Carbon Trust Annual Debate: Adapt or Die - does our sustainable future lie inside business?

The Carbon Trust's 2013 annual debate addressed the role of business in creating a sustainable, low carbon economy.

03 December 2013
Debate Panel

The Carbon Trust held its 2013 annual debate on Wednesday 27th November at 30 Euston Square, London.  Chaired by Stephanie McGovern of the BBC, the panel was composed of:

  • Emma Howard Boyd, Jupiter Asset Management
  • Jason Reakes, BMW Group UK
  • Peter White, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  • Tom Delay, The Carbon Trust

The debate addressed the role of business in creating a sustainable, low carbon economy, with the wide-ranging discussion encompassing major issues such as:

  • the role of investors and consumers in changing company behaviour
  • the evolution and revolution of product design
  • whether legislation is required for transformative change
  • using different language, including aspiration and resilience
  • the impacts of innovation and urbanisation
  • creating new methods for valuation, looking beyond short-term financial gain.

Around 200 attended the debate, from business, government, NGOs and academia.