Osborne Clarke commits to 1.5°C business statement at COP27

In collaboration with We Mean Business Coalition and The B Team, the firm stands with more than 200 businesses across the world to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C

International legal practice Osborne Clarke in collaboration with We Mean Business Coalition and The B Team, has signed the 1.5°C business statement at COP27. Along with international businesses, civil society leaders and science community representatives, the firm commits to put all its efforts to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C.

At the end of October, the firm announced its near-term UK net-zero target – to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% across all scopes by 2030 – was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, the firm is working towards setting a long-term target, to reach net-zero carbon by 2050 at the latest in line with SBTi Net Zero Standard, which is a 90% reduction across all scopes. In doing so, the firm has also joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C and UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign.

Transforming the firm's business to net zero is being led by its senior leadership, with  International CEO Omar Al-Nuaimi, Head of Decarbonisation James Watson and Head of Environment Matthew Germain leading the charge, supported by a broader international team, Partner-led sustainability steering group, Head of Inclusion & Corporate Responsibility Bola Gibson and Sustainability Manager Mary Lavin.

"Our team is leading the way in delivering an ambitious and authentic strategy. We're working with our clients, suppliers and our international businesses to manage and reduce our environmental impact and drive change as we develop pathways to net-zero," said Omar.

"Businesses are balancing a range of priorities due to geopolitical tensions, but the road to net zero needs to stay at the top of the corporate agenda. It's so important we find ways to be resilient, adapt and find practical solutions to limit global warming to 1.5°C," added James.

In the run-up to the COP27 climate summit, Osborne Clarke also launched its first Decarbonisation Week on Monday with a series of events targeted at international businesses with ambitious carbon reduction goals.

The firm also recently sponsored the 2022 World EV Day  - a global campaign established to accelerate the transition to zero emission electric vehicles around the world.

It joined Business in the Community's (BITC) 'Making Work Work' campaign in the UK.  BITC is the largest and longest established business-led network dedicated to responsible business, founded 40 years ago by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales. Osborne Clarke is also one of 60 signatory companies on the Greener Litigation Pledge, committing to reduce the environmental impact of its UK Disputes and Risk Practice Group.

Being a responsible and ethical business and employer underpins Osborne Clarke's business strategy. The Osborne Clarke For Good framework is the firm's way of ensuring it's a good corporate citizen, a good employer and a good business.