In the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November 2021, what are the implications the net-zero agenda has for business strategies, business models, and on partnerships with governments and other institutions?
Wipro’s CEO and Managing Director, Thierry Delaporte, joined peer CEOs from Accenture and Royal DSM at a plenary event hosted by the World Economic Forum, to discuss how to make Net-Zero commitments are reality.
Wipro is a founding member, alongside Microsoft, Unilever and others, of the Transform to Net Zero coalition, which aims to accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions global economy by 2050.
Thierry Delaporte said at the event: "Everyone is clear on the fact that climate crisis is real, it's urgent, it's complex. But what we see also is that if 86% of the top 500 companies in the world are committing this target of carbon neutrality by 2050, 30% feel they're on track, the reality is that most of the companies are behind and that's why we really need to accelerate the pace and the awareness."
He added that companies are on a journey. Just five years ago, Boards and investors paid little attention to environmental topics. Today, climate impact and carbon neutrality is a priority. This means shareholders must not simply assume performance will continue, but be willing to make accommodations for net-zero targets. "We must create the environment for a virtuous and consistent combination of driving transformation and performance." The next generation of talent will never want to work for a company that doesn't take its environmental responsibility regarding seriously. "It is one of the big drivers for change", says Thierry.
But every industry is having to make different choices that reflect the balance of what investments are needed, and what technology is available to get to this end-state. And indeed, technology can be part of the solution. Thierry said, "By leveraging data, by leveraging the cloud, we're creating an environment of flexibility for only consuming what we need. Artificial intelligence is also a driver to help reduce consumption. All these aspects are positive, but with lack of awareness, you may only see the negative aspects of technology."
This is a reprint of the article published by the World Economic Forum. Read the entire blog, here.
Thierry Delaporte
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Wipro Limited.
Thierry Delaporte is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Wipro Limited.
Thierry has a proven track record of building highly successful businesses, driving change, leading cross-cultural teams as well as conceptualising and integrating mergers & acquisitions.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Economy and Finance from Sciences Po Paris and a Masters in Law from Sorbonne University. Thierry began his career in 1992 as a Senior Auditor with Arthur Andersen in Paris and London.
Widely travelled, Thierry has lived in multiple countries across four continents in the past two decades. He currently lives in Paris. To read more about Thierry, click here.
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