The Covid pandemic awakened an appreciation for the planet and the impact we are having on it. In turn, this has driven organisations to look at whether they can be more sustainable, writes Michael O’Hara.

The pandemic caused reverberations throughout people’s lives and created widespread change, including the great resignation currently unfolding across the globe as people leave and change jobs in search of something better, more suitable, or in line with their expectations.

It has also brought about another great shift – the great realisation around how fragile mankind is.

While temporarily taking attention away from undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the world, the pandemic has actually ended up turning the spotlight back on climate change.

More accurately, and perhaps unintentionally, it has turned the spotlight on the potential impact of today’s collective action on slowing down the effects of climate change for tomorrow’s generations.

Having witnessed first-hand the benefits of widespread remote working and reduced business travel over the past two years, there has been a heightened desire to go green, be sustainable and more ethical in terms of business objectives and strategies.

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Fixing the problem

While the answer to how we can be more sustainable might not be clear, the issue we are facing certainly is. There is no longer any room for harmful and outdated business practices that contribute to this ever-growing, ever-damaging global crisis.

Climate change is here to stay and is only becoming more critical. In fact, the state of the world today is as good as it will ever be.

That’s incredibly concerning when you consider that we are already reaching the peak of what mankind can get from the planet in terms of resources, fresh air and biodiversity.

The world has already started to go downhill. According to the Global Footprint Network, humanity uses the equivalent of 1.7 planets to provide the resources necessary to produce the goods we use and absorb the waste we produce.

This means that it takes the planet one year and eight months to regenerate what is used in a year. By 2030, we will need the equivalent of two planets.

Climate change is also having an economic impact. In fact, a report by the International Monetary Fund found that we pay out $11m every minute globally to subsidise coal and other fossil fuels. A world leeched of its resources won’t be able to sustain life, never mind turn a profit.

If only people and companies put as much of a focus on helping the planet as they do on achieving financial growth. This shift in mindset is crucial if real and impactful change is to happen.

Finding the solution

There is no secret answer or quick fix. This isn’t a problem that is going to disappear through one action or in one day. It requires collective action, and it will take time. But there are things that can be done now to make the future of the planet look more promising.

The first step is education and awareness. Companies must measure their carbon footprint and then identify the areas where they can make operations more sustainable.

Speaking with other organisations about what has worked is also a useful exercise for determining best practices and implementing processes that reduce carbon emissions.

This means rolling out a hybrid working policy, switching to renewable energy sources and moving to more energy efficient technologies.

While technology is only part of the puzzle, it is already helping in the battle against climate change. For example, it supports remote working, enabling people to do their jobs effectively from any location and cutting down on commuting. Similarly, developments in technology have made hybrid and electric cars a possibility.

As mentioned, the pandemic certainly distracted from climate change, but it brought about discussions around the concept of the office and travelling for work, accelerating the thought process of business leaders in relation to what they really need to make their company operate.

Focusing on benefits

Through collective actions and collaborative efforts, it is possible for organisations to have a real impact on reversing the effects of climate change. Business leaders have a pivotal role in both their industries and as individuals among colleagues, friends and family members.

Being more sustainable is a long journey, but it is a necessary and advantageous one. After all, customers and partners are increasingly looking for like-minded companies which promote the sustainability and ethical agenda. Workers also prefer companies that are planet and people oriented.

Thus, the benefits are vast. As well as helping to drive growth and attract the best talent, Irish businesses have the power to not only make their operations greener, but also make the world better for the future.

And if we all realised these benefits, the impact could be truly life changing. Thankfully, the awakening is starting to happen.

Michael O’Hara (pictured) is managing director of DataSolutions and co-founder of Techies Go Green.