August 11, 2021
Climate change is real, widespread, and intensifying, even though some communities are still denying it. The global surface temperature has increased faster since 1970 than in any other 50-year period over a least the last 2,000 years. Recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underlines that humanity has reached the ‘code red’ as the world is continuously getting warmer at a pace that shocks scientists.
A quick look at today’s news headlines of EU countries this summer would definitely give you a hint of what to expect from your weather forecast for the future summers: heavy floods in Western Europe, wildfires impossible to be extinguished in Southern Europe, tornadoes sweeping villages in Central Europe. We cannot exactly predict the future, but with the current scientific data, we predict that climate change will radically change the world we live in and work in.
The report by IPCC underlines that climate change is human-induced, and some effects are irreversible for centuries. As an international society, each and every single human being has a responsibility in limiting the damage to the earth by acting decisively. We know that big corporates have ‘the biggest slice in the climate change cake’. Their collaborative action is needed to reduce global carbon emission in a more effective manner, yet we also know that climate change will have direct impacts on all companies – be it a young startup or a massive industry leader. Therefore, collaborative action will no longer be an item for a better ‘brand image and legacy’, yet it will be an obligation for all.
Energy, infrastructure, and investment areas are some of the sectors that will be heavily affected by global warming as state legislation will change in a way to reduce country-level emissions. The operational necessity to control the dangers associated with regulation, reputation, and changing weather patterns will unavoidably make the climate change issue increasingly prominent on the business radar.
What are some of the actions that companies can take to protect their businesses? How can startups and corporates join in the collaborative action in a quick manner? Here are some suggestions that we bring together:
1. Measuring your company’s carbon emission, and reducing it
It is a good start to measure how your company’s carbon emission and start the action by knowing exactly how eco-friendly your business is right now. You may want to get help from fellow companies who can help you measure your carbon footprint. After that, you can focus on the setbacks that your company is facing to lower your emissions and take action accordingly.
2. Switching into renewables, reusables, recyclables – and creating awareness
Inviting your employees, partners, clients, and stakeholders to switch to renewable energy options to power their organizations can bring collaborative change and also a sense of togetherness in the business as much as it lowers your carbon footprint. A big change in your powering systems might be a long-term goal, but using reusable and recyclable products at work can be easily managed.
3. Managing your logistics in a more eco-friendly way
Whenever possible, hybrid or remote work helps companies save a lot of money from electricity and water bills; as much as it diminishes the work commute and all the carbon emissions attached to it. If your organization cannot operate in a remote mood, encouraging your employees to use public transport or carpooling can be useful.
4. Working with & learning from sustainable partners
Expand your network and find out how other competitor sector players are dealing with sustainability. As you listen to them and find out about their strategies, sustainable suppliers, solution providers, and stakeholders they are working with; you will make your way into transforming your business into an eco-friendly one.
