WBCSD Welcomes Decision to Award Nobel Peace prize to IPCC and Al Gore for Efforts to Combat Climate Change
Geneva, Switzerland October 12, 2007

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) warmly welcomes the decision by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and former US Vice-President Albert Arnold (Al) Gore, Jr. "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."

"The WBCSD extends particular congratulations to IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri and his colleagues with whom we have been collaborating over a number of years," said Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. "This award recognizes their hard work and efforts."

Commenting further, Stigson said, "This is a very encouraging award. It recognizes that tackling climate change is not solely about reducing CO2 emissions, but will have wider societal impacts. Climate change will require technology development and deployment as well as changed lifestyles and consumption patterns, which many find politically challenging. By rewarding the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former Vice-President Al Gore for their efforts to promote awareness of climate change and its impacts, the Nobel Committee has clearly acknowledged this."

The announcement of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize comes just as the WBCSD is concluding its Annual Council Meeting in Brussels. Energy and climate were very much at the forefront during this gathering, which brought together more than 400 representatives from the organization's global membership. Members reiterated the importance of stepping up action to combat climate change. This cannot be achieved with marginal changes of today's society. This will mean a new energy infrastructure and a different future society. Business has a key role to play in such efforts.

Climate change requires global solutions and leadership by both business and government. Business is calling on governments to agree on a long-term goal.

"Business is already taking action and is ready to engage now in partnership with governments, business and civil society," said Bjorn Stigson. "Government needs to provide clarity on the framework for business investments and operations."

Source: WBCSD