What are the most pressing environmental challenges that need immediate attention, particularly from the private sector?
As the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in April outlined, it’s now or never for the world to avert a climate catastrophe and limit global heating to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. Doing so requires everyone to work together and change their approach. Issues such as pollution, ocean acidification and loss of biodiversity are still causing untold damage to our societies, economies and ecosystems. This must change, and fast.
Currently not enough action is being taken by the public and private sectors to address these issues. The private sector has been accused of prioritising profit over the environment. While this isn’t true in most cases, damaging practices do remain across the world. Whether it’s disposing of waste improperly or causing deforestation, many businesses must change their attitude and recognise that sustainability needs to be central to what they do, not merely an add-on. It’s vital that this attitude shift takes place, not
