Climate Action for Associations

🌍 The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has introduced the Green Physician Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to assist doctors in achieving net zero emissions in their practices. This innovative toolkit provides insights into the link between climate change and health, practical actions to improve sustainability, detailed case studies showcasing best practices, and essential resources to support environmental initiatives. By equipping healthcare professionals with these tools, the RCP is fostering better patient care and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change. This initiative represents a significant step towards a sustainable future in healthcare. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTNgQT_9 Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) aims to accelerate the transition of entire sectors and professions towards sustainability. In line with the Green Physician Toolkit, we foster community learning, enabling membership organisations to confidently fulfil their sustainability commitments and ultimately contribute to a healthier planet. Support your membership organisation’s climate action journey by joining us here: https://lnkd.in/egzBndg #Healthcare #Sustainability #NetZero #ClimateAction #GreenPhysicianToolkit #RCP #EnvironmentalHealth

With the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan falling halfway through this decisive decade, the outcomes of this year's negotiations on loss and damage and other key issues will shape our collective future for generations to come. These conversations must be held by committed people of integrity, with proven experience in this very specific field of expertise. I could not be more pleased therefore to hear that Secretary of Energy Ed Miliband will be leading the UK's negotiations himself. https://lnkd.in/diVAW9fE

The Government this evening told the High Court that approval for a new coal mine in Cumbria should be quashed. Both this case and a similar decision by the Supreme Court last month cited IEMA guidance on greenhouse gas emissions. In June, Surrey County Council were told by the Supreme Court that they should have considered the full climate impact when issuing a new oil extraction licence in the county - not just local environmental impacts. IEMA deputy CEO Martin Baxter described the Supreme Court ruling in June as "massive" and it seems that decision may already be having implications. Martin says: “Not only is common sense finally prevailing in both the Cumbria Coal Mine and Surrey Oil Well cases .. but more importantly, we as a nation are finally making energy decisions based on evidence and scientific rigour. “Both of these cases used IEMA Guidance on Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions to carry out Environment Impact Assessments, but ultimately the evidence was disregarded. "Last month the Supreme Court rightly judged that it was 'inevitable' that oil extracted from the Surrey site will be burned and greenhouse gases released, while back in 2022 the Planning Inspectors report on the Cumbria Coal Mine said ‘substantial carbon emissions will arise from the end use of the extracted coal ... and that the release of these emissions at this scale and intensity are likely to be significant’. "IEMA has been consistent in its view that this should be a material consideration in the decision on whether to grant approval." More on the Landmark climate ruling from June: https://bit.ly/3Xv2VoI

👉 Google's "Environmental Report 2024" reveals a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, which have increased by 48% between 2019 and 2023, with a 13% increase happening this past year. This surge is attributed mainly to higher energy consumption in data centres and increased supply chain emissions. ♻ The report highlights the challenges posed by integrating AI into products, as generative AI—responsible for creating content from scratch—requires about 33% more energy than task-specific hardware. 💻 Data centres, housing vast servers that power AI, consume considerable amounts of energy and water for cooling the machines, which are prone to overheating. As Google invests more in technical infrastructure, mitigating these emissions becomes increasingly challenging. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eiGsAYE9 #Sustainability #AI #ClimateAction #GoogleEnvironmentalReport #DataCenters #ClimateActionForAssociations

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the spotlight will be on athletes achieving remarkable feats. Titles like the fastest, strongest, bravest, and greatest will be awarded. Yet, the environmental cost of these events often goes unspoken. The Paris 2024 organising committee has emphasised sustainability by declaring their commitment to delivering the first Olympic Games fully aligned with the Olympic Agenda 2020. They are aiming to halve the carbon footprint of these Games compared to previous ones through innovative solutions in energy, food, venues, transport, and digital services. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ePdTqdbx Climate Action for Associations is dedicated to driving significant change within the association sector, mirroring the proactive sustainability measures championed by events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics and the ISO 20121:24 Event Sustainability Management Systems Standard. By empowering membership organisations to align with global initiatives aimed at sustainability, CAFA assists in setting the stage for a more sustainable future. This approach not only supports environmental stewardship but also positions these organisations as leaders in fostering lasting positive impacts on a global scale. Learn more on what we can do for your organisation here: https://lnkd.in/gwasdDT #Olympics #Paris2024 #SustainableEvents #ClimateAction #GreenAmbitions #EventSustainability #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalStewardship #GlobalImpact #ClimateActionForAssociations

