Copenhagen Climate Conference
In the run up to the climate change conference at Copenhagen many of you helped us to show public support for a strong global deal by adding your messages to the Plan A patchwork quilt.
In particular we were hoping for a strong legally binding deal, support for finance to developing countries and action to prevent deforestation. Since then, we've presented a quilt to Government and it has also featured in Trafalgar Square.
It would have been great to get a strong political deal in Copenhagen. That didn't happen, and like many other businesses and individuals, we're very disappointed. This was in spite of the UK Government delegation doing everything they could to move negotiations along.
There were some positive outcomes from the discussions:
- All countries have agreed on the need to keep temperature rises below 2°C
- Good progress has been made on preventing deforestation (as campaigned for by Prince's Rainforest Project)
- Agreement has been reached to provide $100bn to developing countries by 2020
- Specific commitments to cut emissions from China and US in the run up to the conference
What happens next:
Talks will continue to secure a legally binding deal in Bonn in June and Mexico next year. We need politicians to deliver a global deal and get back to the negotiating table urgently.
But we do believe businesses like M&S must continue to provide strong leadership through uncertain times. That is why we remain committed to tackling climate change by cutting our own emissions and addressing our supply chain and consumer carbon footprint.
It is one of the five key issues we recognised when we launched Plan A in 2007. We know you expect us to do the right thing and manage these big issues.
We cannot act alone - we would welcome any ideas or suggestions you have on how we can play a leadership role in the climate change debate. Please contact us at PlanA@marksandspencer.com
Thank you for your continued support of Plan A. You can still browse the entire Plan A patchwork above.
Plan A links:
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