Charting Your Course: Using the Climate Emergency Compass
Embarking on the journey to tackle our climate and biodiversity emergency often begins with a simple question: "Where do I start?" This statement encapsulates the shared sentiment of individuals and organisations alike as they navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, of climate action and environmental stewardship.
Amidst this uncertainty, lies a fundamental truth: the most crucial step is not necessarily pinpointing the perfect starting point, but rather, summoning the courage to commence the journey. It is the transformation of intention into action, the translation of aspiration into tangible progress, that defines the essence of acting. In a finite world filled with ever shortening windows to avert catastrophic climactic and environmental collapse it is delay that will be our downfall.
In the realm of sustainability and climate action, every initiative, no matter how modest, possesses the power to generate momentum. Each endeavour serves as a building block, fostering the development of skills, knowledge, and collaborative networks. Even in instances where the chosen path may not seem optimally strategic, or have the greatest return on investment, the act of initiation imbues individuals and organisations with the impetus to allocate resources and develop capabilities. Indeed, the commencement of action brings with it a cascade of possibilities, propelling stakeholders towards a future defined by one that is sustainable and resilient, and one that necessitates adaptation and repair.
Recently, in a talk, I introduced the concept of a climate emergency compass—a metaphorical tool with four pillars designed to guide and quickly orientate individuals amidst the vast landscape of challenges. Like to its traditional counterpart, the compass necessitates an initial act of centring—one must first ground themselves before the needle can cease its restless spinning. However, the beauty of this metaphor lies in its inherent flexibility; it matters not which cardinal direction one chooses to pursue, but rather, that they expedite embarking on the journey.
At the core of this compass lies four cardinal points, moving clockwise, each representing a distinct facet of action: governance, energy, biodiversity, and waste.
Governance serves as the cornerstone, shaping organisational culture, setting emission targets, robust procurement practices and establishing regulatory frameworks. In any society or organisation, this represents your true north.
Energy encompasses the spectrum of power generation, efficiency optimisation, and utilisation. All forms of movement and transportation also fall into this category.
Biodiversity encompasses the intricate web of life, including water systems, our food systems, and regeneration efforts spanning from soil health to biodiversity conservation. Understanding life as an intricate systems with endless externalities and feedback loops.
Waste signifies the imperative transition from linear to circular economic models, epitomising the ethos of resource conservation and regeneration. This includes adherence to the waste hierarchy, prioritising repair and sharing. It involves utilising resources efficiently and reclaiming them at the end of their lifecycle.
The CE Compass
Whether you aspire to cultivate personal practices or spearhead organisational transformations, the CE compass offers a guiding framework for action. By addressing each cardinal point comprehensively, individuals and organisations can chart a course towards a more sustainable future.
The call to action embedded here is to embrace the uncertainty and act. A truly sustainable existence offers not only the promise of a better tomorrow but the realisation of our shared responsibility towards the planet and future generations.