Without doubt climate change, food shortages, and global recession are having a devastating impact on nations throughout the world. By driving forward the transformation towards a low carbon economy, governments, businesses and the public sector can play a crucial role in ushering in a new era with innovation, technology and sustainability. At the Business for the Environment Summit, that took place end of April in sunny Paris, France, senior executives from leading companies, leaders from government, international agencies, and NGOs discussed resource efficiency, green jobs, renewable energy, new business models and climate strategies.

Social and environmental responsibility have to be considered as two sides of the same coin: being environmentally responsible affects society in a positive way and contributes to social improvements, while social responsibility cannot be approached without considering the environment we are acting in.

The official output document as adopted by the delegates, the Green Manifesto, emphasizes the utmost urgent steps to be taken to put the global economy, markets and lifestyles, livelihoods and security, and, ultimately, our planet on a sustainable path. Calling for a new global climate regime and heading towards a low-carbon society, as well as a shift from the tyranny of “short-termism” to a longer-term orientation of value creation are amongst the issues emphasized in this paper. Furthermore the need for business to take its part - along with governments, the research community and other societal partners - in creating a more sustainable world and driving the way towards the sustainable, green and responsible enterprise was underlined.

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