The recent landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was dubbed a “code red for humanity”, a stark reminder that we are leaving a more volatile world to future generations. Frankly, it’s an embarrassment that we’ve reached this point as we’ve had ample warnings about the potential danger.
Consider a quote from the classic movie, Jurassic Park: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Countless businesses are harming the environment and are doing so in the name of profit. They’re focused on short-term gains and ignoring the painfully obvious long-term problem that no amount of money can undo irreparable climate change that comes in the form of heatwaves, wildfires, storms, rising floods and deforestation. They can no longer plead ignorance. They are deliberately sending a message to consumers that their lives are essentially worthless as they are simply viewed as cash cows. Whatever corporate values they pretend to stand for are lies. Actions speak louder than words and it is completely within their power to flip the switch on the current-day narrative. After all, everyone knows exactly what’s causing systemic damage and which types of companies are responsible for the bulk of that harm. Smart organizations will see this transition as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. A commercially smart transition plan and innovative corporate culture would help all businesses make realistic and meaningful commitments.
Thankfully, consumers and employees are pressuring businesses to be more sustainable. As a result, most global corporations have incorporated sustainability as a core pillar of their strategy in an attempt to reexamine and rework their business models. However, greenwashing is unfortunately far too common with the fashion and food industries being particularly prominent offenders. Most businesses want the benefits of becoming environmentally conscious without actually doing anything that warrants that label. This is a dangerous game to play because no one likes being duped. If the truth ever comes to light (and it always does), the repercussions will be severe. To add insult to injury, environmentally friendly competitors will reel in new consumers and deservedly so.
Climate change also affects investment decisions due to the rise in more frequent and severe weather events. Online trading will allow for faster transactions which will help the average consumer stay ahead of extreme weather events and gain a better understanding of money in general. Good knowledge of the market comes with a more hands-on approach when it comes to handling personal finances. An added benefit is the ability to monitor investments and buy/sell stock through instantaneous transactions. Consumers would be wise to get started early to become familiar with the intricacies.
So what can conscious online businesses do? It turns out, quite a lot:
- Quantify and track your organization’s environmental impact
- Create “green” stores
- Reduce the emissions of indirect greenhouse gas
- Buy carbon offsets
- Avoid the use of toxic substances to manufacture goods
- Promote environmental responsibility in advertisements
- Use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing
- Encourage consumers to exchange or reuse goods instead of throwing them away
- Use of recyclable packaging
- Embrace remote work
The truth is that we live in an imperfect world and usually have to accept it for what it is, not what we would like it to be. That being said, we need to expect more from our leaders and corporations. Perhaps the most frustrating part is that they would still make a profit in the long term despite taking on eco-friendly initiatives. Their primary goal is to serve the people so we should make it abundantly clear that a clean Earth is of the utmost importance to us.
