The mobilization of businesses, governments, and individuals in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has been heartening and inspiring. Within just days of President Trump’s announcement, businesses contributing $6.2 trillion to the US economy, and states accounting for more than one-third of national GDP, have joined together to declare their intent to continue the path towards a low-carbon economy. But we aren’t just forging ahead because it’s good for the planet, we also understand that it’s good for business.
As business leaders, we must recognize that climate action is a path to job creation, economic growth, improved public health, and advanced innovation. The decision to stand by the Paris Agreement is simple—and one that need not be wed to political influence. Reinforcing our commitments to meaningful action on climate change, human rights, workforce training and transition in the face of automation is a matter of business competitiveness. We must harness the digital revolution and recognize the opportunity and imperative to transition to low-carbon business models in order to compete and succeed in the 21st century.
As a global company with customers that span the world, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is committed to staying the course to reduce the climate impact of not only our own operations but our entire value chain. In the midst of the Paris decision, we proudly launched the industry’s first science-based emissions reduction program for our supply chain, aligning with the goals of the climate accord. We will continue to work towards 100% renewable energy and to enhance the efficiency of our product portfolio. We recognize that innovating sustainable technologies can transform the way people live and how entire industries operate, and we are committed to using the unique potential of the technology industry to drive sustainability at scale.
“In the face of a reality where government regulations have been, and will continue to be rolled back, businesses have emerged as stewards of sustainability.”
The Paris Agreement was a vital step forward, but its power is in our collective action. In the face of a reality where government regulations have been, and will continue to be rolled back, businesses have emerged as stewards of sustainability. We cannot let up on this momentum. We must, and will, continue to pursue the transition to a sustainable future.
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Sustainable Brands Staff
Published Jul 10, 2017 1pm EDT / 10am PDT / 6pm BST / 7pm CEST