SUMMIT IN DAVOS World leaders are changing direction, more fight for the environment, less elitism

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - For the first time, the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Risk Report states that the top five risks facing the world are related to climate.

"This is the first time in the history of the survey that one category has occupied all five top spots," warns WEF President Børge Brende.

Natalia Oelsner, author of an article on the Euronews portal, citing organizers, states that for the fourth consecutive year, the WEF's annual meeting in Davos will be carbon-neutral. 

This is an event where more than 3,000 world leaders and decision-makers gather between January 21 and 24 in Davos-Klosters under the theme "Interested in a Cohesive and Sustainable World".

The Forum will try to walk a delicate line, claiming concerns about the climate crisis while simultaneously being viewed as an elitist event that welcomes thousands of participants arriving in private jets and luxury cars. 

The guest list for 2020 includes leaders of the world's most polluting countries, including US President Donald Trump, who has often expressed skepticism about the climate crisis.

In recent years, under strong pressure regarding its environmental impact, the WEF has implemented measures to reduce its environmental footprint, and in 2018, it obtained ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. However, critics question whether the forum, and especially its participants, are more concerned with their image than with implementing real, impactful changes.

This year, the sustainability activities of the meeting will focus on four key areas: materials, food, transport, and emissions.

Sustainable Menu

The event's menu is 90 percent seasonal and at least 50 percent plant-based. And one entire day is dedicated to vegetarian food.

More Environmentally Friendly Transport

This year, 88 percent of the event's cars and buses are hybrid, compared to 66 percent in 2019. To facilitate access, free shuttle services, public buses, and discounted train tickets are offered, although walking is encouraged by providing a walking map to all participants.

Furthermore, a collaboration has been launched with partners in the aviation industry to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

The 2020 Forum will completely eliminate single-use plastics for beverages and bags.

Materials are also important here - Davos states that all materials are sourced responsibly. For example, the paint used at the event is produced from algae, a renewable resource.

Limiting Energy Consumption

The Forum uses 100% renewable electricity and best-in-class insulation and heating systems.

25 Percent Less Waste

The event aims for a circular economy, eliminating waste through recycling and reusing materials.

Responsible Sourcing

All materials are sourced responsibly; for example, the paint is produced from algae, a renewable resource.

100 Percent Emission Compensation

Anything that cannot be eliminated, such as air travel for participants and staff, will be compensated by investing in plans to reduce carbon emission levels in the atmosphere. In 2019, 35,000 tons of CO2 were compensated.

Supporting Energy Transition

The transition to clean energy is crucial in the fight against the climate crisis, but progress is stagnating. The Forum aims to stimulate investment in energy, technologies, and solutions.

Taking Action

The WEF aims to accelerate and scale up action against global warming through partnerships and by bringing together a global network of business leaders to develop economically viable solutions.