COP26: Actions speak loudest

In case you missed it (and, how could you?) the UN’s Climate Change Conference, COP26, opened to much sustainable fanfare in Scotland yesterday.

As media attention has reached a crescendo in the past few weeks, I am sure, like many, you will feel that, while COP26 will generate hugely positive outcomes in the future, it will also highlight the risk that long-term, positive sentiment is undermined by actions in the present.

For example, a recent report by the UN’s Environment Programme pointed to the plans of international governments to drill or mine more than double the levels of fossil fuels needed to limit temperature increases to 1.5C in the next 10 years; and many of the world’s largest carbon emitters will also be noticeable by their absence over the next fortnight.

That said, we cannot allow this narrative to cast a long shadow. I am a firm believer in people, businesses and indeed, governments, effecting change to whatever extent they are able. A belief that is consistent with our purpose, as a business, to demonstrate “that business can bring about positive change”, by being a force a good and part of the solution.

The climate is something we all have a stake in and, while the coming days will see numerous ambitious targets set, as individuals and businesses we can deliver immediate and collective change that amounts to something much greater than the sum of its parts.

At Brabners, for example, we intend to use the coming weeks to build on our status as a carbon-neutral business, by continuing to encourage actions that reduce the amount of carbon we offset each year. That ranges from launching a new mandatory environment and sustainability training programme for all colleagues and new starters; to supporting the campaign for the Better Business Act – an initiative that aims to change legislation to ensure directors’ duties consider people and the planet, in addition to profit.

In addition, our internal sustainability group – SEGG – will continue to encourage behavioural change that will have a meaningful impact overall, regardless of how small each action may seem.

When COP26 does eventually come to a close, I hope that it will result in accelerated progress towards a more sustainable future for the planet, consistent with the objectives of the UN’s Race to Zero campaign. A campaign that we support, as a member of Business Declares – an organisation that raises climate awareness in the business community and urges faster action than set out in the Paris agreement.

In recent weeks, business has been touted as the key to solving many of the most complex issues facing the economy: from supply chain uncertainties to the cost of living. And, while the climate emergency is certainly something that business cannot solve on its own, the scale of the problem requires us to take action. If it really is “now or never” for the future of the planet, as a business community, we cannot claim to be a force for good if we simply stand idly by.