Chinks of Light - where to find hope
You would have thought that when scientists deliver a “final warning” on how the climate crisis is pushing us to the brink of irrevocable damage, the world might show a flicker of concern. How wrong you would be. The IPCC report swiftly disappeared from mainstream media to be replaced by far more important political and celebrity tittle-tattle.
For the many who understand the science and have been urging suitable action to be taken for decades this feels like the final straw. Just how many stark ‘final warnings’ must be given before there is a meaningful response? The temptation is to head for the gin and wait for the ‘I told you so’ moment, but those who seek change are a resilient bunch. At times like this it is important to reappraise and focus on chinks of light. What then are they?
Rays of Hope
Whilst the UK political landscape might look bleak, there are rays of hope from other countries. French ambitions on extended producer responsibility, packaging and greenwashing are far reaching. The US has demonstrated a political appetite for investing in a low carbon future. These rays of hope have global implications forcing multi-national companies to respond if they are to retain markets in these countries. Campaigners need to identify these ‘levers of change’ and maximise their impact.
Resilience
The profound disruption caused by extreme weather events is becoming increasingly evident to business and political leaders. The need to build resilience is forcing a rethink on supply chains, business models and areas for investment. This reframing brings climate mitigation and adaptation into the board room and political manifestos. Climate campaigners need to build the importance of resilience into their rationale for profound change.
Change happens slowly then fast
Polling and surveys consistently indicate that there is a growing concern about climate change which is reinforced by disruptive weather events – particularly those close to home. This concern will gradually place greater pressure on politicians. Whilst it might not make the headlines, it could be one of the deciding factors in selecting the next government. Campaigners need to bring this latent concern to the fore at the next election ensuring that policies are in manifestos that will make a difference.
New Alliances
As the scale of the crisis becomes ever more apparent there seems to be a willingness to break out of silos to create new cross-sectoral allegiances bringing together organisations with the skills, reach and authenticity to deliver change at scale. Although not in the news, the concept of ‘radical collaboration’ is gaining traction with strategic agencies offering opportunities for new thinking and approaches.
Great examples exist
Across all sectors there are companies demonstrating that a successful business model can go hand-in-glove with more environmentally sound principles. They are few and far between and will inevitably have areas where further change is required but they should be celebrated and championed – particularly by the more radical campaigners. Change will only happen with positivity and hope, it cannot all be doom and gloom. Aspirational companies need to be held up as exemplars to the rest of their sector inspiring others to follow suit. If they are constantly harangued by campaigners for not going far enough, they will become silent – increasingly known as green hushing – leaving a void of leadership.
It maybe that I am clutching at straws and the scientific evidence is bleak, but whilst there is still a chance to avert the worst implications of climate change, I am willing to rethink and reenergise my efforts – I hope that you feel the same.