Addressing Climate Change is in the Hands of Energy Companies when Governments Fail the Requirement

Rich Lesser, CEO of the Boston Consulting Group, and Yale SOM’s Jeffrey Sonnenfeld write that when a government fails to address the threat of climate change, businesses must take the lead. Just like the announcement by Walmart on limiting its own gun sales, or Business Roundtable (BRT) statement to re-frame the broader purpose of a corporation “that serves all Americans”. Over 180 CEOs of leading companies joined this statement, which, beyond merely serving shareholders, promotes a multi-stakeholder orientation.

While, the Trump administration has declared its intention to relax limits on methane emissions and other environmental standards. This policy would eliminate critically important environmental protections at a time when the need to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change have never been more urgent.