ICC letter to G8 environment ministers meeting in Kobe, Japan (2008)
Publication date : 21/05/2008
Environmental concerns are at the forefront of international leaders’ agenda and solving them requires cooperative and shared visions and actions between governments and the private sector, not only within the G8, but also in countries throughout the world. In your deliberations leading up to the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, business stands ready to work collaboratively to define comprehensive and viable solutions.
On behalf of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world business organisation and a representative body that speaks on behalf of enterprises from all sectors in every part of the world, I would like to stress that there is no contradiction between economic growth, trade liberalization, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Economic growth and open trade provide the conditions in which protection of the environment can best be achieved. Businesses have taken and are taking action to address key environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and resource efficiency. Attached to this letter are three annexes on those specific issues which provide building blocks on how governments and business can cooperatively address these concerns.
ICC stands ready to work with policy-makers in G8 Countries and all over the world to effectively address environmental risks while promoting growth, access to energy and sustainable development. While the current environmental challenges are difficult, they are also an opportunity for business along with governments and civil society partners to address environmental risks now and for future generations.
For further information, please contact
Andrea BACHER
Policy Manager, Economic Policy
Tel:
+33 (0)1 49 53 28 48
andrea.bacher@iccwbo.org