Business Prepares for Its Curtain Call at the Global Climate Action Summit

Authors

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  Kelly Gallo

  Director, Technology Sectors, BSR

  

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  Kelly Gallo

  Director, Technology Sectors, BSR

  

  San Francisco

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  Kelly helps technology companies achieve their sustainability goals, with a focus on supporting high-growth companies in embedding resilient and inclusive practices that both support business strategy while addressing societal and environmental impacts. Through BSR’s Sustainability Management service offerings, Kelly works with members to prioritize material sustainability issues, develop issue-specific strategies, set ambitious yet realistic goals, and communicate sustainability initiatives to key stakeholders.

  Prior to BSR, Kelly spent more than six years consulting on energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energy for California’s utilities and public-sector clients. She has also served as a Board Member for the US National Committee for UN Women, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and Spark, a non-profit that seeks to advance gender equality by engaging the next generation in accessible forms of philanthropy.

  Kelly holds a MA in International Relations from San Francisco State University and a BA in Global Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

  Close

Next week, nearly 4,000 people will flock to San Francisco to attend a week of highly anticipated events in support of the Global Climate Action Summit. This one-of-its-kind momentous occasion will bring together businesses, cities, states, labor and faith leaders, investors, and citizens to showcase the new extraordinary climate action commitments that we hope will give world leaders the confidence to continue to support the Paris Agreement and prevent the worst effects of climate change.

As the 10th annual BSR/GlobeScan State of Sustainable Business Survey results will demonstrate when released in full later this month, climate action and the related UN SDG 13 remain top priorities for companies. BSR, a member of the Summit Advisory Committee, has been working closely with the business community to secure new commitments that demonstrate how the private sector can be a leader in climate action that fosters inclusive economic growth. 

San Francisco is the location of our first office, and the BSR team is thrilled to welcome our members and Summit attendees to our hometown. As the Summit is a unique event, we developed a BSR Guide to GCAS to help companies navigate the many exciting affiliate events and sessions that should not be missed. The Summit program continues to be updated with speaker and thematic session details and boasts exceptional plenary speakers, like Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna, Chairman and co-Chief Executive Officer of Salesforce Marc Benioff, and world-renowned chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall. There will also be a performance from musician Dave Matthews.

One of the main goals of the Summit is to launch new, bold climate action efforts, and we are excited to share the progress made by companies setting science-based targets, issuing new pledges to a just transition, and making new commitments to climate resilience.

One of the main goals of the Summit is to launch new, bold climate action efforts, and we are excited to share the progress made by companies setting science-based targets, issuing new just transition pledges to provide decent jobs through renewable energy procurement, and making new commitments to climate resilience initiatives. 

Does your company have an exciting announcement to share, but you haven’t secured stage time at the Summit? There will be various off-stage opportunities and credentialed media eager to capture your contribution to the Summit and climate action—let us know if you’ve got something new and noteworthy to share, and we will help make it happen!

We look forward to seeing you San Francisco and participating in this landmark event to demonstrate to world leaders that the business community is proactively addressing climate challenges and committed to a global solution. By working together, we will maintain a healthy natural world and a thriving economy that works for everyone.