HARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — Climate change and efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions are a concern for all sectors of the economy, and the events sector is no exception. Held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) is the stage on which Net Zero Carbon Events will unveil its roadmap.
Net zero means that there is a balance between human-made greenhouse gas emissions and their removal from the atmosphere. To achieve this, trade shows and events must reduce their emissions, and emissions that cannot be avoided must be offset by long-term carbon capture solutions.
The launch will be facilitated by the Joint Industry Council Meetings and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and will take place on November 11, which is also Decarbonization Day. Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative has developed well since its launch in 2021, as reported by Joint Meetings Industry Council Chairman James Rees at the recent IMEX America trade show.
While last September the initiative had received support from 21 organisations, a year later that number has grown to 409. “Globally, there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions globally,” Rees said. “The events sector can and must play its part “We are committed to contributing to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This is why the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was established.”
The roadmap will consist of two versions: an 80-page document with full implementation details, and a 20-page executive summary. This information was produced through several rounds of consultation, in addition to a survey component.
Since the creation of the Commitment to net-zero carbon events225 operators have signed up and committed to publishing their organisation’s plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by the end of 2023. Phase 3 of the campaign will feature eight workstreams to help deliver the roadmap, and 42 representatives have already signed up to take part. “It’s open to all organisations involved in the events and they can join the initiative at any time,” Rees said. “Registration is free, but financial contributions are crucial to growing the campaign.”
Platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram are currently being used to raise awareness and drive action, through a communications campaign on the theme of Route to Net Zero Events. Contributors and supporters are encouraged to participate in this campaign by following and sharing posts.
“The initiative is off to a good start and we are gaining momentum,” Rees said. “We invite everyone to follow us on social media and attend the meeting on November 11, but also to sign the pledge and join us.”
Follow Net Zero Carbon events and contact the team on Facebook, LinkedIn And Twitter.
Contact James Rees on +44-20-70694747.