www.globalcause.co.uk
“When communities come together, communities win.”
Phyllis Cuttino, President and CEO, The Climate Reality Project
“Time is running out. We must do more and do it faster ”
Gudrun Cartwright, Environment Director, Business in the Community (BITC)
Australia — a major economy and coal producer — passed its own landmark legislation barely two months later. In Brazil, voters rejected a strongman with a wanton disregard for both truth and the Amazon for a president who assured the world that Brazil is back. None of these events happened by accident.
They happened because regular people — working parents, students, teachers, workers and more — were seized by the radical notion that they should have a say in their energy — and our planet’s future. They marched. They organised. They inundated their legislators with phone calls and meetings. They voted. Most of all, they refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. Because our world depended on it.
Let us be clear: public opinion worldwide is overwhelmingly on our side. Even in the United States, driven by partisan divides, the historic Inflation Reduction Act passed without a single Republican vote has the backing of two-thirds of Americans. Worldwide, the numbers are much higher.
Our challenge now is to turn this support into the unstoppable political force for a truly just, clean energy transition — one that will not take ‘no’ for an answer. On top of the increasing climate devastation we see across the planet, the converging energy, inflation and democracy crises unleashed by Putin’s war and our addiction to fossil
fuel underscores the urgency of going all in on the energy transition. When communities come together, communities win.
The tools to do it are already in our hands, as the costs of core wind and solar technologies continue to fall precipitously. Plus, with the launch of Climate TRACE, we can know the truth about greenhouse gas sources, giving us the tools to hold polluters accountable and giving nations and businesses ready to change a platform to build on.
Shaping our future cannot be a spectator sport we leave to politicians and the powerful. The good news is that all of us can get involved and make a real difference. Yes, the danger is immense — but so are the opportunities. And what comes next is up to us.
reliance on fossil fuel — will capture waste heat and save it for when it’s needed next. This saves energy in the switches between heating and cooling which, in a large building like a hospital or factory, could occur several times a day.
During an economic crisis, it’s no surprise that cost is often the driving force behind investment decisions, but the stakes are high; and the climate crisis requires radical new thinking.
With great gains in the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity grid, the future of how we heat our homes and commercial buildings (ie. hospitals and factories) must surely be electric.
Less purchasing, more leasing An element of the success of the electric vehicle (EV) transition has been the shift from purchase to leasing with far fewer people today buying new cars and vans. We lease our chosen vehicle, upgrade it for a better model and return it when we’re done — all with very little upfront investment.
Climate innovations in heating and cooling that can make a positive difference in reducing global warming already exist today. However, take-up in the UK has not yet had a major impact.
By rethinking how we manage our heating and cooling systems, we can reset our course and radically reduce the emissions of our buildings.
problem. That’s precisely why they must now be — and are already — part of the solution.
I believe the same approach to meeting the heating and cooling needs of our buildings can add huge benefits.
WRITTEN BY Jose La Loggia, President of the Commercial HVAC business, TraneThe Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has said that for the UK to hit its net zero targets, it must eliminate emissions from buildings by 2050.
An electric future
In the UK, 66% of emissions from commercial buildings are caused by heating systems — mainly from fossil fuel sources. It is estimated that only 1% of heating in the UK comes from renewable sources. As a nation, the UK will have imported over £16 billion worth of fuel for heating by the end of the year.
This historic, fossil fuel-driven approach explains that when it comes to the climate crisis, heating and cooling have certainly been part of the
With great gains in the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity grid, the future of how we heat our homes and commercial buildings (ie. hospitals and factories) must surely be electric. Renewable energy, ‘waste heat recovery’ technology, combined heating and cooling systems and thermal energy storage are all available today — so why has take-up not matched our climate ambitions?
A new perspective on heat Britain has become used to reducing, reusing and recycling for packaging and wider goods; yet, we have still not embraced this thinking on energy. We let our heat escape when cooling, then waste the energy used to bring down the temperature when the thermostat is raised again.
