Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has issued a compelling call for collective action to decarbonise the global economy and ensure an equitable transition to net zero. The company outlined its commitment to these goals at the upcoming COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, where thousands of government and private-sector leaders, climate experts, NGOs, youth groups, and other stakeholders will convene from November 30 to December 12.
As the world prepares for the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress since the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, Schneider Electric emphasises the critical role of energy in over 70% of carbon emissions. Delegates from the company will spotlight the untapped potential of electrification, automation, and digital technologies, showcasing the social and economic benefits of deploying these solutions across industries, buildings, homes, data centres, infrastructure, and transportation.
Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric, emphasised the urgency of deploying existing technologies at a greater speed and scale, asserting that such actions bring tangible benefits, including social, environmental, economic, and job-creation advantages. “Inaction is simply not an option,” he declared.
During COP28, Schneider Electric will host discussions and showcase solutions in the Technology & Innovation Hub. The company’s delegates will participate in panel discussions covering topics such as corporate decarbonisation, youth empowerment, and supply chain engagement. In addition to these engagements, Schneider Electric will:
- Release geographically relevant insights on accelerating decarbonisation, building on its Back to 2050 research.
- Extend partnerships through the Schneider Electric Foundation, aligning with its mission to empower younger generations and women through education and training in the energy sector.
- Announce new strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at extending the decarbonisation of its supply chain, alongside the release of a report on supply chain decarbonisation developed in collaboration with Women Action Sustainability (WAS).
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric, stressed the importance of developing energy efficiency and clean, affordable energy as the world’s population and economies continue to grow. He highlighted the role of digitisation, leveraging IoT, big data, and AI, as well as low-carbon electrification as major disruptors in reshaping our relationship with energy.
Tricoire urged the corporate world, including impact companies like Schneider Electric, to be active players and enablers of sustainability actions globally, inspiring and supporting governments, societies, academia, and businesses to accelerate their efforts toward a more sustainable future. “Accelerated adoption of these technologies and new ways of designing are essential pillars of innovative, collective, fair, and inclusive climate action,” he stated.
