Climate Action for Associations

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the spotlight will be on athletes achieving remarkable feats. Titles like the fastest, strongest, bravest, and greatest will be awarded. Yet, the environmental cost of these events often goes unspoken. The Paris 2024 organising committee has emphasised sustainability by declaring their commitment to delivering the first Olympic Games fully aligned with the Olympic Agenda 2020. They are aiming to halve the carbon footprint of these Games compared to previous ones through innovative solutions in energy, food, venues, transport, and digital services. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ePdTqdbx Climate Action for Associations is dedicated to driving significant change within the association sector, mirroring the proactive sustainability measures championed by events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics and the ISO 20121:24 Event Sustainability Management Systems Standard. By empowering membership organisations to align with global initiatives aimed at sustainability, CAFA assists in setting the stage for a more sustainable future. This approach not only supports environmental stewardship but also positions these organisations as leaders in fostering lasting positive impacts on a global scale. Learn more on what we can do for your organisation here: https://lnkd.in/gwasdDT #Olympics #Paris2024 #SustainableEvents #ClimateAction #GreenAmbitions #EventSustainability #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalStewardship #GlobalImpact #ClimateActionForAssociations

The Earth’s average temperature was more than 1.5°C warmer than preindustrial levels over the last 12 consecutive months. Does that mean we've passed the Paris goal? NO. The global average must be above 1.5°C for more than a decade for that to happen. So what DOES it mean? 1️⃣ With a full year on the board, we're that much closer to the threshold. As one person said: this year is orientation. Do we want to take the course? 2️⃣ This year (which feels very extreme) will be merely an average year at 1.5C. Let that sink in. 😬🔥 Here's the most important thing. 1.5C and even 2C (the Paris agreement actually lists two thresholds) are not magic numbers. We won't be fine if we end up at 1.499, and it won't be all over if we end up at 1.51. What the science says is this: "Every bit of warming matters. Every action matters. Every choice matters." The more carbon we produce, the worse it gets. The faster we cut emissions, the better off we'll all be. The greatest uncertainty in determining how bad it will be is US. Our future is in our hands.

🌍 A recent WWF and Ellen MacArthur Foundation survey reveals that small businesses worldwide back a proposed UN treaty to curb plastic pollution. Despite initial challenges, such as new taxes and compliance costs, MSMEs believe in the long-term benefits, including job creation in sustainable sectors. ♻ Most MSMEs support the treaty, viewing it as a positive environmental step. Service providers in recycling and alternative materials anticipate net benefits, although financial challenges remain a concern, with calls for more support to aid the transition. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eG7tT_ic In line with these efforts, CAFA is committed to fostering significant transformation within the association sector. By empowering membership organisations to align with initiatives such as the proposed global treaty on plastic pollution, we help organisations lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for all. To find our more and join the CAFA Collective, learn more here: https://lnkd.in/egzBndg #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #SMEs #Associations #ClimateAction #GreenTransformation #ClimateActionForAssociations

So what will the new Labour government do about climate change? For an answer, I've been taking another look at the interview I did at Innovation Zero with Ed Miliband, who's now Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero. He was in opposition when we met on-stage back in May so we were still using the word 'if' but the polls were already clear about the likely outcome. Key points: A big theme is the link between fuel poverty and our dependence on high-priced fossil fuels. Clean energy, he said, is the route to tackling the cost of living crisis. That's true because wind, solar, heat pumps and insulation can displace expensive gas imports. Another very welcome message: consistent policy. No more 'capricious shifts' to please the anti-Net Zero brigade causing uncertainty for business, instead a 'North Star' of decarbonised power by 2030 so companies know what's happening and can plan. Also positive, the use of public investment to encourage private investment as part of clear strategy involving the whole government. Including the Treasury. Ed Miliband wants more rooftop solar, benefits for communities hosting renewables and regulators to have a Net Zero mandate. He'll look at regional pricing - an appealing idea promoted by Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy. We'll have to see how much of this actually happens, especially the trickier - but valuable - ideas like obliging companies to have transition plans to keep global warming to 1.5C. Will there be penalties if they don't, I asked. He wasn't clear on that or on whether there'd be tariffs on cheap Chinese electric cars. He was confident UK manufacturers would rise to the challenge. OK. Two observations: Ed Miliband brings a wealth of experience to the job - and humour. Innovation Zero, he said, was a 'Glastonbury for energy nerds', counting himself as one. And backstage it was good to see him comfortable with Greg Jackson. Gone are the days of Boris Johnson saying "F*** business". This is a government that seems to embrace the people trying to deliver fast-paced change. Of course there's a world of difference between bold statements in opposition and the gritty challenges and trade-offs of power. But anything after the flip-flopping and culture wars of the last lot would be an improvement and this really feels like a bright new start. We badly need one. https://lnkd.in/erdd3uFU

