Russian aluminum mammoth U C Rusal’s parent company En+ Group IPJSC announced last week the appointment of Executive Chairman Greg Barker, Baron Barker of Battle to co-chair the World Bank Group’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC).
Barker will share duties with Chile’s Minister Juan Carlos Jobet at the head of the organization’s High-Level Assembly. The Coalition was formed at the opening of Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in 2015 and has as its goal to reduce carbon emissions by establishing a universal carbon pricing scheme.
In a press release issued announcing the move, Lord Barker elaborated upon the direction he sees the CPLC taking against climate change.
“I am honoured to take up this important role at such a critical time. As the world turns to focus on the Glasgow COP26 Summit in November, we must open up a broader discussion on universal carbon pricing and build real climate action momentum. To tackle the climate emergency, we need to utilise the whole climate policy toolbox – including a robust carbon pricing mechanism to ensure a sustainable and equitable post-pandemic transition to a Net Zero world. And with so much attention on the global climate agenda, our aim must be to engage a wider range of voices and stakeholders to drive forward the pricing of carbon. It is time to put carbon pricing at the front and centre of the call to action on climate change.”
Barker’s previous positions include several important organizational roles with many influential energy and finance. He was the Minister of State for Energy & Climate Change for the UK’s former Prime Minister David Cameron prior to joining En+ Group. The firm notes that his time at the helm, En+ Group became the world’s first metals and mining business to commit to net-zero carbon emissions. The firm has also adopted what it characterizes as the aluminium industry’s most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goal for 2030.
