SAP ON CLIMATE CHANGE "We recognize the responsibility to improve our own internal efficiency and also the opportunity to help our 92,000 customers..." Léo Apotheker CEO, SAP AG

In support of the worldwide carbon reduction movement, on behalf of SAP Lèo Apotheker joined other leading global CEOs to endorse the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change sponsored by the Corporate Leaders' Group on Climate Change. The communiqué is a message to G20 governments from the international business leadership, calling for an "ambitious, robust, and equitable global deal on climate change." It is set to become the definitive statement from the business community ahead of the United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009, which aims to agree a successor to the Kyoto protocol which expires in 2012.

The petition outlines the key elements that must be addressed for a successful outcome from the Copenhagen talks, including:

• Clear global agreement on the pathway to emissions reductions of up to 85% by 2050 which is expected to be sufficient to limit global average warming to 2°C
• Development of a credible global system of emissions measurement, reporting and verification
• Development of a robust global market for emissions trading so that abatement opportunities are allocated efficiently and cost effectively

The communiqué emphasizes the responsibility of all nations to cut emissions – though developed nations have a special responsibility to make higher than global average cuts and lead the way in low carbon economic growth.

Beyond the clear need for collective global action, this initiative recognizes the clarity and regulatory certainty businesses now need to address the issue of climate change.