In the past few years, many corporations and individuals have witnessed the transformation of Sustainability, due to the urgency on climate change related emergencies. The Climate Extremes Index (CEI) show that the top 3 years of extreme
weather happened during this century and more record data is yet to come. According to the latest scientific data, global warming will go beyond 1.5°C to exceed 2°C during the 21 century, unless emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases are deeply reduced (IPCC, Sixth Assessment Report). According to climate scientists, to reach this target “global carbon dioxide emissions must be cut by as much as 85 percent below 2000 levels by 2050 to limit global mean temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.” (pg. 3 GHG Protocol Accounting Scope 3 Emissions) If the temperature rise above this level, increasingly unpredictable dangerous impacts will affect people and the ecosystems. Therefore, the focus from scientist is on avoiding catastrophes resulting from irreversible changes by crossing the tipping points. But the main issues go beyond immediate storms and fire damage. Climate change also contributes to regional instability and conflicts as we have experienced during the past years.
One example is the potential loss of the Greenland ice sheet, a mass so large it deforms the Earth itself. Its complete melting would raise global sea levels by more than 6.5m, inundating major cities worldwide. Other risks include the release of vast amounts of methane trapped in ice formations. However, melting ice is no longer about protecting Polar Bears ecosystems but has become a national security threat where countries now see the Arctic as a key strategic terrain for its opportunities on mining, ease on navigation, oil and gas drilling and fishing.
One-degree temperature increase may seem small, but its effects are profound. Take as example, coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef threatening not only biodiversity, but also livelihoods. Supporting over 70,000 tourism jobs and billions in economic activity, its complete lose would be catastrophic for the economy of Australia. Similar risks face countries with large coastal areas such as Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, among others where eco-tourism is critical to their economic survival. This is no longer about recognition; it is about action. Sustainability has set a new global benchmark, and organizations are under increasing pressure to move beyond business as usual, measure their impact, and change how they operate. The window of opportunity to limit global warming is now closing. Soon we all have to face our twofold damage in 2 ways;
Coping with the damage already done while simultaneously reducing future harm and turning it into positive impact. The planet cannot afford delays and greenwashing. Climate action efforts must accelerate.
Adapting into next era will require putting systems in place and create spaces, systems, and experiences that empower people to collaborate, innovate, and drive meaningful change together. Many businesses now recognize the value of sustainability, explore at NATIVO why this focus is gaining momentum for all industries.