Hosted by London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), the UK Net Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith MP celebrated the FTSE100 companies that have committed to a greener, sustainable world via the UN’s Race to Zero. 
 
Nearly half of the FTSE100 companies, including LSEG, have now joined the Race to Zero, a global UN campaign rallying leadership and support from companies, cities, investors, regions, and universities for a zero-carbon recovery. The campaign is the largest ever alliance committed to cutting emissions in half by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest – over 3,000 companies have joined globally.

Andrew Griffith MP, commented: “Tomorrow, 23 July, will mark 100 days to go until the UK-hosted COP26 in Glasgow and it is fantastic to see that 47 of the UK’s FTSE100 companies have taken action by joining the Race to Zero campaign. This represents over half of the FTSE100 market capitalisation, equating to over £1 trillion. 
 
“I must also pay credit to small enterprise – over 1,200 UK small businesses have joined the Race through our UK Business Climate Hub, launched by the Prime Minister and Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng earlier this year and alongside our biggest companies, they too are crucial in our fight against climate change.” 

At the event, Julia Hoggett, CEO of London Stock Exchange PLC, commented: “Climate change is the most fundamental challenge of our time and businesses have a critical role to play in reducing their carbon emissions. It is fantastic to see that 47 FTSE 100 companies, from a variety of sectors, are playing a leading role by setting publicly available targets that will support the broader transition to a low carbon economy. 
“Capital markets play a fundamental role in supporting decarbonisation with exchanges having a unique convening power to connect issuers and investors, providing access to capital and data. By working together, we can deliver the global action we urgently need.”

Pawprint Founder and CEO Christian Arno, who spoke at today’s event, commented: “The iconic companies of the FTSE100 will set the pace when it comes to fighting climate change. Pawprint stands ready to support that by engaging these leaders’ employees, empowering all of us to do our bit at work, at home and beyond.” 
 
With the UK leading the world in Race to Zero signatories, today is a moment to celebrate the ambition shown by British business. The Race to Zero – and to COP26 – continues to accelerate.