, led by a global coalition of UN agencies, business, and industry leaders. The UN Global Compact is calling on companies to commit to ambitious emissions reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Business Ambition for Climate and Health Action Platform - Accelerate ambitious climate action and explore what the climate-health nexus means for business in order to become a catalyst for country-level action to deliver on the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Goals (SDGs).

Global Impact Initiative: Climate Ambition Accelerator - A six-month programme designed to equip companies with the knowledge and skills they need to accelerate progress towards setting science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the 1.5℃ pathway. 

In addition, the UN Global Compact has created a number of COVID-19 briefings detailing the impact of the pandemic on a range of sustainability issue areas including climate. Each briefing includes a variety of resources to help companies Build Back Better and Recover Stronger.