Hope in a Hot Climate

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report pulled no punches.

We will reach 1.5C warming in the next 20 years - even if we radically cut emissions. Some climate impacts, such as sea level rises, are set in motion irreversibly. One-in-50-year heatwaves could now occur every decade. The concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere is at its highest levels in two million years. Yes, two million years.

We have until 2030 to reverse this trend. Doing so will give us a chance of keeping temperature rises at 1.5C. Dramatic and sustained cuts to emissions are essential. We need to be quick. Meanwhile, soaring summer temperatures, record rainfalls and severe flooding will remain part of our lives.

Interestingly, social media interaction with August’s report was down when compared with the reaction to IPCC’s 2018 research. This year’s message may not have been shocking enough to register with keyboard warriors.

But perhaps this is also a story of overwhelm. The data humbles us. An office recycling bin and reading grocery labels seems inadequate - even ridiculous - in the face of this genuine climate crisis.

While it is important to digest the IPCC’s findings, let’s fight paralysis. The need for action is urgent. And it is better to take small steps today rather than wait for a ‘Big Bang’ plan later.

Think just beyond what you already do. Don’t just recycle your waste – make sure your suppliers and clients do so as well. This isn’t a task you have to face alone. Engage with competitors. Understand how your sector can holistically help. Lead the way.

Hope remains. We can take action. As the IPCC notes, this needs to be done quickly, ambitiously and in a sustained fashion. Starting today.