KIMBERLY-CLARK, FSC CALL FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON CLIMATE, BIODIVERSITY CRISES AHEAD OF COP16, COP29

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Kimberly-Clark has partnered with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to call for collective global action on climate and biodiversity crises as the Conference of Parties (COP)16 and COP29 summits approach.

The FSC recently concluded its third annual ‘FSC Forest Week’, which successfully engaged 1,300 partners and leading brands from 40 countries in efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss and the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Kimberly-Clark Malaysia and Singapore managing director Lim Yu Chien said addressing climate change is a shared responsibility. 

“Addressing climate change isn’t the responsibility of one government, one business one NGO or one individual – it is the responsibility of all. 

“We recognise the need for collective actions for significant impacts as aptly put in this year’s theme. Hence, each year, we find new ways to engage a wider group of stakeholders in our FSC Forest Week celebration,” he said in a statement today.

Lim said this year marks Kimberly-Clark's third and largest FSC Forest Week celebration, featuring participation from major retail giants such as 99 Speedmart, AEON and Jaya Grocer. 

These efforts reinforce the company's commitment to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which they operate, he added. 

This year’s campaign, themed ‘Small Steps Together Create Big Change for All’, highlighted the power of collective action in driving positive change for both people and the planet which engaged through a variety of initiatives, including community outreach, corporate engagement and forest walks.

Lim said the campaign amplified that impactful change does not always require large-scale efforts. Rather, he said everyday choices, such as purchasing FSC-certified products, can contribute to broader efforts to protect forests and those who depend on them, while adding that these actions are crucial in combating biodiversity loss and climate change.

In Asia, Kimberly-Clark collaborated with local FSC offices to celebrate FSC Forest Week, engaging employees, business partners, and retailers through activities like a biodiversity walk in Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park, as well as composting, urban farming and tree planting in Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

Meanwhile, FSC International Director of Marketing Trevor Armel said the escalating climate and biodiversity crises demand urgent action.

“The mounting climate and biodiversity crises demand urgent action, and this initiative has proven to be a catalyst for responsible behaviour, inspiring people and businesses to protect our forests and ensure a sustainable future.

“We are thrilled to see the growing global influence of FSC Forest Week,” he said

Building on the success of this year’s campaign, FSC called upon individuals, businesses and communities to engage in critical discussions around the climate and biodiversity crisis, and help drive the transition toward a greener, healthier planet for all.

-- BERNAMA