Global Leaders should Encourage Transition to Green Economies

 The Global Leadership Forum was held under the aegis of the World Culture Festival — a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service to humanity on March 12^th and 13^th, 2016 at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel,New Delhi, India.Some of the world’s most prominent leaders examined the dilemmas of leadership and reflect on how they can balance these challenging dichotomies in today’s world.Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank participated in the “Deep Dive II Session:  Sustainable and developing” on 13^th March 2016.

Speaking at the session, Dr. R. Seetharaman highlighted the challenges towards ‘Sustainability’. He said “The biggest challenge to sustainability comes from environment from ‘Global Warming’ and ‘Climate Change’ as I believe not just individuals but the entire eco system is affected.On account of Global Warming the level of the oceans and seas will rise by between 18cm and 59cm by the end of the century as a result of the melting of the ice caps at the two poles. We are witnessing major cyclones and typhoons such as Gonu in May 2007, downpour in Mumbai in July 2005 and typhoon Hayian in Philippines in Nov 2013. In North America we have witnessed storms such as Katrina, Rita and Wilma and floods in UK.These events put economic and social development at a global risk. However, with appropriate climate and energy policies, renewable energy sources can substantially contribute to human well-being, and thus lead to positive effects including a stabilisation of the climate”.

Dr. R. Seetharaman gave insight on Carbon emission trends globally. He said “China emerged as the biggest emitter of CO2 in 2014, at 9.7 billion tones, contributing 27 per cent of the world's total. US was the second biggest emitter of CO2 in 2014, releasing 5.6 billion tones, 15 per cent of the world's total emissions and the EU was the third biggest emitter of CO2 in with 3.4 billion tonnes contributing 10 per cent of the world's total. India was the fourth biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2014, at 2.6 billion tones, contributing 7.2 per cent of the world's emissions”.

Dr. R. Seetharaman gave insight on Leadership styles required to address Global Warming and Climate Change. He said “The Global Governance through UN has given thrust on climate change through Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).In France at COP 21 last year the universal agreements were reached at Conference of Parties aims to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees. India and France have launched an International Solar Alliance to boost solar energy in developing countries at COP 21 summit. The Global Solar Council (GSC) was set up at COP 21 which aims to unify the solar power sector at an international level, share best practice and accelerate global market developments. The 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development came into force from beginning of this year after adoption of the same at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015. Corporates should promote Sustainable development through their Corporate Social responsibility initiatives.”

Dr. R. Seetharaman highlighted on ‘Green Banking & Sustainability’. He said “Sustainable development is the one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Banks as responsible corporate citizens adopt Green Banking as part of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable development. Green Banking considers all the social and environmental factors with an aim to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Green Banking is also called ethical banking or a sustainable banking and promotes environmental-friendly practices and reducing carbon footprint from the banking activities. Green Banking will blend customers’ financial interests with the interests of the environment. Green Banking will also enable environmental sensibility to pay off for clients and for the planet. Green Banking is an innovative solution for sustainable development.  Climate change is a global challenge which requires an ambitious global response and a green economy will protect the planet from the worst effects of climate change. Hence it is necessary that we contribute to the development of Green Economy. Green economies are the solution for climate change and for sustainable global growth. Green economy is mainly based on sectors such as renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, water management, waste management and land management”.

In his concluding remarks Dr. R. Seetharaman said that Global Leaders should encourage transition to Green economies.