The climate conversation is changing. Groups of people who know significantly more about sustainability than the average human are trying to shift the conversation away from a “do less bad” mentality and toward a “do less bad, and do more good.”
Interface, a carpet tile company with sustainability as a cornerstone, is trying to help move along that effort, and they have a few ideas about how to do so.
“At Interface, we’re convinced a fundamental change needs to happen in our global response to climate change. We need to stop thinking about how to merely limit the damage caused by climate change – and start thinking about how to create a climate fit for life.”
Accordingly, they wanted to gather a true understanding of how people really feel about the chances we have of reversing climate change. Interface’s big question is this: If humanity has changed the climate by mistake, can we change it with intent?
They invited 404 climate experts from a range of sectors and from across the world to share their views. Then following that survey, they partnered with Net Impact to survey the next generation of business leaders, aged between 18 and 35 years old. The climate experts were asked to provide more rationale for their responses, and one question on business action was asked only of the young leaders. Interface then combined those results (gathered in late 2016 and early 2017).
The results of the survey are thought provoking; the questions asked and responses gained hold the possibility to frame our ideas about sustainability in a new light.
The survey first asked, “Do you believe we can take back our climate, and, make a climate fit for life?”
95% of climate experts say yes, it would be difficult but possible. 5% said no, things have already gone too far.
And 91% of young business leaders say yes, it would be difficult but possible. 9% said no, things have already gone too far.
Both groups are hopeful, but the next generation of business leaders is less optimistic than climate experts are.
Why do so many people believe it’s possible? Climate experts stated five main reasons for believing Interface’s Climate Take Back initiative is possible.
“For the climate experts, the most compelling reason to believe is that we already have everything we need; they see positive technology, policy and potential for change across the world. While the young leaders agreed with the power of this argument, they are more inspired by their belief in humanity.”
Interface also asked climate experts for examples they’ve seen of Climate Take Back and received over 250 suggestions, with the most oft-noted ones being: the renewable energy revolution, business commitments, innovative technology, changes in how we manage natural systems, governmental initiatives, worldwide movements, values of younger generations, the Paris Agreement, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
The young business leaders responded to these, with huge optimism for renewables and a confidence in their own generation. Many climate experts also mentioned specific coalitions and partnerships, listed below, as a signal of positive change:
1000 Cities, B Corps, Beyond Zero Emissions, C40, Carbon divestment movement, Ceres, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Climate and Health Alliance, Climate Bonds Initiative, Climate Vulnerable Forum, Compact of Mayors, Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, Keystone XL climate activism, Living Building Challenge, Living Net Zero Natural Capital Protocol, Net Positive Project, Project Drawdown, RE100, Science-Based Targets, Economy for the Common Good, Marin Carbon Project, the Paris Agreement, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
“There is clearly optimism that Climate Take Back is possible and respondents believe that the technologies and coalitions necessary to make it happen are beginning to emerge,” reads the report. “But both the climate experts and young leaders were careful to balance their reasons for optimism with the serious challenges we still face. There was a great deal of nuance in their responses. Often those who noted the potential of human ingenuity also raised the risk of human apathy. And while the vast majority of respondents believe that Climate Take Back is possible, they have clear answers to the question: What would make it impossible?
“Climate experts believed there was one factor above all holding back progress on climate change: 34% said it was ‘business as usual’ holding us back. The phrase ‘business as usual’ was often repeated. And issues of vested interests, short termism and political ennui were included within this category.” Other themes on what would make Climate Take Back impossible:
>17%: Lack of will and leadership for change in politics and business.
>8%: Human mindsets and attitudes that cannot adapt.
>6%: Climate feedback loops that push the biosphere beyond its ability to recover.
“One additional fascinating barrier emerged from the experts,” reads the report. “15% said we will never take back the climate unless we believe we can.”
Interface also asked young leaders if business is doing enough; 95% said no, and they gave strong direction on what they want to see:
52% said: Raise ambition levels within organizations. “Think in terms of closed cycle production.” “Zero footprint along entire value chain.”
19% said: Develop new ways of doing business. “Commit to the triple bottom line; see beyond the dollar value.” “Creating viable + compellingly profitable sustainable business models.”
16% said: Influence policy and regulation. “Reaching out directly to policy-makers to emphasize the business imperative of staying in the Paris Agreement.” “Making the case in public to create a carbon tax.”
7% said: Partner and collaborate to drive change. “Building coalitions to make a larger impact and set a positive example.” “More companies getting their industry peers to make tangible commitments and work collaboratively on solutions.
Finally, the climate experts and young business leaders were asked what they need to make it a reality.
>Prove a business case for taking back the climate. (Climate experts: 37% / Young Leaders: 47%)
>Build a wide coalition committed to Climate Take Back. (Climate experts: 33% / Young Leaders: 18%)
>Set up an investment fund for Climate Take Back technologies. (Climate experts: 28% / Young Leaders: 19%)
>Gather examples of Climate Take Back activities. (Climate experts: 26% / Young Leaders: 2%)
>Publish a guide to taking back the climate. (Climate experts: 24% / Young Leaders: 2%)
>Host events live debates and roundtables. (Climate experts: 23% / Young Leaders: 3%)
>Start a pledge for companies to join Climate Take Back. (Climate experts: 20% / Young Leaders: 9%)
“Several climate experts added spontaneous responses to the question, identifying the need for a new story:
‘Inspire people by showing them that it’s already happening.’
‘Build a narrative about climate take back. Climate change is seen as a disaster to avoid. You are trying to reframe it as a positive opportunity.’
‘Take the message to non believers.’”
It’s a reassuring sign that experts believe taking back the climate is possible. Whether humans decide to do it – to act and make change – is a new question that we must ask ourselves.