Actions Speak Louder
As the tipping point to irreversible change nears, the focus at COP 27 switches from commitments and goals to actions and progression.
No longer is it enough to publicise our commitments, we need to deliver clear action plans which embed short-term goals. Culture shift is required. And cultural change demands the accumulation of small actions made by individuals every day.
It has been estimated reducing our thermostats by one degree would be enough to cover a third of the current shortfall in gas. A one degree temperature drop is not noticeable to the human senses, yet delivers substantial economic, environmental and social impacts. Integrating Climate Action into our business’ everyday way of thinking and working will enable us to achieve our goals.
The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership has published a new framework to help companies spark this sort of transformational change through systems thinking. This framework focuses not only on the tasks, but the conditions required for transformation to Net Zero: workplace culture, strong governance, the right partnerships, skillsets and capacity, all play a vital role.
As business leaders, we must publish and promote the small steps and cultural increments, as well as the loud headline targets.
Increasing attention on greenwashing has made many nervous to communicate environmental issues. But ‘greenhushing’, where companies disclose targets with little further insight, is just as counterproductive to transparency.
Greenhushing stops us from dedicating the time and resources required to bring about meaningful change. It diminishes the importance of the cause.
This week, the UN released the Integrity Matters report to put greenwashing at the top of the agenda. The report provides five core principles: emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement, aligning commitments with actions and investments, credibility (science based and externally verified), equity and justice in all actions – and critically - sharing comparable plans and data.
Whilst climate change presents our biggest challenge, particularly during an economic crisis, it also presents our biggest opportunity. Lead your business through a just transition with small actions and small steps every day.