Is the loss of biodiversity just as much of a threat as the increase in carbon dioxide?
It is reassuring to read about further action to address climate change – an issue that is often described as the greatest threat to the long-term health of the planet. It seems that the behaviour of governments, companies and individuals is slowly changing to address the challenge. However, for some commentators, all of this activity might be too little and too late. Indeed, a few are arguing that the threat of climate change is about to be superseded by the inter-related but separate challenge posed by the destruction of biodiversity.
Put simply their thesis is this. Driven by a mixture of political necessity, business imperative and social conscience, we are beginning to respond to the carbon challenge. Increased investment in alternative energies – combined with further reliance on nuclear technology – means that it might be possible to meet targets for reducing CO2 emissions in the medium term.
What such action will not address however, is the destruction of biodiversity – essentially the whole variety of life on Earth. It is important to recognise that biodiversity is not simply about rare or threatened species. Rather, it relates to the complex but often commonplace ecosystems that support life itself.
The loss of biodiversity – much of it as a direct result of human activity – is a cause for serious concern. While there has been less research into the potential outcomes of the continued loss of biodiversity, some scientists are warning that our current lack of action is destroying the essential life-support mechanism of the planet.
Consumers, business and climate change
Businesses must act on climate change to narrow the gap in trust between industry and the general public according to a report published by consultancy firm McKinsey in March. Addressing consumer concerns about climate change surveyed consumers and found that consumers say that a corporation’s performance with regard to the environment not only affects how much consumers trust the company but also whether they will buy its products. Consumers also want businesses to be responsible by not only addressing environmental issues but also providing employees with health care benefits and by producing safer and healthier products. The survey found that these expectations varied by geography and industry sector and that consumers also want companies to consider these issues when developing business strategies.
Contact McKinsey 020 7839 8040 www.mckinsey.com
UNEP launches climate neutral network
People, based anywhere in the world, who have committed to reducing their impact on the environment and to offset their emissions can now be connected through the Climate Neutral Network launched by the UN Environment Programme on February 21.
The web-based initiative aims to connect the increasing number of nations, local authorities and companies who have pledged to reduce carbon emissions and the goal is for the project to support the transition towards a carbon neutral global economy.
The first five companies to join the network are Co-Operative Financial Services in the UK, Interface in the US, Natura in Brazil, Nedbank in South Africa and Senoko Power in Singapore. The first four countries to partner are Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway.
Over the coming months, intergovernmental bodies, organizations, civil society groups and eventually individuals will be invited to take part.
Contact UNEP www.unep.org
Corporate Climate Communications Report 2007
The Corporate Climate Communications Report was published on February 11 and considers the corporate social responsibility activities of the Global FT500.
The publication examines the kind of data disclosed in CSR reports, who is setting what targets, which reports are externally assured and which include Global Reporting Initiative indicators. The survey found that of the two thirds of companies issuing stand alone non-financial or CSR reports; almost 90% included information on their climate change strategy. Furthermore, 78% published greenhouse gas emissions data. However, whilst 60% of European companies offered external assurances, only 10% of North American did so. As a group, 44% of the Global FT500 companies provided external assurances.
It was published by CorporateRegister.com, which assesses the climate change communications performance of global companies. The report is available free online.
How many (energy saving) light bulbs does it take?
Together, the climate campaign which has brought together household names such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s to fight climate change, announced on March 7 that 6m energy saving light bulbs had been installed in UK homes during January this year.
It has partnered with three climate saving promotions including the Mayor of London and B&Q’s London Lightbulb Amnesty, when Londoners could exchange their traditional bulbs for free energy efficient bulbs supplied by British Gas.
Tesco also halved the price of its energy saving bulbs and then provided a two for one deal. Sun newspaper readers were given a free light bulb with each paper, resulting in a take up of 4.5m bulbs and 10% increase in paper sales over one weekend.
Contact Together www.together.com
Standard Chartered joins The Climate Group
Standard Chartered, the bank, has joined The Climate Group. This partnership will support a commitment made by the bank in 2007 to the Clinton Global Initiative, which will see it finance $8-10bn new renewable and clean energy projects in Asia, the Middle East and Africa over five years. Between 2006 and 2008 the bank has aimed to reduce carbon emissions by 10% per employee and reduce paper consumption by 20% per employee. The Climate Group is an independent NGO that works internationally with governments and businesses to advance climate change solutions and speed up the creation of a low carbon economy.
Contact Standard Chartered 020 7280 7500 www.standardchartered.com; The Climate Group 020 7960 2970 www.theclimategroup.org
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