International Day of Climate Action 2024: Join the movement
On 24th October, the sustainability spotlight focuses on the International Day of Climate Action. Dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent challenges facing our heating planet, the day is designed to inspire collective action. At Wylde Connections our expert team of sustainability consultants work with businesses large and small to reduce negative environmental impacts and put ESG at the heart of their strategy. We call on everyone to take time out and focus on what you can do to help secure a more sustainable future for all.
Established in 2009 by 350.org, the International Day of Climate Action began as a grassroots campaign aimed at influencing delegates at COP15, part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Over time, it has evolved into a key event for those determined to avert the most severe consequences of global warming.
Raising your game
Decarbonisation is key to addressing the climate crisis yet despite legally binding commitments, we are struggling to meet our Net Zero obligations. Under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, the UK joined nations across the world in agreeing to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C by 2100. Yet progress has been painfully slow, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that, if trends continue, the world could breach the 1.5˚C threshold as early as 2040.
The pressure on businesses to address sustainability is intensifying, driven by a combination of regulatory demands, shifting customer expectations, and the evolving requirements of supply chains. It is not just about compliance or corporate responsibility but ensuring long-term viability in a rapidly changing world.
Natural capital – the world’s stock of natural resources, including water, air, soil, and biological diversity – is the foundation of business operations. Companies extract, use, and rely on these resources to manufacture goods, produce energy, and maintain supply chains. However, as the planet’s ecosystems face increasing pressure from over-exploitation, pollution, and climate change, the availability and quality of these resources are diminishing.
Manufactured capital, which encompasses the infrastructure, tools, and machinery that businesses rely on, is also at risk. Extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can damage or destroy manufacturing facilities, transport networks, and power grids, leading to significant financial losses. Climate breakdown is already causing more frequent and severe disruptions, highlighting the vulnerabilities within current supply chains.
To address these interconnected risks, businesses must adopt strategies that integrate sustainability into their core operations. This involves not only managing environmental risks but also building resilience through diversification, innovation, and sustainable resource management.
Building resilience means understanding the entire value chain – from raw material extraction to the end product – and anticipating where climate-related disruptions might occur. For instance, companies might need to redesign products to use fewer or alternative resources, develop local suppliers to reduce dependency on vulnerable international supply chains, or retrofit existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions.
By proactively embedding sustainability into business strategies, companies can also uncover new opportunities for innovation and growth. This could involve exploring new markets for sustainable products, enhancing brand reputation through responsible practices, or even influencing policy and regulation. Those who invest in building resilience will be better positioned to navigate the challenges of the future and secure their long-term survival, while those who fail to adapt risk obsolescence in a world that increasingly demands sustainability as a baseline requirement.
Helping hand
Many businesses understand the need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their environmental impacts but do not know where to turn. We have produced a range of free resources to get you started. Our Navigating Sustainability Reporting and Taxation 2024 eBook sets out regulatory requirements, whilst our 7 Steps to Net Zero eBook provides a practical guide to decarbonisation.
Not every organisation has the in-house resources or expertise to start managing their environmental impacts. That is where Wylde steps in as a trusted sustainability partner, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support you demonstrate your credentials and support you on your journey as an ethical and responsible business. Our offer for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and includes:
Sustainability Strategy
Wylde’s carefully curated our five-step consultancy programme will help you develop and implement a robust sustainability strategy. Our experts will guide you through the tried and tested process of Assess, Develop, Implement, Engage and Transform to equip you with all the tools you need to embed and showcase best practice.
GHG Emissions Baseline Calculations and Carbon Reporting
Wylde can help your business establish its baseline GHG emissions before developing and implementing a robust carbon reduction plan. That will act as a road map to support you in minimising your negative impacts, cut costs, meet customer demand and gain competitive advantage.
ESG Audits
A bespoke ESG Audit ESG Audit will clarify your business’ position before Wylde helps you demonstrate your credentials and meet your goals. It provides the opportunity to analyse your performance, highlighting your strengths and shining a spotlight on areas for improvement. It involves: Read our recent article to learn more – Environmental compliance audits: What are they? – Wylde Connections
Learning and development
Our team of experienced consultants and trainers have developed a range of training offers to ensure you have the capabilities to maximise the benefits of sustainable practice. This includes a series of funded workshops to upskill your workforce, together with bespoke training packages. We are also an accredited IEMA training centre and offer internationally recognised qualifications like the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management (PIEMA), See our Course Catalogue for more details or read our latest article on sustainability upskilling – Resource Library – Wylde Connections
Use International Day of Climate Action to supercharge your sustainability journey. Talk to our team today about how we can help you on your way.