Research Insight: Businesses—Especially in North America — Need More Effective and Consistent Actions to Reduce Emissions

This study analysed three indicators of business responses to climate change: reports by external organizations, commitments regarding carbon trading and joint political action. Firm responses have been marked by inconsistency, ambiguity and limited scope.

Some companies, while supporting carbon reduction practices, are members of an association that promotes coal power and opposes emissions caps. Given the scale of actions needed to combat climate change, business will need to play a much stronger role in the global system of greenhouse gases governance.