Alcoa's CEO Sees Economic Opportunities from Climate Change Plan

Sept. 24, 2007
Feels business has no option but to reduce emission

Alain Belda, Aloca's CEO, on Sept. 24 told the largest ever meeting of world leaders on climate change convened by the United Nations, that he is convinced a global plan of action on climate change can be built in ways that create more economic opportunities than risks.

He said that said global businesses want to see development by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change of a flexible, multilateral framework, which recognizes the diversity among major economies and establishes fair, effective and binding international commitments for all major emitting countries.

"The framework should provide flexibility for business to achieve efficient lowest cost reductions immediately and promote investment in development and application of necessary breakthrough technologies. It should include measures and incentives to reduce emissions from land use change and deforestation. Innovation and new technologies have been growth drivers in the global economy in the past," Belda said. "I believe there is no other option and failing to act presents an unacceptable level of risk. As an industry leader, we at Alcoa accept the responsibility to act and look to joining with all of you in what must be a shared global effort."

More than 70 heads of state or government were at the conference, "The Future in our Hands: Addressing the Leadership Challenge of Climate Change," at UN headquarters in New York. Other participants included the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra K. Pachauri, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California.

His remarks are available at http://www.alcoa.com/climatechange/speeches.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Lean Manufacturing in the Age of the Industrial Internet

Oct. 24, 2023
Read how advanced MES capabilities can help you improve your labor utilization, reduce WIP, and optimize your production. Download the white paper today.

Digitally Transforming Data and Processes With Product Lifecycle Management

Oct. 29, 2023
Manufacturers face increasing challenges in product development as they strive to consistently deliver improved results. Discover how industry leaders are improving time-to-market...

You Cannot Stay Competitive by Bolting New Technologies to a Legacy ERP

Oct. 20, 2023
Read this white paper to understand the benefits of shifting to a next-generation ERP system as part of a DOP.

7 Crucial Steps to Improve Your OT Security

Oct. 23, 2023
Enhance OT security in manufacturing and production. Uncover the crucial steps to safeguard your operational technology. Protect against evolving threats and bridge the IT-OT ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!