Live debate: should business leaders speak out more on climate change?

Catch up on all the highlights from our live debate on the role of business in vocalising the environmental agenda

2.46pm BST

Thank you to our all our panel guests (see full list). As a final comment, I'd like to highlight a couple of interesting points from Andy Rowell and Eliot Whittington.

Andy Rowell says: Can business leaders be expected to commit to legitimate, realistic pledges or could pledges turn into a publicity campaign in getting a positive reputation in an increasingly aware community of consumers? I am afraid the oil industry has a history of greenwashing on pledges to tackle climate change - BP's pledge and multi-million campaign to go "beyond Petroleum" just after the Millenium being the most obvious one. Fifteen years later, the company is more dependent on oil and gas than ever.. So I think you have to be very careful of spin..

2.39pm BST

Now for some closing comments from our panel guests. What advice would they give business leaders?

Edward Cameron: I would tell them the world is changing. Climate change is already impacting their supply chains, operations, workers, and markets and if they fail to act they will exacerbate their risk. I would tell them that we have an unprecedented opportunity to create a better economy and that governments and other businesses are rising to the challenge. I would tell them that they cannot stand apart from this movement towards a new climate economy without running the risk of damage to their brand and ceding growth opportunities to others who are more innovative. but most importantly I would listen to them. Understand their business. Try to design a strategy tailored for them. And stop preaching.... as I do that far too much already.