Today we?re seeing that climate change is not just a few unseasonably mild winters or hot summers. It?s much more. It?s about the chain of natural catastrophes and devastating weather patterns that global warming is beginning to set off around the world… the frequency and intensity of which are breaking records thousands of years old. Recent cyclones in coastal states, droughts, famines and unpredictable seasonal patterns are testimony to the fact.
In such circumstances, what can Indian businesses do? India?s business enterprises are diverse?from manufacturing and ITeS to healthcare and hospitality. We have travelled a long way since the economic liberalisation of the 1990s. In terms of size, we have a string of well-established family businesses, MNCs and conglomerates. Some mantras to be followed by Indian companies are:
Make a commitment: simple actions like announcing carbon-neutral steps can be effective
Assess your stand: knowing how you generate greenhouse gases is the first step to reduce them
Decide where you want to go: targets help focus efforts and provide a benchmark for measuring success
Decarbon your life: integrating climate-friendly criteria into decision making can trigger a ripple effect
Buy green, sell green: innovative product design and presentation combined with marketing and communications can ensure customer loyalty
Tap synergy: companies can team up and offer support to each other to ensure their long-term sustainability.
