Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, joins the global community under the UNFCCC Framework Convention on Climate Change. Jointly announced commitment for “Race to Zero” or “Action for Zero Carbon Competition”, to lead the organization into the era of “Carbon Free Economy” at the United Nations Climate Week NYC and drive the Group to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030.
The UNFCCC website or the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change released its publication “Commitments to Net Zero Double in Less Than a Year” during the Climate Week NYC from 21-27 September, that was organized by the United Nations, to campaign for all sectors to accelerate their actions to resolve global warming problems. The UNFCCC publication stated that local governments and businesses from around the world are increasingly committed to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions to zero and currently 22 regions, 452 cities, 1,101 businesses, 549 universities and 45 of the biggest investors have committed to the cause. New institutions who have joined the ‘Race to Zero’ commitment include Australia’s largest state New South Wales, one of the world’s largest logistics company Brambles, the world’s largest social media company Facebook, the world’s largest automaker Ford, one of the world’s largest building materials company LafargeHolcim, and one of the world's largest agri-food producers Charoen Pokphand Group. Furthermore, UNFCCC stated that these companies have joined the Race to Zero via the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, by setting science-based targets in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.br>UNFCCC’s website shared Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont’s, Chief Executive Officer of C.P. Group, view that: “As a leading Asian conglomerate with our core business in agri-food, C.P. Group has a role to play to reduce the agriculture sector’s carbon footprint and encourage consumers to adopt more sustainable food choices. With our commitment for net zero emissions within our operations by 2030, we aim to meet this opportunity by leveraging innovation and working closely with all our partners and stakeholders across our diverse set of businesses in the group around the world.”
Furthermore, the CEO of C.P. Group also conducted an online interview with Nigel Topping, the High-Level Climate Champion for Climate Action COP 26, on the challenge of utilizing the power of C.P. Group to drive the agricultural sector to alleviate global warming problems and achieve net zero carbon emissions. Mr. Suphachai said that we need to help the agricultural sector transition to net zero carbon. We need to adopt efficient farming practices and energy-saving methods. Reducing food waste will require support from consumers and partners across the supply chain. While raising awareness through education, leadership inside and outside our own organization, and partnership will help make this a reality.
The CEO of C.P. Group added that the opportunity for businesses to adapt to becoming an organization that operates with net zero carbon emissions comes from technology. New technological enhancements will enable systems to operate more efficiently. For example, digitization will ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. The application of technology can empower farmers, who are our close partners of C.P. Group. Therefore, neutral carbon footprint should be one of the key KPIs applied to all listed companies in all Stock Exchanges, to lead the change at scale.
“I have been motivated by the fact that the global threat of climate change is real, recognizing that the bio-sphere we live in is extremely fragile. Here in Thailand and throughout this region, we have seen firsthand its impacts on agriculture, tourism as well as human health. C.P. Group is approaching our 100-year anniversary next year and innovation has been an important part of our business from the start. We have digitized our operations to unlock both sustainable practices and business value. Our supply chain management is more transparent and integrated. I truly believe that C.P. Group has the scale, skills and most importantly, ‘the mindset to lead and succeed.”
Other global CEOs, who jointly announced their commitment included Mr. Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, he stated that we have seen clear data and links between climate, health, and inequality. These issues have driven the organization to set ambitious goals, and the company has set a challenging target to become a Carbon Negative and Water Positive organization by the year 2030. This means reducing more carbon than the organization releases and return more clean water to nature than is used, via investments into technology and solar energy as well as collaborative projects to replenish water in forests and wetlands. The private, public and NGO sectors need to work together in greater collaboration to overcome challenges and for a clean energy as well as a fair economy future. The world can tackle the issue of greenhouse gas emissions only when governments of all countries work closely together, considering the impact on all parties.
In addition, Mr. Jan Jenisch, Chief Executive of LafargeHolcim, said that as countries pursue economic recovery after the coronavirus, investing in building infrastructure is a good choice, especially in the construction of public utility projects. However, environmentally friendly construction needs to be considered, by prioritizing low carbon and circular solutions through the use of innovative waste materials that can be used in construction.
Moreover, Mr. Jean-Paul Agon, CEO of L’Oréal, said that as the world's number one beauty company, L'Oréal is responsible for acting as an example of sustainability. To maintain the beauty of the world, L’Oréal set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2013 to 2020 by 80% and will continue to improve production processes, product development, research, and distribution. This ensures that more than 7 billion of the company's products sold worldwide each year will make a positive impact on society and the environment.