As the world marked the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Business Fights Poverty launched its new programme on Climate Justice. As well as becoming environmentally sustainable, climate justice demands that equity and inclusion are front-and-centre in efforts to tackle the climate emergency. The content shared by our community this fortnight provides insights into work already underway.
This month marked the anniversary of the WHO declaring the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone presents an opportune moment to reflect on the devastating loss of life and opportunity that has been suffered - particularly by the world’s most vulnerable people. Alongside this, the anniversary has been a time for us to remember the countless acts of solidarity by organisations across all sectors.
Business Fights Poverty’s Business and COVID-19 Response Centre was established to support and guide businesses in their own response to the crisis. The shared learning from a year of deep conversation and focused action now provides the foundation for the next stage: how we can rebuild better together.
Central to this urgent task is the role of business in tackling the climate emergency; 2021 has been described as ‘a make or break year’. In the words of US Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry, this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, will be ‘the world’s last, most important opportunity’ to limit global warming below 2oC, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
As things stand, there is a mountain to climb to hit this target, and - as we have seen with COVID-19 - it is those who are already most vulnerable who will have to bear the worst impacts of climate change.
So, with 215 days remaining before the start of COP26, Business Fights Poverty and our partners are launching a programme to crowdsource and share best practice on how business can ensure people are at the centre of climate action. This will culminate in our Climate Justice Summit in November 2021, to coincide with COP26. We hope you will all join us in this urgent mission.
For more information on how businesses can take action for climate justice, check out:
Of course, many businesses are already taking action on climate justice, and several of our articles published in the last fortnight provide insights into the valuable work that is underway:
Climate justice is not solely about the establishment of sustainable environmental practices; it also prioritises social equity and inclusion. Many of our members are already making strides in this area, particularly in the realm of economic and financial inclusion:
Our content this fortnight also particularly highlights the need for economic inclusion of women and youth, who are often marginalised but who also have the capacity to catalyse transformative change.
For articles with a focus on supporting women:
For insights into how business is empowering youth:
Business Fights Poverty is proud to be a Founding UK B Corp.
© 2021 Business Fights Poverty. The Business Fights Poverty logo and tree device are registered trademarks. View Terms and Conditions.
