The WBCSD describes itself as “a CEO-led organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment.”
“We’re working on one of the world’s greatest sustainability challenges: to ensure food security for a growing population in a sustainable way,” said Soren Schroder, CEO of Bunge Limited. “By joining WBCSD, we plan to share our knowledge and expertise as we collaborate with industry leaders to deliver solutions.”
As the global population reaches to 9 billion by 2050, global food production will need to increase by 60%, but global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced to address climate change and remain under the 2°C limit, the WBCSD said. Currently, global agriculture practices account for nearly 25% of all GHG emissions.
“As WBCSD moves increasingly towards addressing global food security, we’re proud to welcome companies like Bunge – who aim to feed the world, while respecting the boundaries of our planet’s natural resources,” said Peter Bakker, president and CEO of the WBCSD.
Other members of the WBCSD include DuPont, Kellogg, Monsanto and PepsiCo, Inc., among many others. Three per cent of the group’s membership includes companies focused on agriculture, while 5% is focused on food and beverages. The largest percentage of companies — 9% — are involved in chemicals. Forty-nine per cent of the WBCSD’s membership is made up of European companies, while North America accounts for 20%, Asia 14%, Japan 9%, Latin America 7%, Africa 2% and Middle East 1%.