Shifting climates and dwindling food supplies. From oranges in Brazil to cocoa in West Africa, olives in Southern Europe to coffee in Vietnam, climate change is transforming agriculture. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, frosts and a combination of these are permanently altering weather patterns, reducing crop yields, squeezing supplies, and driving up prices. In the UK, a third of the 2023 food price increase was attributed to climate change - Wheat up 17%, palm oil 23% , sugar 9% and pork 21%. Staples like rice, soybeans, corn, and potatoes are also at risk and global food inflation rates could rise by up to 3.2% annually over the next decade. The impact of climate change on our food systems is undeniable and demands urgent action. https://lnkd.in/ebKsXuYW

Genuinely positive news: A science leader who really gets climate change is appointed science minister: Sir Patrick Vallance. He’s quoted by The Independent as saying that a top priority is “the urgent need to end the era of excessive carbon emissions, high energy bills and energy insecurity by accelerating the net zero transition to clean, homegrown energy. “With a determined effort using currently available technologies and those that are close to being deployable, a clean power system by 2030 is achievable.” Great to have someone who understands the importance of evidence - and of acting on it - at the heart of government.

🛎 New tool and database alert! Really excited to see the PROVIDE climate risk dashboard go live yesterday! PROVIDE has been an EU-funded project where a number of brilliant climate scientists and researchers have sought to quantify climate impacts in decision-useful ways. It empowers you to look across the world and down to the city level at both future climate impacts and how to avoid those impacts. It can answer questions such as: -What would the consequences be for water scarcity in Mexico City be at 2.5 C? -What is the temperature limit to keep the chance of stronger storms in the South Pacific below 5%? -And so many more It also includes some great case studies on adaptation! I am proud to have been a member of their advisory board and to have joined them yesterday for their launch webinar. The webinar walked through the tool and had me discussing its applications for financial actors. 📺 Launch webinar: https://lnkd.in/e_jPJp2c 🛠 Tool: https://lnkd.in/ekRykPwJ #climate #climatescience #climatedata #climaterisk #esgdata International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Climate Analytics

CAFA, along with Exponential Roadmap Initiative , United Nations High-Level Climate Champions #RacetoZero team, UN Global Compact Network UK, We Mean Business Coalition, InfluenceMap , and WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, have all contributed to the Business Associations Climate Action Guide. 🌍 This new guide dives into the evolving landscape where companies are increasingly committed to advancing the Paris climate goals. 🧠 These forward-thinking businesses are now insisting that their representative associations align with these vital environmental ambitions. While many associations have embraced this positive shift, some still push for policies that harm the climate and nature. As a result, businesses are either withdrawing their support or applying pressure for change. 📢 The message is loud and clear: companies must ensure their membership organisations adhere to science-based climate policies. Packed with invaluable insights, this guide is a must-read for membership organisations looking to align with their members' climate aspirations, attract, and retain sustainability-focused companies. 📖 Dive into the full guide here: https://lnkd.in/eH8vkJZn 🌱 Discover how CAFA can help membership organisations lead the charge for positive change here: https://lnkd.in/gwasdDT #ClimateAction #NetZero #Sustainability #Associations #MembershipOrganisations #ClimateLeadership #ClimatePolicy

Climate Action for Associations contributed to the ISO - International Organization for Standardization Net Zero Guidelines case study report! CAFA’s process of adoption of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines so far was no small feat. It is crucial that CAFA aligns to and continues to align with global best practice on net zero. We commit to sharing this experience and provide insights with our members, the wider membership sector and publicly. Our aim is to be instructive to membership organisations and so we used the ISO net zero guidelines to inform the development of CAFA's new Best Practice Framework for the membership sector so we can provide the structure that membership organisations around the world need to show climate leadership, reduce their own emissions, put policies and their own net zero plans in place whilst leading their members, particularly professionals and companies to transition. We'd like to take the time to thank all the team at BSI particularly Shana Gallagher & Emily Faint for their patience and support over the last 12 months. We look forward to continuing our work and strengthening our adoption of the guidelines and ultimately adopting the future #NetZeroStandard which we are excited to be part of the standard development committee. #netzeroguidlines #racetozero #associations #membership #professions #business Check out BSI’s new ISO - International Organization for Standardization #NetZero Guidelines landing page here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e8mT8DsR

Ahead of the UK’s general election, IOM3 has outlined five crucial priorities for the next government to ensure a strategic focus on materials, minerals, and mining. From sustainable sourcing to national security, these priorities are key to our economic and environmental future. Read our full policy briefing to learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4eyNdyS