Second Ukrainian Business Summit on Climate Change
Kyiv, Ukraine. The 2nd Business Summit on Climate Change was held in Kyiv: «Climate Change: Global Challenges and New Strategies for the Ukrainian Business» was organised by the United Nations in Ukraine, the Global Compact Network and a leading Ukrainian business publication - «Kommersant» - with support from the Ministry of Natural Environment Protection.
The meeting provided a forum for the exchange of experiences concerning environmental protection and climate change. Leading experts, executive officers and managers of Ukrainian and international companies, representatives from government and the non-governmental sector discussed the results of the Copenhagen climate summit meeting; the application of innovative, environment-friendly business models; state encouragement of environmentally responsible businesses; the necessity of private-public partnerships; renewable technologies and efficient resource utilisation.
“Climate change affects every aspect of society, from the health of the global economy to the health of our children.” said Oliver Adam, UN Resident Representative. “It is about the water in our wells and in our taps. It is about the food on the table. It is about energy security and international security. It is at the core of nearly all the major challenges we face today. That is why it is an issue for Heads of State. And that is why it is an issue for business.
He continued: “So far, only a small portion of the business and investment community has made climate change a strategic priority. What the fence sitters and the skeptics fail to understand is that climate change fundamentally changes the 21st century balance sheet. Any business that doesn't have a strategy in place to deal with climate change will end up on the losing side of history. Investing now in green solutions is cheaper – and ultimately more profitable – than spending more, later, in a catch-up race for global competitiveness. “
First Deputy Minister of Natural Environment Protection, Stepan Lyzun, also emphasized the pressing nature of the problem. “In Ukraine, climate change consequences are already being felt” he explained. “For instance, a newly established committee for the prevention of flooding cites data concerning abnormal phenomena in Ukraine – this year, significant levels of water bodies have developed, especially in the area around Kyiv. The ice coat thickness has reached 80 cm, or two times more than previous year averages. The Ministry of Natural Environment Protection deems it absolutely necessary to intensify work to counteract climate change. Last year, 320 million euros was raised for Ukraine to finance projects in environmental (green) investments, whilst Ukrainian entrepreneurs raised over 600 million hryvnias using the joint implementation facilities”.
The first plenary: “Climate Change: Global Threats, Ukraine’s Response” was led by Ukrainian and international experts such as Daniela Stoycheva (UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre); Hans Rhein (Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine); Jock Mendoza-Wilson (System Capital Management ); Viktor Skarshevsky (METINVEST Holding); Julien Perez (Ernst & Young ); Irina Stavchuk (National Ecological Centre of Ukraine); and Olga Gassan-zade (Point Carbon Advisory).
A global study by Ernst & Young cited rapid changes in the behaviours of companies and influences from key stakeholders – consumers, investors and employees. The study also notes changes in the mass media perception and comprehension of brands; increases in the costs of carbon emissions, of prices on energy and raw materials as well as of financial sanctions. 33 out of 48 ‘oil countries’ have already depleted a major share of their deposits. According to forecasts, oil prices may reach US$100 by the end of 2010, US$150 in 2012 and US$360 is 2035. At the same time, the report indicates the existence of new opportunities such as investment attraction (in 2008, US$172 billion were invested into environmentally clean technologies); governments’ financial incentives to companies through taxation systems; subsidies for corresponding scientific research; the development of new products and services; consumer loyalty to environmentally friendly companies, etc.
The second part of the summit consisted of two parallel sessions at which Ukrainian representatives and international businesses shared their experiences about developing ecological programs. Participants included: Sergiy Bloshchanevych, Head of the Board, Obolon; Sergiy Gorbatovsky, Director of the Ecology Department, Naftogaz Ukraine; Dmitry Muravsky, CEO, Avers Ukraine; Andriy Pavlyk, General Manager, Knauf Insulation Ukraine; Serhiy Porovskyy, Regional Manager, Carbon Capital Markets; Olena Bilanchuk, Quality Assurance Director, GreenCo; and Henning Dráger, Sustainability Project Manager, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) .
Reports included that from NaftoGaz, Ukraine – the National Joint-Stock Company believes additional investments into the upgrade of petrochemical complex facilities, with opportunities provided by the Kyoto Protocol, Clean Technology Fund and other international environmental initiatives, are some of the most important for the direction of its activities. Serhiy Gorbatovsky, Director of the Department for Environment, Energy Efficiency and Alternative Power Engineering at NaftoGaz, NJSC, said he had great expectations for changes to certain regulatory acts, which could improve the effectiveness of such work.
International companies active in Ukraine also expressed interest in environmental initiatives. Samsung Electronics last year announced the launch of its new environmental safety management through which USD 4.3 billion is being targeted for environmental initiatives.
The severity of the climate change problem and varying views about the issues motivated the summit organisers to hold an extra debate session. This debate developed into an objective, professional and somewhat emotional discussion on climate change, and was adeptly moderated by Andriy Kulykov, a well-known TV journalist. Questions raised included: climate change: is this an anthropological myth or a man-made problem? Is procrastination acceptable? Countermeasures against climate change: a cost or an investment? Answers were offered by Vasyl Shevchuk, Ministry of Ecology (1998-2000; 2002-2003), Deputy Director of the Legislation Institute of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; Volodymyr Voloshchuk, Senior Fellow, Ukrainian Scientific-Research Institute of Hydrometeorology of the Ministry of Emergency of Ukraine and of the National Academy of Ukraine; John O'Brien, Regional Technical Advisor, Energy and Environment Practice, UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre; and Tetyana Tymocko, Deputy Head, All-Ukrainian Ecological League.
These discussions and speeches testify to the seriousness with which market agents are approaching climate change and its consequences. Increasingly, companies are developing and implementing ‘green’ programmes and projects that will create a more sustainable environment in the future.
Photo report from Summit
Attached materials
- 2st Ukrainian Summit on Climate Change Agenda (2971 Kb)
- Speakers Presentations. Part 1 (637 Kb)
- Speakers Presentations. Part 2 (637 Kb)
- Speakers Presentations. Part 3 (637 Kb)