Opinion | Companies’ hot air over sustainability obscures lack of real climate action
Companies’ hot air over sustainability obscures lack of real climate action South China Morning Post
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The ReThink HK Conference Highlights the Importance of Sustainable Development
Introduction
The ReThink HK conference, which took place last week, was Hong Kong’s largest business event focused on sustainable development. With over 500 speakers, the conference shed light on the recent flooding in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
The Dominance of the Business Narrative on Sustainability
While extreme weather events like flooding highlight the need for corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, it is important to critically examine the dominant business narrative on sustainability. The widespread acceptance of corporate sustainability initiatives as a solution to climate change is part of a larger problem that requires deeper understanding.
The Urgency to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scientists have made it clear that rising temperatures are causing extreme weather events. The recent United Nations’ global stocktake report highlights the significant gap between current efforts and global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial to recognize that corporate sustainability initiatives alone will not be sufficient to achieve these targets.
The Role of Supply Chains in Emissions
The largest companies contribute to about 10% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, while their supply chains account for another 50%. Monitoring and reducing emissions in supply chains is important, but it is not enough to rely solely on lowering the carbon intensity of business activities while continuing to produce and consume at current levels.
The Limits of Corporate Sustainability
Corporate perspectives on sustainability often ignore or downplay the physical limits of our planet. Scientists have confirmed that humans have crossed six out of nine planetary boundaries, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable practices. Merely using recycled materials or investing in renewable energy without fundamentally rethinking business models will not lead to true sustainability.
The Need for Critical Thinking and Honest Solutions
Quick fixes and superficial sustainability measures, such as carbon offsets and paper straws, provide false assurances and do not address the systemic problems we face. It is essential to engage in critical thinking and prioritize solutions that go beyond incremental changes to existing business models. Ending unsustainable practices and improving quality of life for all should be the ultimate goal.
The Role of Policymakers and Science
Policymakers should rely on credible scientific information to guide public awareness and drive mindset change. It is important to be more alarmist when necessary to convey the urgency of the situation. Misleading the public through sustainability advertising is unacceptable. Corporations and the media have a responsibility to provide accurate information.
Redefining Sustainability for Society
Sustainability is not just about companies; it is about redesigning our future as a society. This includes reducing bottled water consumption and investing in municipal water systems. It is crucial to reject corporate messaging that obscures the issues or spreads misinformation for financial gain.
The Importance of Critical Debate
Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, it is no longer acceptable to rely on disingenuous slogans without engaging in robust and critical debate. Everyone must think harder and challenge existing narratives to find meaningful solutions.
Eric Stryson is managing director of the Global Institute For Tomorrow
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
- SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
- Indicator for SDG 12.5: Waste generation per capita.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas.
- Indicator for SDG 6.4: Water stress index.
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. | Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. | Waste generation per capita. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | Water stress index. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: scmp.com
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