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CSR, Climate Change and the need for leadership

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CSR, Climate Change and the need for leadership

Written by David Taylor
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Political March Madness - where is the real leadership on environmental issues? Political parties have woken up to the need to assert their environmental credentials. Rightfully so, as the environmental trends both nationally and globally do not make good news: increasing use of carbon-based energy, increasing waste and loss of habitats are a few of the concerns. The biggest worry is the problem of climate change. Independent scientists have told us it's man-made; the economist Sir Nicholas Stern told us that the costs of addressing climate change is affordable, if we take action now. So what happens next? Recent posturing by David Cameron and today by Gordon Brown reveal a degree of March madness! Both are keen to say that we need to cut emissions. The Tories suggest taxing air travellers (British air travel accounts for 0.1% of global CO2 emissions) and are keen to see the Government set mandatory yearly targets under the Climate Change Bill (published this Tuesday). The Labour Party suggests that as it is a global problem, it needs an international solution best found through the EU and other international mechanisms like Kyoto. This is the 'I will, if you will' position which requires everyone to move at the same speed in the same direction. But how long will that take? The 60% cut by 2050 is likely to be revised to 80-90% in the next few years, as a lack of universal action now creates future carbon management problems. In the UK primary energy production, transport and buildings (construction and how they are used, both offices and housing) are the main causes of carbon emissions. Heavily polluting sectors like cement makers are part of the EU carbon trading emissions that stipulates caps to the amount of carbon it can emit. But what targets are required to see reductions in other sectors that are not in the scheme? Why is there not a route map that shows how each business sector can contribute over time to the overall goal of carbon reduction? Who and what exactly are the politicians waiting for? There is an overwhelming need for this route map, one which goes through a public consultation and one that recognises that there needs to be a trade-off in deciding how and where progress can be best made. Yes, aviation needs to be looked at, but not in isolation. If we want to continue flying, what is the compromise? Which sectors can be ‘incentivised’ to reduce their carbon emissions to accommodate air travel's carbon footprint? Britain prides itself on its innovation. Business is ready to contribute, but needs guidance from politicians that don't change their minds every month. At present there is too much uncertainty - will politicians take us down the route of personal carbon allowances, further taxation and increased legislation...or can the market pricing of carbon stimulate the required actions? London has a route map - its own action plan for climate change launched in late February 2007. When will we have a UK action plan? Leadership involves a campaign to deliver a strategy/action plan - so far both the Labour and Conservative parties are failing us. Brief biography and company profile: Dr Paul Toyne, Director Article 13 Paul is an environmental scientist and obtained his doctorate (Imperial College, University of London) in ecology and natural resource management. Paul has a diverse background of academia, not-for-profit environmental NGO (WWF) and business, and is one of the founding partners of the consultancy Article 13 (est. 1988). Paul has worked extensively with governments (UK, EU and globally), the private sector and non-governmental groups in the development of policy on issues of sustainable trade and the environment. He has addressed and briefed Ministers of State, the UN and spoken at several other major fora on the subject of sustainable development. Paul is an expert panel member of the UK’s Sustainable Development Commission. Paul has recently advised the UK Government on several issues including: creating a vision for British life in a low carbon economy; the development of a UK fishing policy; on the future of the UK food industry, and developments of policy on sustainable production and consumption. Paul works closely with industry bringing sustainability issues alive for companies across all sectors for example, transport, financial, food, health, utility and energy. Clients include BAA, BAE Systems, Roche, Royal Mail Group, Severn Trent, Smith & Nephew and Yell. Paul is a highly effective communicator through numerous publications, at conferences and through the media, and has given many interviews on sustainability and corporate social responsibility issues, for example climate change. Paul is an accomplished advocate of the role business has to play, and can benefit from, by ‘breaking the business as usual cycle’. ARTICLE 13 Article 13 are strategic advisors on risk associated with business responsibility, typically in the areas of governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Article 13 is an independent corporate responsibility specialist, providing a 'third eye' that challenges the robustness and fitness of your company's ability to deliver against future uncertainties. Article 13 helps the boards of companies to develop strategy and policy through the use of research and stakeholder engagement. Upon implementation and management, its work delivers innovation, organisation-wide responsibility and a deeper understanding of risk. Contact details: Dr Paul Toyne Director Article 13 71a The Grove, London W5 5LL Phone: 020 8840 4450 Mobile: 07940 594 673 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Visit our website www.article13.com And see our sister company at www.wheelhousecoaching.com To find out more… go to www.article13.com. Copyright Article 13 – March 2007 Article 13 are specialist advisors in governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. We develop policy and strategy through the use of research and engagement to deliver innovation, governance and organisational responsibility. We typically help companies, governments and academic institutions to meet the growing pressure for better performance, whether it is social, environmental, ethical or economic. 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