Designed to use as little energy as possible, a combined system for heating and cooling — without the
By leasing and renting, known as ‘Heat as a Service,’ the owners of large commercial buildings can benefit from the savings that come with using the latest available technology. They can then upgrade their systems as efficiency improves in the years that come.
Buildings: the next energy frontier Decarbonising our buildings will signal whether there is a real commitment from owners of buildings and their tenants in helping the country move towards achieving its net zero goals. We can support city decision-makers to make the best long-term decisions on heating and cooling.
We can achieve this and meet our climate ambitions. Not only will it help deliver the energy transition we need but by rethinking the investment in heating and cooling, it is the financially prudent option as well.
COP27 was, sadly, not what everyone had wished for. The ‘implementation COP’ saw many countries come to the table with a lot less than what was required as the current global geopolitical situation dampened ambition.
Not all the agreed targets were watered down at COP27, and the consensus is that 1.5 degrees is just about viable following these discussions, but it is clear the bar for action at a national level has been lowered.
The key takeaway is the need for money to be spent which is why the ‘loss and damage’ mechanism was particularly interesting. If well-funded enough, it should help leverage innovation and new tech that can make a real difference for areas most exposed to climate risks.
However, what does this mean for business and us — the tech sector?
Have inflation, mass layoffs in big tech and a big eye on the looming recession dampened the need for climate action?
From initial impressions, thankfully not.
Why invest in climate action?
Firstly, businesses are not always acting altruistically. Investors, customers, potential customers and regulators are all requiring strong climate ambition before putting money in business pockets. Quite simply, climate action is a condition of winning business; and the firms who recognise this are getting an early mover advantage.
Want to sell to the Government? Show us your Carbon Reduction Plan. Want some investment? Make sure your business aligns with our ESG scorecards. Want to sell into Europe? Follow our disclosure rules. Want to be my supplier? Make sure you sign up for the Race to Zero or have a target in place because we have to.
Cutting emissions in the sector
For tech, there are clear commercial opportunities as every sector needs to count and cut its carbon. Data analytics and carbon emission accounting platforms can make it easier to understand scope one to three emissions for any business — and tech such as AI, IoT, remote sensing and machine learning can automate processes and cut energy. This saves money and carbon, and the World Economic Forum estimates digital tech can cut emissions by 20% across the heaviest emitting industries.
Overall, COP27 disappointed many, and it will be for countries’ populations to judge their political leaders. But for climate, tech firms and the wider private sector, there was a real need to keep their collective feet down and commit to more ambitious climate action regardless of the economic headwinds we’re facing.
With the era of cheap fossil fuels now over, world leaders must grasp the opportunities presented by ready-to-use renewable technologies.
It’s not only the general public that wants to see more renewables. There is a growing corporate movement calling for greater access to renewable electricity as well, with billions of dollars in investment up for grabs. The countries with the most advanced global economies — the G20 — have the responsibility and resources to be at the forefront of this drive for renewable power.
Energy-related CO2 emissions make up 80% of G20 countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). As such, these major economies bear an overwhelming responsibility to act on the climate crisis and showcase leadership in the renewable energy transition.
By changing policies and energy infrastructure, as well as delivering adequate levels of financing, many countries can significantly increase their attractiveness for corporate sourcing of renewable power. This will help to counter the issue that many of these economies — even those claiming to be leaders in renewable installations — are still heavily investing in fossil fuels or delaying the closure of fossil fuel generators.
While the cost of living and fuel crises have exacerbated these delays, and short-term solutions are a priority for many countries looking to make it through winter, an acknowledgement of past mistakes has not been forthcoming. Had G20 countries made bolder moves earlier — for example, to accelerate the installation of renewables — then we’d be in a better position than we are now.
As we start a new COP cycle and look towards COP28 next year, the key task that emerges for all countries is to align their high-level renewable ambition with developments on the ground.
