Climate and food: The view from Copenhagen

Danisco’s CEO talks of his optimism that a political agreement will be reached during the Copenhagen climate talks, and for subsequent rules and regulations to enable an even playing-field for competition globally.

As of day 4 of the talks, Tom Knutzen, CEO of Copenhagen-based Danisco, sees a huge commitment from businesses NGOs and politicians to reach a good outcome – but the real results will be seen next week.

The ‘Climate-gate’ leak, for him, highlights the necessity of finding a balanced solution between the developed and the developing worlds.

Business Europe has been lobbying against a target of 30 per cent reduced emissions, but Knutzen believes talking in percentages is problematic. He is in favour of firm commitment and a firm regulatory environment with global reach, so that market mechanisms can come with green technology solutions, sustainable products and supply chain innovations.