Earth Day is upon us once again today and there has never been a more urgent call for people around the globe to unite and work towards combating the world’s climate crisis.
With a billion people celebrating Earth Day each year, the international day of environmental action focuses on an ‘Invest in our Planet’ theme for 2022. The theme brings a greater sense of urgency for businesses, governments and citizens to make decisions today that will support a greener tomorrow.
As the climate emergency deepens, Earth Day 2022 will place emerging green technologies, ESG standards and innovative thinking under the spotlight, in a desperate attempt to emphasize how crucial sustainability is on the pathway to prosperity.
So, this year, how can the world tackle the greatest issues facing our planet today?
1. The Corporate World can Step up
More often than not, private sector innovation accelerates rapid change. Whether your organisation is at the beginning of a transition driven by sustainability and ESG, or your business exists to create social value and climate-conscious solutions, there is no excuse for an absence of real, measurable environmental, social and governance standards in your business.
2. Government Bodies can Improve Regulations and Incentive
In an ideal world, people would make more sustainable decisions because we know it’s the right thing to do; however, financial and employment barriers (among others) generally force people to opt for more affordable, less sustainable options. Without governmental and regulatory bodies paving the way for an economy that incentivizes organisations and citizens to adopt greener technologies and consider the impacts of their investments, our collective livelihoods, survival and happiness will continue to deplete.
3. Consumers can Play Their Part
When it comes to climate change, consumer (rather than corporate) behaviour has traditionally found itself in the spotlight. In no way are we suggesting that consumers are the biggest problem around, but that doesn’t negate the fact that there are still very important decisions that citizens can make to help support a more sustainable future.
Considering everything from our diets to the purchases we make, there are countless steps we can take to invest in our planet. We love this article from earthday.org outlining 52 actions and tips to make a difference, every day of the year.
Make sure you celebrate Earth Day 2022 and be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
More and more, organisations are requiring sustainability-minded employees, for every role, in each department and skill set. We find those people, and embed them in roles that enable them to drive real, impactful change.
If your organisation is looking to find more sustainable ways of operating, build resilience and manage risk, get in touch via mail@acre.com today. Or, if you’re a purpose-driven professional looking to enable aspirational organisations to change, we’d love to hear from you too.
If you’re at the beginning of your sustainability career journey, you also might like to browse our career advice hub for guidance on getting into sustainability-related professions.
