skip to content

Corporate Leaders Groups

Business leadership for a climate neutral economy
Acting-together-climate-neutral-europe.jpg

This knowledge hub includes thought leadership from European business leaders to help the next generation of EU decision-makers take action to deliver a prosperous, innovative, climate neutral economy.

Background


The decisions taken by the European Parliament and Commission during their five year institutional cycle are critical to put the EU on a trajectory to climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and supporting global efforts to hold temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A robust and ambitious policy framework is critical to delivering the unprecedented economic transformation required for the EU to become the world’s first ‘climate neutral’ continent by 2050. 

Businesses recognise the opportunity the transition to a net zero emission economy will bring: new markets and business opportunities, high-skilled jobs in dynamic new industries, cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, and a more sustainable natural environment. 

This knowledge hub captures the work of the Corporate Leaders Groups and other leading businesses in demonstrating why this agenda is crucial and achievable. Our thought leadership and analysis looks at the EU’s 2050 long term strategy, its 2030 Climate Target Plan, and examines how to turn commitments into action and deliver the 2030 net emissions reductions target of at least 55% through the “Fit for 55” package, a once in a generation opportunity to map out how the EU will contribute to addressing the climate challenge, in the context of the global paradigm shift towards climate neutrality. 

 

Achieving zero 


Fit for 55 package knowledge hub

Thought leadership from CLG Europe on
the “Fit for 55” package of EU emissions reduction legislation aimed at
achieving net 55% greenhouse gas
emissions reduction by 2030.

CEO 2030 letter

Over 200 business leaders and investors
call on EU policymakers to ramp up
ambition on the EU’s 2030 climate targets
to be in line with the Paris Agreement and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Achieving Zero emissions

Ahead of COP26, we caught up with CLG UK and CLG Europe members to explore the leading role that business can play in achieving zero emissions, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead after the landmark climate summit.

 

Aiming for zero


NewAgendaEurope.jpgWe stand ready to work with the new European institutions and have laid out our key priorities on ambition, energy, industry, land and investment.

Business leadership for a net zero economy 

Net zero.pngHear from business leaders why they are aiming for a net zero future by 2050.

Centre for Policy and Industrial Transformation

We are helping to develop high impact systemic solutions to drive policy and industrial change towards a sustainable economy.

CEOs call on EU to aim for zero

Our business leaders have called on the EU Heads of State to signal a new economic direction towards net zero by 2050.

Step Up Now 

Inspiring actions for a prosperous Europe from 51 cities, regions, businesses and investors stepping up for the climate.

Green Growth Partnership

We work with ministers from EU governments and the EU Parliament to discuss and debate how to transition to a zero carbon economy.

 

  

 

Why are CLG companies aiming for zero?


"Businesses have a responsibility to take action that will help address climate change, and many of us are already doing so. But we need to accelerate progress. A European strategy to deliver Net Zero Emissions by 2050 is essential to signal the direction and speed of travel that is necessary to achieve the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement." 

Alan Jope, CEO, Unilever

"A net zero vision by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement is the most viable way to collectively combat global warming. Ambitious long-term targets encourage investments and innovations that future proof our assets and attract customers." 

Karl Henrik Sundstöm, CEO, Stora Enso

Who we are

CISL’s Corporate Leaders Groups bring together business leaders committed to supporting the transformation to competitive, sustainable, inclusive economies that will deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through exchange of evidence-based ideas and influential discussions with policymakers and peers, the Corporate Leaders Groups advocate for robust business and policy solutions to the environmental and sustainability challenges facing our planet.

The Corporate Leaders Groups’ members are progressive industry leaders, coming from a range of sectors including energy, transport, retail and consumer goods, communication, finance, infrastructure and the built environment. Together we have headquarters across the UK and EU member states but with influence and presence in every region of the world.

The Corporate Leaders Groups are convened by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), a globally influential Institute developing leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy.

CLG Europe works closely with policymakers and our business peers to achieve this globally and in the EU. We are a founding partner of the We Mean Business coalition, which works with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. Here is a summary of business action across the EU