LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Song Zhiping, president of the World Cement Association (WCA), on Wednesday called on the cement industry to take greater initiative in tackling problems it is likely to face in the years ahead, especially in the area of climate change.
"There are some storm clouds gathering on the horizon for the cement industry, and we must work together now to repair the roof while the sun is still shining," Song said in a press release.
"This will require all stakeholders, regardless of size, group or country, to cooperate internationally and share best practice."
Song, who is also chairman of China National Building Materials, emphasized it was particularly important to engage stakeholders in emerging as well as developed markets, as this is where much of the world's new capacity is coming on stream and construction is taking place.
As a large proportion of the WCA's diverse and international membership hails from emerging markets, the association hopes that by more effectively involving organizations in global industry responses to key issues, it will be able to have a meaningful impact through early action.
On June 27-28, WCA will bring together cement industry leaders from all over the world for the WCA Global Climate Change Forum in Paris.
The forum will address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the sector and develop a roadmap to improve the global image of the industry.
