On Monday, October 18, 2021 nearly 100 guests from both the public and private sectors across various industry groups gathered for the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia’s (BABCPHL) second of a series of three 30th anniversary programs. We were honored to partner with the renowned World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (WAC) to present Code Red for Humanity – The Race to Net Zero, A Multilateral Global Approach. This joint global climate change webinar was planned just a few weeks before world leaders unite for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.
The BABCPHL and WAC webinar highlighted the two influential nations’ multilateral global approach race to net zero. The distinguished panel of speakers from the US and UK included leading government officials and private sector executives. Presenters highlighted the collaborative effort and a few of the many programs and services involved in the race to net zero in Philadelphia, throughout the US, the UK, and the world.
Christine Knapp, Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability moderated the discussion. The first half of the meeting featured Kate Robinson, Head of Energy and Environment, British Embassy, Washington DC, and Elliot Diringer, Advisor on Climate, Office of the Special Climate Envoy to the President of the United States. Kate presented the UK’s priorities for COP26, and discussed how the UK and US are working together to lead the race to net zero. Elliot covered the US government priorities and initiatives, and catalysts for concrete action. Both government representatives emphatically stated the need to act is now, and the bilateral goal is to raise the level of ambition for concrete action, in lead-up to, during and after COP26.
Jonathan Tench, Networks and Partnerships Change Maker, Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales opened the second half of the webinar with a presentation about how Wales is taking specific action to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants with initiatives such as the “Well-being of Future Generations Act” in tandem with collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Ron Becker, SVP, Operations and Sustainability, Brandywine Realty Trust addressed environment social governance strategies, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve; health and wellness certifications, and the drive throughout the real estate development industry on leveraging health and wellness initiatives as part of the “return to office” plan. Mark Hillhouse, SVP, Head of Sustainable Finance, US Commercial Banking, HSBC Bank USA talked about the role of banks in helping reduce global emissions, and working with green companies to develop and commercialize technologies and maintain a reliable supply chain. Michael Hughes, Manager, Sustainability & Responsible Business, Accenture presented some of the findings from an extensive research effort with the United Nations ahead of COP26 on CEO perspectives on climate action and sustainability. Michael reported that part of tackling the climate crisis is finding ways in which technology can be used to accelerate efforts at mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Global environmental health and safety is influenced and dictated by myriad factors. One hour was not nearly enough to cover the multifaceted dimensions of this vital and complicated topic. The BABCPHL is honored and grateful to the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia for partnering with us on this timely and important program, and to the distinguished panel of speakers for sharing their knowledge. Many thanks to BABCPHL Crown Sponsor, the Welsh Government, and Premier Sponsor, Duane Morris LLP for supporting our 30th anniversary program series. Click here for the program guide where you will find speaker biographies; click here to view photos from the event; and click here or see below for the on demand playback.
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