B Corp Global Climate Summit

The circular economy is an economic model focused on eliminating waste and inefficiency and promoting greater resource productivity. The carbon footprint of wasted food is approximately 3.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere on an annual basis.  The shift to a circular economy is not only about managing waste—it presents a new economic paradigm for rethinking how we design, use, and reuse our resources (both products and services), with an estimated economic output potential of USD $4.5 trillion per year by 2030.  
The COVID-19 pandemic showed in many cases all the drawbacks of the present economic model- the linear economy (‘take-make-dispose’). Facilitated by Shared Value Foundation, join us at the B Corp Climate Summit on [Date + Time] to explore how long-term thinking that applies a circular economy lens could help establish a more resilient and sustainable business. 
The session will focus on:

• What is the essence of applying circular economy principles in managing food waste?
• How are businesses involved in food adopting circularity principles and business models to become more resilient over the long term? 
• Hear from two companies the story of how they introduced circular principles in their business activities: the vision, their approach and the challenges they encountered.
• Potential of the circular economy strategy for a green recovery post pandemic?

With the rise of extreme weather events such as drought, floods, storms and sea level rise, understanding climate risks is critical for entrepreneurs to incorporate into their business practice. Every area of industry is and will continue to be impacted by climate change. In the new climate reality, businesses that can innovate and take advantage of the low-carbon transition will be the ones that secure a sustainable future.  
Facilitated by Sustainable Business Consulting, join us at the B Corp Climate Summit to:  

• Understand how climate change affects businesses;
• Identify new opportunities and needs and develop innovative business models for action in different sectors dealing with climate change;
• Learn how to develop a business strategy that addresses climate risks;
• Understand the role of hubs in promoting climate entrepreneurship;
• Hear from some businesses in the B Corp Movement on adaptation options that can help businesses become climate resilient; and
• Business commitments to Net Zero.

At the global, national and local level, there is increased action to address concerns around plastics in the environment. The circular economy approach in plastic waste management requires producers to take responsibility, save energy, design waste out of the system, and create a market for reuse.
In this session, we explore the role of plastics in our society and how existing recycling and reprocessing infrastructure can be improved and enhanced to capture and recycle more plastic waste; avoiding escape into the environment. 
Governments have imposed legislation and regulations that would, among other things, require extended producer responsibility and impose bans and restrictions on plastic products sales. We will explore the role of the private sector and the B Corp Movement in supporting the implementation of these regulations and importantly how such regulation can be used to drive innovation and change in the way businesses handle plastics after first use. 
Specifically, the session will aim to: 

• Explore options to improve waste management, reduce plastic use and increase recyclability in the region;
• Investigate the role of the private sector and B Corps in shaping and implementing plastics regulations;
• Common challenges companies face in combating plastic waste, and how to overcome them; and
• Opportunities for businesses to drive innovation and change in the way they handle plastics after first use.

Currently, half of the world’s population is under the age of 30, with 90%of this age group living in emerging and developing economies and 50 percent unemployed or working and living in poverty. The aspirations and needs of young people, and their ability to meet their full potential, remain largely unmet due to stagnating economic growth and limited opportunities for advancement. Despite the odds being stacked against them, we know that when youth are empowered, development outcomes improve.
As the youth population continues to grow and make an impact, the business world is starting to see increased changes brought on by this target audience. Their energy, passion, and courage to challenge the status quo are needed to identify and address complex global problems, and their insights are worthy of attention and investment.
Today’s youth are demanding that companies practise good and ethical business that goes beyond lip service. They want businesses to be mindful of their impact on society and the environment. And while this snowballs, many major corporations are making some big changes to accommodate the needs of this revolutionary audience.
Businesses engaging with the youth have incredible potential to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, like climate change, at a grassroots level if they are given robust platforms to connect and act. We invite you to our Youth Session at the B Corp Climate Summit on July 1.
The session will focus on:

• Role of youth in fighting climate change;
• Integrating Youth, Business and Climate Change; and
• Opportunities for youth and business fighting climate change.