“We’re just not frightened enough. The government needs to frighten us,” my sister said as we drove back from visiting my mum in hospital.
Hospital visits have a way of making us confront vulnerability, forcing us to appreciate our health and life itself. That day, our conversation turned to the future and the urgency of the climate and nature crisis.
Since I began learning about the polycrisis, my life has changed. Awareness leads to choices, and for the past five years, I’ve worked hard to understand and improve the impact of my decisions. I also strive to help business leaders, family, and friends do the same.
But it’s tough. Once you understand the depth of the crisis, the lack of meaningful action – especially at a government level – becomes unbearable.
My sister thinks most people don’t understand or really care about the climate crisis. But is she right?
A 2024 GOV.UK poll found that 80% of people are concerned about climate change, with 37% very concerned and 84% of people believed that the UK should strengthen its commitments to address climate change.
So, why isn’t radical, systemic change happening? Why does business-as-usual still dominate?
Understanding the Challenge
Here are just some of the recent comments I’ve heard:
- “Some new technology will turn up.”
- “But what difference will I make?”
- “I work hard all year; I deserve some winter sun.”
- “Why isn’t the government telling us what to do?”
- “Amazon’s cheaper and faster.”
The reality? These attitudes, though common, are part of the problem. But we can shift them.
What Can We Do?
Step 1: Face the Reality
If we want real change, we need to start with understanding. Here are some key resources:
- Global Polycrisis – A recent paper analysing the interconnected crises shaping our world.
- The Dasgupta Review – Highlights the economic and social consequences of biodiversity loss.
- Planetary Boundaries – Understand what the planetary boundaries are, how we’re breaching Earth’s limits, and why it matters.
- Parents for Future UK – A short, powerful video that might just frighten you into action.
Step 2: Take Action That Matters
Want to have a better impact? Here are practical ways to start:
- Align with the Sustainable Development Goals – A framework for creating fairer, greener businesses.
- Use your business as a force for good – Talk to us about B Corp and beyond.
- Doughnut Economics Action Lab – Rethink business to be regenerative and distributive.
- Community Food Resilience – Support local food-growing initiatives.
- Community Energy England – Get involved in renewable energy projects.
- The Better Business Act – Advocate for businesses to act responsibly.
- Power for People – Support community-owned renewable energy.
Step 3: Stay Informed and Inspired
Despite the doom-laden headlines, real progress is happening. Fix the News recently shared 86 stories of positive change in 2024 – worth a read for a much-needed boost.
Let’s Shape a Cleaner, Greener, Fairer Future
We need business leaders who are ready to act. If you want to understand and improve the impact of your decisions, let’s talk.
And if you’re serious about change, sign up for our newsletter to get insights, solutions, and practical ways to help your business create a better future.
Final Thoughts
We might not need to be ‘frightened into action’ but we do need to be inspired, informed, and empowered. The time for incremental change is over. The time for bold, radical action is now.
Let’s make it happen together.