Business Leaders Share: How We Built a Science-Aligned Climate Plan

Wiki Article

Business Leaders Share: How We Built a Science-Aligned Climate Plan

When a group of us—CEOs, managers, team leads—sat around a table thinking about our company’s role in the climate crisis, one thing was clear: we had to move beyond good intentions. Creating a planet-positive impact needed more than just recycling bins in the break room or cutting down on business trips. We needed a plan that matched what science says is actually needed to slow down climate change.

Starting out, we didn’t have all the answers. But we agreed on a few things: climate change is real, it affects our future, and we have a part to play in solving it. So, we rolled up our sleeves and began learning. We turned to experts—climate scientists and sustainability advisors—who helped us understand what “science-aligned” means. In simple terms, it means setting goals that match what scientists say is needed to keep global warming under 1.5°C.

One big thing was figuring out our own carbon footprint. This meant looking at everything from how we power our offices to the transportation of our goods. Some surprises came up—like how small things added up more than we thought. That helped us see where the biggest impact could be made.

Then came setting targets. Science-based targets gave us a clear path. These are not just feel-good numbers—they’re grounded in what research tells us is needed. For us, this meant switching to renewable energy, redesigning some products to use fewer materials, and working with suppliers to reduce emissions too.

We didn’t get it perfect right away. We’re still learning. But making our goals public helped us stay on track. It also showed our employees, customers, and even our competitors that serious climate action is possible—and necessary.

One of the most helpful parts was talking to other companies doing the same thing. Sharing what worked (and what didn’t) saved us time and kept us motivated. Climate action doesn’t have to be a lonely road.

So if you’re a business leader wondering where to begin: start with what science says, get clear on your emissions, and commit to real cuts. You don’t have to be big to make a difference—you just have to start.Business Leaders Share: How We Built a Science-Aligned Climate Plan

When a group of us—CEOs, managers, team leads—sat around a table thinking about our company’s role in the climate crisis, one thing was clear: we had to move beyond good intentions. Creating a planet-positive impact needed more than just recycling bins in the break room or cutting down on business trips. We needed a plan that matched what science says is actually needed to slow down climate change.

Starting out, we didn’t have all the answers. But we agreed on a few things: climate change is real, it affects our future, and we have a part to play in solving it. So, we rolled up our sleeves and began learning. We turned to experts—climate scientists and sustainability advisors—who helped us understand what “science-aligned” means. In simple terms, it means setting goals that match what scientists say is needed to keep global warming under 1.5°C.

One big thing was figuring out our own carbon footprint. This meant looking at everything from how we power our offices to the transportation of our goods. Some surprises came up—like how small things added up more than we thought. That helped us see where the biggest impact could be made.

Then came setting targets. Science-based targets gave us a clear path. These are not just feel-good numbers—they’re grounded in what research tells us is needed. For us, this meant switching to renewable energy, redesigning some products to use fewer materials, and working with suppliers to reduce emissions too.

We didn’t get it perfect right away. We’re still learning. But making our goals public helped us stay on track. It also showed our employees, customers, and even our competitors that serious climate action is possible—and necessary.

One of the most helpful parts was talking to other companies doing the same thing. Sharing what worked (and what didn’t) saved us time and kept us motivated. Climate action doesn’t have to be a lonely road.

So if you’re a business leader wondering where to begin: start with what science says, get clear on your emissions, and commit to real cuts. You don’t have to be big to make a difference—you just have to start.