Climate Action 2012-2013

COP18 AND BEYOND
THE FIVE COMMITMENTS OF
THE CARING FOR CLIMATE
STATEMENT
All signatories of the C4C initiative must
endorse the Caring for Climate Statement,
which includes five commitments to action:
1. Reduce emissions, set targets and report
annual performance;
2. Devise a business strategy to approach
climate risks and opportunities;
3. Engage with policy-makers to
encourage scaled-up climate action;
4. Work collaboratively with other
enterprises to tackle climate change;
5. Become a climate-friendly business
champion with stakeholders.
number of C4C signatories come from emerging
economies, and participation by small and
medium-sized enterprises comprises 27 per cent
of total membership. Companies make five core
commitments in support of the global Green
Economy – ranging from reducing emissions
and articulating climate strategies to working
collaboratively with other enterprises (see box).
MAKING PROGRESS
According to the Caring for Climate progress
report released in 2012, more than two-thirds
of the initiative’s signatory base reduced their
emissions intensity based on revenue. Twenty-five
top performers were also identified for meeting
all five commitment areas, thereby reducing more
than 16 million tonnes of CO 2
equivalents over
the 2009 and 2010 reporting period. However,
the Caring for Climate members who increased
their revenues by 5.2 per cent between 2009 and
2010 also reported that their carbon footprint
grew by 3.8 per cent over the same period.
“Well-designed business
responses to climate change
can help build strong and
healthy communities.”
While many Caring for Climate signatories have
shown significant progress, for others the journey
is just beginning. C4C signatories represent some
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