Goal 13: Global Warming and How to Slow it

Global warming and climate change are viewed similarly or understood to be two sides of the same coin. Nonetheless, global warming is one aspect of climate change. Global warming is the rise in global temperatures due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The increase in the planet's temperature is mainly caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and farming activities.

We all play a role in global warming, be it businesses, industries, or individuals. Being a factor of climate change, global warming is affecting the ability to achieve sustainable development goals. 

Achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3), clean and affordable energy (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14) and on land (SDG 15), demands everyone's participation in collaborating to address the challenges we face today to efficiently provide for the needs of future generations. When an immensely positive impact is created to protect our ecosystems, more resources can be available for other development targets to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.

Several global organisations are beginning to feel the negative impact of neglecting the health of our ecosystem. Acknowledging the business imperative of climate change is an excellent step to establishing long-term strategies in reversing the effects of our actions. Climate change causes extreme natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires and directly impact all industries worldwide. According to Deloitte Global's report, climate-related events affect more than 1 in 4 organizations worldwide. 

When business operations are affected by climate change, resources such as company infrastructure, raw materials, etc., can affect product and service value, price, and the entire value chain. This trickles down to affect the economy and the standards of living of consumers and the workforce. 

The positive aspect in all this is that it is not too late to make a change.  As organisations, we need to utilise and create more sustainable transportation habits. Companies can prioritise rideshare options for workers to help reduce emissions from transportation. Organisations should switch to renewable sources of energy to power facilities. Holding meetings remotely is a climate-friendly option that should be considered as well. For example, Bewsys shifted to remote work to contribute our bit in taking climate action. Decreasing dependence on natural resources and investing in recyclable materials will protect our supply chains. 

Businesses need to shift from business as usual to advocate for a healthy planet. Supporting climate legislation is one way to do this.

Individuals can also slow global warming and its effects by supporting local and global businesses that prioritise sustainable and climate-smart practices. Revising waste habits and increasing awareness about climate change is a great place to start. Whatever actions we need to take to limit the amount of carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere is the path to take. 

Achieving a carbon-neutral ecosystem will require collaborative efforts from all of society. Be more intentional about reducing your carbon footprint and start the journey of lowering your impact on the environment today.