As the 2022 President of the Academy of International Business (AIB) and a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers Business School, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech at the 2022 ECUST-USF International Conference. Hosted by the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), the University of San Francisco (USF), and the University of Nottingham, the conference focused on the imperative task of reshaping international operations for carbon neutrality in turbulent times.
Addressing the Climate Crisis
In my speech, I underscored the critical role of multinational corporations in combatting the existential threat posed by global warming. Leveraging their resources, talent, and market influence, these entities possess the capacity to drive meaningful change and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
Key Topics Covered
The presentation delved into various facets of the climate crisis and corporate responses, including:
Carbon Emissions Analysis:
Identifying the top carbon-emitting nations.
Exploring trends in emissions as economies develop and populations grow wealthier.
Corporate Engagement:
Assessing the level of corporate involvement in carbon mitigation efforts.
Highlighting forthcoming regulations and reporting standards from entities such as the European Union and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Compliance and Costs:
Examining the implications of regulatory compliance for businesses.
Estimating the financial burdens associated with carbon reduction measures.
Investment Considerations:
Analyzing the capital expenditures required to implement mitigation strategies.
Evaluating the long-term goals of companies and industries in achieving carbon neutrality.
Technological Solutions:
Reviewing carbon mitigation technologies and their viability.
Discussing the importance of factors such as scalability, economic feasibility, and intergovernmental cooperation in deploying these solutions.
Conclusion
The keynote speech underscored the urgency of reshaping international operations to align with carbon-neutral objectives. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and decisive action, multinational corporations can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
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