KPMG International has released a roadmap report to help businesses
understand the central themes and potential impacts of the United Nations'
Rio+20 Earth Summit taking place in Brazil June 18-22, 2012.
The report, Sustainable
Insight: Road to Rio, provides a perspective on the likely
outcomes of the Summit, as well as practical information for businesses planning
to attend. It acknowledges that while binding agreements may be off the table,
the Summit can help reinforce a growing trend toward sustainable development,
and help build momentum and opportunities in a green economy. The report also
includes a set of business recommendations on sustainable growth, forged during
a KPMG International-sponsored summit on the topic in February.
John Hickox, a partner in the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP and
the Americas leader for Climate Change & Sustainability, pointed out that
the collective voice of business leaders remains a critical component in the
discussion around sustainability issues.
"The role of business is crucial if long-term economic growth is to be
safeguarded," said Hickox.
Hickox points out that the new report from KPMG builds on the recent study,
Expect
the Unexpected: Building Business Value in a Changing World,
which identified 10 "megaforces" such as climate change, energy and fuel
volatility, and water scarcity that will significantly affect corporate growth
globally over the next two decades.
"A successful outcome of Rio+20 for business would be to learn of the
direction governments will take to implement sustainability policies. Business
leaders will capitalize on the opportunities of a changing marketplace, if they
understand the regulatory landscape," said Hickox. "Indeed, many already are
making the most of sustainable business practices."
Business leaders need to develop a solid understanding of their business
profile in relation to the full system of sustainability megaforces so they can
understand where to act in minimizing their risks and maximizing their
opportunities.
Yvo de Boer, KPMG International's Special Global Adviser on Climate Change
and Sustainability, says strong headwinds exist for Rio+20 in delivering
concrete and binding outcomes.
"My sense is that Rio+20 will mark the start of a broader global approach to
sustainability, expanding the historical focus on climate change and carbon. I
expect it will quietly initiate action on a range of sustainability issues that
will have significant implications for business."
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1eqyZ)