Fewer than 50% of CEOs Say Paris Deal Would Make Them Act on Climate Change

Fewer than half (46%) of the chief executives of the world’s largest companies say a binding agreement on climate change at the UN’s climate summit in Paris will push them to prioritize the issue, according to new research by PwC.

The firm polled 142 international business leaders on the business risks of climate change.  Only a minority (albeit a “growing” one) of chief executives are engaged with the UN process, with most lacking any real understanding of the detail or implications, says Jon Williams, partner for sustainability and climate change at PwC.

Many are also “jaundiced” by the seemingly interminable process of agreeing a global climate deal.  The Paris meeting from 30 November to 11 December sees negotiators entering their third decade of discussions.

“CEOs are much more motivated by national governments putting in climate legislation, whether it comes from Paris or somewhere else.  If and when it comes, that’s what they will respond to,” Williams says.

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