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Environmental Actions Growing

Summary

How we design everything, from technology to packaging to legislation, in the coming years will make a difference in our ability to effectively accomplish climate and sustainability related goals.

The degree to which all relevant players prioritize climate action is one indicator towards shifting environmental priorities but the quality and speed at which those actions are implemented are largely missing components. Awareness and subsequent engagement in sustainable behaviors aren’t equal across individuals or corporations globally. When outlining and setting out to accomplish certain environmental goals, the behaviors of, and relationships with, other communities and nations influence any party’s ability to succeed in their goals. These relations can accelerate the need for climate driven transitions, independence, and resiliency or accelerate the achievement of these. Strategic preparations and change are needed to thrive amid potential disruptions due to climate change. Corporations/business/industry, consumers, associations, and policy makers “will need to build partnerships, pool investments, and agree on common standards, infrastructures, platforms, and governance frameworks.” (Record 351) Without cooperation and collaboration, we run the risk that our individual efforts won’t be impactful enough or fast enough to avoid the most severe consequences.

Understanding and engaging motivation to adopt climate positive behaviors will be crucial in minimizing climate effects as well as achieving cooperation and collaboration across players. Economic incentives still seem to be a key driver motivating shifts towards environmental actions. Businesses can see economic benefits for adopting environmentally positive actions but often they are contingent upon consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for sustainable goods. Though the increasing environmental awareness is driving demand for environmental-friendliness and goods, there’s a risk – demand and technological solutions can harm resources and increase energy demands and climate impacts if they aren’t efficient and effective.

Corporations and governments alike can benefit as these changes can increase resilience and financial stability in the face of climate change.

Governments and legislation appear to be considerable bottle necks for certain environmental actions and have, in many cases, hindered action on climate change. For something that is considered one of, if not the key issue of our time, voters and politicians alike are lacking when it comes to meaningful climate action. Solutions and technologies being designed now are expected to be key to helping us combat climate change and policy needs to be looking ahead and preparing for/ to support what will come. Policies and policy makers need to engage in greater long-term thought and planning for climate related legislation. Willingness to take significant policy measures and regulations creating favorable conditions and opportunities for investment in innovation/innovative solutions will positively impact the fight against climate change.