As we start a new COP cycle and look towards COP28 next year, the key task that emerges for all countries is to align their high-level renewable ambition with developments on the ground. This includes a strong corporate sourcing movement, to keep incentivising changes to the electricity grid. We need more in the form of roadmaps to achieving net zero, supportive policies, renewables investment and plans to enhance energy security.
Financing the transition also remains one of the key considerations, as this year’s COP showed. According to Energy Policy Tracker, since the start of 2020, the G20 has committed at least USD 470 billion to supporting fossil fuel energy; and only USD 424 billion has gone to supporting clean energy. Yet renewables have repeatedly proven themselves the cheaper, fairer energy source.
We have less than 10 years to halve emissions to prevent disastrous levels of global warming. Commitments will not deliver themselves. It is time to act.
Quite simply, climate action is a condition of winning business; and the firms who recognise this are getting an early mover advantage.
Offsetting isn’t the main way for the world to avert climate catastrophe.
Emitters must cut their emissions deeply and quickly, and every leader in every government and company has to focus rst on that.
But not all emissions can be eliminated immediately.
Offsetting - with high-integrity carbon credits - helps emitters neutralize their remaining emissions and reach their net-zero goals faster.
Verra is the world’s leading certi er of carbon credits. We build technical standards, certify projects that meet these standards, and issue credits for the emissions that these projects reduce. Our projects conserve forests, reduce energy emissions, and bene t people and nature.
Established in 2007, Verra has registered almost two thousand projects and just issued our one billionth carbon credit, each representing one tonne of emissions that isn’t entering the atmosphere. Go to www.verra.org and learn more.
The UK Government has committed to delivering net zero by 2050. Yet, the route to 2050 looks far more like the M25 motorway at 5.30 pm on a weekday.
WRITTEN BY Victoria Zeybrandt Research and Policy Manager, Policy Connect
You have a destination; you’re on your way, but it’s moving slowly; sometimes, you stop completely; and for the most part, you have no idea what’s happening further down the road. These are the thoughts and hurdles many organisations encounter when looking at the delivery of net zero by 2050.
At a roundtable at the House of Lords in October 2022, stakeholders from across a wide range of industries confirmed that government commitments were generally positive but voiced their concerns about a lack of concrete policy frameworks to
support these commitments as well as a lack of clarity, direction and action resulting from high political turnover.
The Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net Zero Strategy set out ambitious targets and commitments to bring the UK in line to achieve its net zero goals. Achieving this needs clear and strong delivery leadership now, learning from the UK’s past successes such as the delivery of the world-acclaimed London Olympics 2012.
In December 2021, Policy Connect published its inquiry ‘Connecting the Watts,’ calling for a Net Zero Delivery Authority to provide delivery
leadership in England to make net zero happen. This would ensure delivery of government strategies by facilitating cross-departmental action and cutting through the rapid political turnover rate. The authority would be the lynchpin in a whole-systems, coordinated approach that connects central to local, people to policymakers and the UK to its net zero carbon future.
The authority should be established in statute with the autonomy to make the necessary implementation decisions. It would need to work with the UK’s nations and regions to provide assurance to businesses and people about its longevity and clout. SMEs will require particular attention and support on the journey to net zero. Not enough support structures, incentives and direction are currently provided for the over 5 million SMEs in the UK, which account for 60% of employment and around 50% of turnover in the private sector. Understanding and helping them overcome their challenges around decarbonisation, which are closely linked to the UK skills and investment landscape, will be crucial for the net zero agenda.
Policy Connect will continue its work on this topic as part of its upcoming activities across its sustainability, manufacturing and skills policy programmes, which will tackle the themes of collaboration, consistency, skills and delivery.
• The focus on adaptation with a greater emphasis on food, water and the importance of preserving the ecosystems and biodiversity we depend on.
Addressing the climate crisis has never been about saving the planet.
Opinion: It seems that every time the United Nations’ Climate Summits (COPs) finish, there is an instant backlash about how little has been achieved.
