Latest news with #ClimateChangeandBusinessConference
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
17th Climate Change & Business Conference: Where Ambition Meets Action
Aotearoa New Zealand's premier Climate Change and Business Conference returns in 2025, bringing together global and local leaders to accelerate climate action and business innovation. The conference is taking place on 8-9 September at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This year's theme Ambition. Accountability. Action. promises to inspire and challenge business to take meaningful steps toward addressing the impacts of climate change. Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Council (SBC), Mike Burrell, says this year's conference theme is timely and critical, given the increasingly complex geopolitical environment businesses are navigating. "Forward thinking businesses recognise the focus on climate action must remain. The science has never been more urgent or clear - we must continue to pursue better business for a better world, and this year's conference reflects the need for that ambition to now meet action." The two day-event will offer a unique opportunity to learn from global and domestic leaders and changemakers across business, government, iwi, media and civil society, who are turning climate strategies into solutions and real-world impact. The 2025 international speaking line-up includes: - Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP: Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management. - Prof. Elizabeth Robinson: Acting Dean of the London School of Economics' Global School of Sustainability. - Lord Adair Turner: Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission (a global coalition of companies, NGOs and experts working to achieve a net zero economy by 2040). Environmental Defence Society (EDS) Chief Executive Gary Taylor says, "The conference brings together visionaries and leaders in the climate space at a time when serious engagement is needed more urgently than ever, given the profound changes taking place globally." "This event is about having challenging conversations, tackling the gnarliest of climate issues facing our country, and driving real and meaningful change." Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in more than 30 different plenary, workshops and breakout sessions, all designed to equip business leaders with the tools and insights needed to lead out on climate. Genesis CEO and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) Steering Group Convenor Malcolm Johns says, "As business leaders we are facing a variety of pressures and shifting geopolitical dynamics, but it is imperative that we stay the course, remain focused and maintain our momentum on climate action." "This conference underscores the continuing role business has to play in this journey, and provides a critical platform for leaders to connect, innovate and lead the charge toward securing a resilient net-zero economy." Delivered in partnership between the Environmental Defence Society (EDS), the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC), the Climate Change and Business Conference is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading and longest running climate and business event. More than 650 people attended the 2024 event in person and online. The 2025 event is supported by Foundation Sponsors Westpac NZ and Beca.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Undermines Regional Powers To Protect Coastal Biodiversity
The Environmental Defence Society opposes the Government's decision to press ahead with amendments to the Resource Management Act that severely curtail the ability of regional councils to manage the impacts of fishing on coastal marine biodiversity. 'This is a direct attack on the ability of local communities to safeguard their coastal environments,' said EDS Chief Operating Officer Shay Schlaepfer. 'It gives the fishing industry a long runway to continue destructive practices in areas that should be protected. It is a win for commercial fishing interests and a loss for indigenous biodiversity. 'The changes effectively mean that regional councils will have to jump through onerous procedural hoops, secure the concurrence of the Ministry for Primary Industries, and wait until the full plan process has concluded before any controls on fishing that seek to maintain indigenous biodiversity can take effect. 'EDS submitted strongly against these changes, arguing they would substantially weaken councils' ability to manage the effects of fishing, including habitat destruction and ecosystem degradation, and consequently constrain their ability to fulfil statutory functions to maintain indigenous marine biodiversity. 'There is already well-established law on the ability of regional councils to impose controls on fishing. The sensible thing would have been to codify this law to provide clarity and certainty. Instead, the Government has chosen to upend that careful legal balance by introducing unnecessary barriers that will make it much harder for councils to act. 'New Zealand's marine environment is under increasing pressure, and the Government's approach makes it harder, not easier, to safeguard our coastal ecosystems. 'EDS will continue to advocate for a resource management system that properly protects indigenous marine biodiversity,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. Environmental Defence Society EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence. Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes. EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement. EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference. EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
