London, 2014-3-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report makes clear that the effects of climate change are already occurring right across the world. We agree with the report’s authors that climate-change adaption is not an “exotic agenda” that has never been tried. While significant climate changes are forecast to start in the period 2020-2030, UK retailers are already reviewing the potential effects of climate change on their direct operations, and crucially, their supply chains; and are taking action now to ensure their security.
In January we launched an update of our ambitious and challenging environmental initiative A Better Retailing Climate which highlights how retailers are building business resilient to severe weather. From developing integrated flood risk management strategies to designing buildings that reduce their reliance on polluting cooling systems, the UK retail sector is innovative, forward thinking and a true global leader in climate adaptation.
Retailers also understand that climate mitigation is absolutely essential. That is why signatories to the initiative have pledged to reduce absolute carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2020, putting the industry on course to meet the 80 per cent overall target set by the UK Climate Change Bill.
But individual actions may have limited business benefits unless there are robust national plans in place. Retailers will continue to work closely with government, suppliers and their customers to make sure that they are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the UK is climate ready.
Helen Dickinson
Director General