Every day we receive dozens of opposing messages about the costs of business to the environment, and the cost of sustainability to business. So I wanted to make this column about getting to the truth of things, clearing up some confusion, and sharing positive stories of NZ businesses that are absolutely flourishing by taking a sustainable approach.
By roundabout way of introduction… I head up the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). Our aim has always been to help Kiwi businesses succeed through sustainability. We're not lobbyists. There are other groups in New Zealand doing great work in that area already. Instead, we're about creating change by giving the organisations we work with the tools and networking opportunities they need to thrive – within a framework that supports people and planet as much as profits.
I'm incredibly lucky to have recently been asked to take part in the global Climate Reality Project's '24 Hours of Reality'. This is a worldwide event on September 14-15 to get the word out about the reality of the climate crisis, hosted by Al Gore and 22 Presenters, across 24 Time Zones and broadcast in 13 Languages.
Which is rather ironic timing really.
Because I was also approached by a PR association to debate climate change with climate sceptic Lord Monckton (not a Lord BTW, but that's another subject) during his visit to NZ. And here's the chuckle: Monckton is being hosted by a group called the 'Climate Realists'.
Two groups with diametrically opposed philosophies using very, very similar names. You can imagine the potential confusion here. And I think that in terms of the second organisation, that's exactly the tactic. Because when people are confused, it can be comforting to cling to the status quo.
Well I for one believe the status quo is not working anymore. Climate change is real, and it's one of the greatest challenges (and opportunities!!) facing business all over the world. We've moved beyond the point of debate. Sadly, when it comes to climate change science – despite the research and statistics of 100 scientists – it often takes just one sceptic fly in the ointment to cast doubt on the facts.
So over the next few weeks, I'll be trying to bust the myths around sustainability, while talking about people who are challenging themselves to find new, more sustainable ways to do business. And succeeding.
Now just where did I put my fly swatter…?
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
My new favorite term is “Climate Cultist” I’m not a climate denier either, I never denied there was a climate, nor do I deny climate change is happening, it’s been happening for 4 billion years! I’m just not convinced that giving international bankers our entire economy through carbon taxes is a bright Idea, I suppose if I had no idea how the international banking cartels operate I might easily be duped into supporting the climate change agenda. But as it turns out I’m too informed. SORRY! Here is the presentation Lord Monckton gave in Auckland for anyone who wishes to see the other side of the argument http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1OYLCiAzGw
Hi there,
As the co-founder of Climate Realists (NZ) I was very interested to be informed of this web post.
How easy it is to make assumptions, how simple to criticise people who you have never even had the courtesy to contact.
Our network has been in existence for three years now and chose a name which reflects exactly who we consider ourselves to be. No tactics, no subversive plot- just a couple of concerned NZ’ers who have very grave reservations about the commonly held views regarding anthropogenic global warming.
We had never even heard of ‘climate reality project’ when we chose our name!
Our website http://www.climaterealists.org.nz has a ‘contact us’ option- how about before launching an attack against someone you know nothing about, you have the common decency to contact us and actually get your facts straight? Check out some of your assertions?
I look forward to hearing from you. If you have the courage to follow this through.
Yours sincerely,
Esther Henderson
co-founder, Climate Realists Network (NZ)
Kia ora Esther,
Apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
I have to admit I was initially confused by your response but think I get it now.
Re: the commonality of the names.
This point was a reference to the fact that most of the public are confused about climate change and when they try to locate good scientific information, they are presented with conflicting information from sources which appear to be similar by virtue of their names, for example Climate Realists Vs. Climate Reality.
The Climate Reality Project is an international project whose name was selected by Al Gore’s team in the US. What’s interesting is that over the 24 hour period the project aired, 8.6 million viewers tuned in so clearly there’s huge interest in this issue.
The goal of this project is to speed up the response from people world-wide to the very serious matters of a changing climate. Its aim was to demystify by clearing up points of confusion including:
- Showing images of the impact that our warming climate is now having around the world – and how the severity and frequency of damaging events has increased.
- That there is global scientific consensus that the climate is warming and human activity is responsible for this.
o Busting a few myths using scientific evidence from the world’s leading climate scientists e.g. In the last 35 years of global warming, the sun has not influenced climate. Sun and climate have been going in opposite temperature directions.
o That contrary to some opinions the temperature globally is continuing to rise. There are slight fluctuations in annual temperatures but the trend is certainly on the increase.
o Climate scientists rely on climate models rather than reality when in fact we have 12 lines of evidence already which show the climate is warming. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
Whether you want to believe that humans are impacting on the climate or not, it would be foolish of any business to stop listening to popular opinion. The world’s markets are now looking for clean, green responsibility products and services and the growth in green tech, renewables, ethical food, eco-tourism etc. is increasing rapidly.
What frustrates me is that we’re still debating whether the climate is changing because of human activity, particularly the use of fossil fuels, is a fact or not. And this on-going debate means that we’re wasting time and energy which would be better expended on finding a smarter and better way of living on this beautiful planet.
There is huge risk for our economy if we don’t take this seriously – and equally huge opportunity if we do. NZ is a lucky country by virtue of our location, size, and stunning environment but we are way behind in providing new solutions for e.g. clean tech. I recommend people have a good look at the work of Pure Advantage –www.pureadvantage.org.nz – they have some excellent opportunities articulated for our economic future.
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