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Nike, Starbucks: Betting against climate scientists is ‘false hope’ – ‘Climate affects all aspects of our business’

Friday, April 12, 2013 9:10

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(Before It's News)

Desdemona Despair

By Ben Geman
10 April 2013

(The Hill) – A corporate coalition that includes big clothing and food companies says in a new joint statement that confronting global warming is “one of America’s greatest economic opportunities of the 21st century.”

They’re also offering a warning to climate skeptics.

“We cannot risk our kids’ futures on the false hope that the vast majority of scientists are wrong. But just as America rose to the great challenges of the past and came out stronger than ever, we have to confront this challenge, and we have to win,” states a joint declaration from more than 30 companies.

Companies that signed the new “climate declaration” include Nike, Starbucks, Timberland, L’Oreal, Levi Strauss & Co., Ben & Jerry’s, Eileen Fisher, computer giant Intel, and the Portland Trailblazers basketball team.

The declaration, organized by the sustainable business and investment group Ceres, broadly makes the case that policymakers should take bolder action on climate, arguing, “what made America great was taking a stand” and “seizing opportunities.”

“[I]n doing this right, by saving money when we use less electricity, by saving money to drive a more efficient car, by choosing clean energy, by inventing new technologies that other countries buy, and creating jobs here at home, we will maintain our way of life and remain a true superpower in a competitive world,” it states.

The declaration itself steers clear of policy specifics, but the coalition is calling on Congress to pass climate legislation.

“From droughts that affect cotton crops to Hurricane Sandy, which caused extensive damage to our operations, climate affects all aspects of our business,” said Eileen Fisher, CEO of the apparel company that bears her name. “As a socially and environmentally responsible company, we are trying to affect positive change, but business can’t do it alone. We need the support of strong climate legislation.” [more]