Review

Over 130 senior sustainability leaders and influential thinkers attended Economist Conferences' Third Annual Sustainability Summit, held on February 25th 2010, at The Radisson BLU Portman Hotel, London. Attendees at the summit represented a broad spectrum of views on sustainability and climate change.

It was interesting to note, however, that in spite of various factors including the recession, the recent questioning of the consensus over man-made climate change and disappointment over the outcome of Copenhagen, companies are by and large continuing with their strategies to cut carbon emissions and operate in a more sustainable fashion throughout the value chain.

There was some very interesting and heated debate on the day. A keynote presentation by Tim Smit, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Eden Project, on Visions for a sustainable global economy, set the agenda for the day with a room full of enthusiastic and engaging sustainability experts and influential thinkers.  The summit also included a lively debate on mankind's role in biodiversity as Dr George McGavin from Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Mark Wright from WWF went head to head in arguing over the debate question Should we let the panda die?

Summit Footage and Photos

You can watch both Tim Smit's keynote presentation and the panda debate below, and view photos from the event by clicking here.  Delegates of the summit can also access available speaker presentations by clicking here.

Economist Intelligence Unit - Climate Change Research

The Summit builds on our 2009 integrated programme which included a special EIU report on climate change, Countdown to Copenhagen: Government, business and the battle against climate change, one of the first reports to outline the carbon reduction journey for firms needing to embark upon climate change pre-COP15.

A subsequent report After Copenhagen: Business and climate change, to be launched on March 29th 2010, will review the progress that business has made on this journey and will examine the impact of the global economic recession on carbon reduction issues.

Check out our website in a few months for details of our Fourth Annual Sustainability Summit 2011 and how you can register early to confirm your place.