Statement by Lord Stern in response to Google's announcement of plans to reach net zero emissions

Professor Lord Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said: “It is very encouraging to see the announcement today by Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google, of further plans for the company to reach net zero emissions, including the use of clean energy round-the-clock and all-year-round and the investments in collaboration through sustainability bonds. Political leaders should take careful note of the example being set by many businesses that are wisely taking the long view, and the desire for ambitious action, particularly as countries prepare their revised commitments and plans for national action ahead of COP26 next year. These companies are demonstrating that the most successful businesses are those that are striving for sustainability across their operations. The greater responsibility being shown by companies such as Google should be rewarded by discerning customers, engaged employees, and patient shareholders.”