Reflecting on last year’s summit in Glasgow, the whole process at COP26 felt adversarial, with those who needed to be heard unable to raise their voices above the noise.
Was COP27 in Egypt a failure?
There were notable disappointments: no commitment to absolutely phasing down fossil fuel use; the 1.5°C narrative was weakened, and wealthy nations are now two years overdue with the $100 billion per year collectively committed to support developing countries. But this also felt like the first COP where some important realities were acknowledged:
• The responsibility of the rich world to pay towards the ‘loss and damage’ being suffered by poorer countries who have not caused the problems — but will impact them the most.
• The repeated reference to ensuring a just transition emphasising the importance of social involvement in designing and delivering change.
• The recognition that the voices of women, indigenous communities and young people are central to effective action.
• The links made between the current cost of living crisis and the importance of transforming our energy systems to reduce the risk of global market shocks.
Addressing the climate crisis has never been about saving the planet. It has always been a psychological, social, political and economic challenge. About saving us from ourselves. It means we need to recognise that we share this small, fragile, blue pearl flying through space. But if we continue to favour competition and the accumulation of short-term wealth over the wellbeing of the whole, we will cause ourselves pain.
Time is running out. We must do more and do it faster. We must also recognise that we need big shifts in hearts, minds and visions of success if we are to prevail. Inspiring a collective ambition to be the generation that turned things around. Giving people the confidence that our efforts will be worthwhile. These are the missing links in our current approach. Our future really is in our own hands. So, let’s work together to design and build the future we want.
been about saving us from ourselvesWRITTEN BY Gudrun Cartwright Environment Director, Business in the Community (BITC)
For any business, adopting a purpose-driven approach and collaborating deeply will help bring about a sustainable future.
Buildings are a key component of a sustainable future, with focus needed on both carbon and nature. We must equip people with the skills to deliver greener businesses and better buildings.
With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, decarbonising the built environment is critical. This includes identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption, procuring renewable energy and adopting a circular economy approach.
The need applies as much to existing buildings as new ones, with 80% of buildings today likely to still be in use by 2050. Our research estimates that across the world’s most mature cities, at least 90% of office buildings are over 10 years old, and most would not meet today’s energy efficiency standards for new builds. In that context, we need to triple the current pace of retrofitting — the practice of refurbishing existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions.
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries. The Dasgupta review highlighted that our economies, livelihoods and wellbeing depend on nature, yet inequality of access to natural green space is significant; only 35% of low-income households are within 10 minutes of accessible green space.
Emerging frameworks and legislation will drive change, but we must act now. At JLL, we enhance and restore nature across our buildings and supply chain and support our clients — the owners and occupiers of buildings — to install nature-based solutions in and around their buildings and within their communities. We’re also collaborating with the UK Green Building Council to accelerate action on nature.
To bridge the gap between intent and action, businesses must reimagine their workforce and embrace the opportunity to upskill their teams. At JLL, for example, we have embedded sustainability leads in key service areas, launched a firm-wide sustainability training programme and introduced a sustainability graduate pathway focusing on our next generation of employees.
Through our partnership with WWF, we are supporting the Sustainable Futures programme to equip young people to thrive in a future green economy. Free for all UK secondary schools and colleges, there is a specific commitment to engaging students from underrepresented groups, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds and low-income households.
If we are to address the climate emergency, collaborative efforts are critical. We must accelerate decarbonising the built environment today to ensure a secure future for all.
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Mendez also played a key role in the coordination of COP27’s first-of-itskind Children and Youth Pavilion, helping to ensure the youngest delegates felt seen and supported.
Giulia Camilla Braga, Program Manager, Connect4Climate, The World Bank Group
“Connecting all of Mrema’s work is a commitment to showing those in power precisely what young people are capable of.”
~Giulia Camilla Braga, Program Manager, Connect4Climate, The World Bank Group