Doha Bank organized a seminar on 21st October 2007 in Washington at Ritz Carlton, Washington D.C. on ‘Global Warming and Climatic Change- perspective on Corporate and Social responsibility’. The event was held on the sidelines of annual IMF summit in Washington attended by Economists, Business leaders, Bankers and dignitaries. Doha bank has taken an exemplary initiative and has been conducting a series of seminars across the world not only towards imparting awareness of the issues, but also to deliberate on the corporate, social and economic perspective of the subject. The seminars have been extremely successful in Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Tokyo, Nagoya, Singapore and Chennai and Mumbai. H. E. The Ambassador Mr. Patrick Theros, president of the US Qatar business council welcomed the guests for the evening and highlighted the useful contribution made by Government of Qatar during the disastrous impact on Katrina to the intent of USD 100M.
Explaining Economic model, Dr. R Seetharaman, CEO Doha Bank Group elaborated on how the combination of ecological balance and economics has opened opportunities to address Global Warming by tapping the power of the global marketplace. The innovative ‘eco-nomic’ business model has attracted a great deal of support as geopolitical, environmental and socio economic realities have made sustainable industrial production a permanent global issue. There are policy initiatives at highest levels to expand global market for emission trading, foster trade cooperation to improve energy efficiency, and develop renewable energy.
Elaborating on the various aspects of Global Warming, he explained the cause, the dangers and how one can responsibly tackle it. He said, “It has become alarming because of fast deteriorating ecological imbalance due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, growing pollution, and greenhouse gas emission. Impact of Global warming is getting worse with each passing day. Example: Increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, melting of sea ice and glaciers worldwide, severe weather changes resulting in increasing natural calamities like drought, floods, storm, heat waves etc. The need to develop environmentally sustainable businesses is becoming stronger, so that the globe remains a healthy place to live. We must do our bit to conserve the ecological balances globally. Environment protection for sustainable development is one of the eight Millennium Development goals ratified by United Nations, needing global attention.
He urged corporates to be highly proactive towards it. “We must invest more vigorously in projects for renewable energy, waste management, sustainable forestry, clean technology and energy efficiency. We should align internal organization practices responsibly with environmental cause. Environmental management and environmental audit should become an integral part of all organizations. Corporate relationship with only those organizations which comply with sound environmental management principles should be encouraged”. Reminding every individual of their responsibilities towards it, he said ‘We must reduce energy consumption with initiatives such as car pooling, putting unnecessary lights and TV off when not needed. We must totally eliminate usage of non bio- degradable materials, encourage recycling and buy environment friendly goods. We must plant more trees, he added. ‘These are small steps which will make big difference”.
He also said that, ‘Doha Bank has taken various proactive measures in addressing Global Warming and its ramifications. It is propagating energy saving as a corporate habit. Doha Bank encourages ideas from staff on energy savings and suitably rewards them. Doha Bank is committed to be a carbon neutral entity.’