The Earth’s average temperature was more than 1.5°C warmer than preindustrial levels over the last 12 consecutive months. Does that mean we've passed the Paris goal? NO. The global average must be above 1.5°C for more than a decade for that to happen. So what DOES it mean? 1️⃣ With a full year on the board, we're that much closer to the threshold. As one person said: this year is orientation. Do we want to take the course? 2️⃣ This year (which feels very extreme) will be merely an average year at 1.5C. Let that sink in. 😬🔥 Here's the most important thing. 1.5C and even 2C (the Paris agreement actually lists two thresholds) are not magic numbers. We won't be fine if we end up at 1.499, and it won't be all over if we end up at 1.51. What the science says is this: "Every bit of warming matters. Every action matters. Every choice matters." The more carbon we produce, the worse it gets. The faster we cut emissions, the better off we'll all be. The greatest uncertainty in determining how bad it will be is US. Our future is in our hands.

🌍 A recent WWF and Ellen MacArthur Foundation survey reveals that small businesses worldwide back a proposed UN treaty to curb plastic pollution. Despite initial challenges, such as new taxes and compliance costs, MSMEs believe in the long-term benefits, including job creation in sustainable sectors. ♻ Most MSMEs support the treaty, viewing it as a positive environmental step. Service providers in recycling and alternative materials anticipate net benefits, although financial challenges remain a concern, with calls for more support to aid the transition. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eG7tT_ic In line with these efforts, CAFA is committed to fostering significant transformation within the association sector. By empowering membership organisations to align with initiatives such as the proposed global treaty on plastic pollution, we help organisations lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for all. To find our more and join the CAFA Collective, learn more here: https://lnkd.in/egzBndg #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #SMEs #Associations #ClimateAction #GreenTransformation #ClimateActionForAssociations

So what will the new Labour government do about climate change? For an answer, I've been taking another look at the interview I did at Innovation Zero with Ed Miliband, who's now Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero. He was in opposition when we met on-stage back in May so we were still using the word 'if' but the polls were already clear about the likely outcome. Key points: A big theme is the link between fuel poverty and our dependence on high-priced fossil fuels. Clean energy, he said, is the route to tackling the cost of living crisis. That's true because wind, solar, heat pumps and insulation can displace expensive gas imports. Another very welcome message: consistent policy. No more 'capricious shifts' to please the anti-Net Zero brigade causing uncertainty for business, instead a 'North Star' of decarbonised power by 2030 so companies know what's happening and can plan. Also positive, the use of public investment to encourage private investment as part of clear strategy involving the whole government. Including the Treasury. Ed Miliband wants more rooftop solar, benefits for communities hosting renewables and regulators to have a Net Zero mandate. He'll look at regional pricing - an appealing idea promoted by Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy. We'll have to see how much of this actually happens, especially the trickier - but valuable - ideas like obliging companies to have transition plans to keep global warming to 1.5C. Will there be penalties if they don't, I asked. He wasn't clear on that or on whether there'd be tariffs on cheap Chinese electric cars. He was confident UK manufacturers would rise to the challenge. OK. Two observations: Ed Miliband brings a wealth of experience to the job - and humour. Innovation Zero, he said, was a 'Glastonbury for energy nerds', counting himself as one. And backstage it was good to see him comfortable with Greg Jackson. Gone are the days of Boris Johnson saying "F*** business". This is a government that seems to embrace the people trying to deliver fast-paced change. Of course there's a world of difference between bold statements in opposition and the gritty challenges and trade-offs of power. But anything after the flip-flopping and culture wars of the last lot would be an improvement and this really feels like a bright new start. We badly need one. https://lnkd.in/erdd3uFU

Shifting climates and dwindling food supplies. From oranges in Brazil to cocoa in West Africa, olives in Southern Europe to coffee in Vietnam, climate change is transforming agriculture. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, frosts and a combination of these are permanently altering weather patterns, reducing crop yields, squeezing supplies, and driving up prices. In the UK, a third of the 2023 food price increase was attributed to climate change - Wheat up 17%, palm oil 23% , sugar 9% and pork 21%. Staples like rice, soybeans, corn, and potatoes are also at risk and global food inflation rates could rise by up to 3.2% annually over the next decade. The impact of climate change on our food systems is undeniable and demands urgent action. https://lnkd.in/ebKsXuYW

Genuinely positive news: A science leader who really gets climate change is appointed science minister: Sir Patrick Vallance. He’s quoted by The Independent as saying that a top priority is “the urgent need to end the era of excessive carbon emissions, high energy bills and energy insecurity by accelerating the net zero transition to clean, homegrown energy. “With a determined effort using currently available technologies and those that are close to being deployable, a clean power system by 2030 is achievable.” Great to have someone who understands the importance of evidence - and of acting on it - at the heart of government.