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Climate change is being tackled all over the world, and business can play a key role in tackling its effects. Scientists are giving answers, and companies need to be the ones demanding that these changes actually happen, we heard at the Combo AmCham Business Breakfast. What is also important is the commitment of each individual to do the best he or she can.

The AmCham Business Breakfast, dubbed Responsibility for the Planet, was the introductory panel of the Slovenia Business Bridge investment and development conference. It discussed climate change and environmental protection with an emphasis on responsibility of the economy. Robert Swan, the founder of the 2041 Foundation and the first person to walk to both North Pole and South Pole, pointed to Antarctica as a symbol of the effect of climate change. It is the only place in the world that is owned by all of us and no one at the same time, a place intended for scientific research, he said, pointing to the need to preserve the continent.

Swan, who has been organising trips to Antarctica for youth from around the world for 20 years, is convinced that this generation, which would be voting in elections and taking important decisions, needs to be inspired for this. In addition to motivating young people, promotion of renewable sources is also necessary, Swan said, adding that this was business and that businesses would help preserve Antarctica. He finds it important that as many scientists as possible are sent to Antarctica so that they could provide information on what measures need to be taken. “People are good at surviving, and we know how to take measures when we need to survive.”

NLB bank chairman Blaž Brodnjak pointed to responsibilities of individuals. “It starts with us and our everyday life. Do we switch off the light when we leave the room, do we drive more than 120 km/h on motorway … it starts with one taking a look in the mirror.” Slovenians do not need to talk about Antarctica if they do not take action at home. “Slovenians do not go to Antarctica, but they can affect what is going on at home.”

Antonio Sirjan, a senior programme manager at A1 Telekom Austria Group, meanwhile wondered what growth in the economy means. “Everything is about numbers, but it is clear that this is unsustainable from the environmental aspect.” Nina Gunde-Cimerman of the Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty underlined the importance of cooperation between science and economy. “Scientists need to learn how to better communicate with people in business, where the money is.”

More on our Slovenian site.

Source: STA