Planetary survival matters

Time for change: Delegates in the Action Zone attending the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow. — AFP

THE language of climate change, protecting the environment and sustainability now permeates through every sphere of life. At the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) – and indeed, other organisations that advocate institutional reforms, human rights, international trade or economic issues – there is a realisation that it is meaningless unless we preserve the planet.

As a director in companies spanning different sectors from manufacturing to financial services, I’ve seen how annual reports boast Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. Some dismiss this as greenwashing but in many cases the private sector is far ahead of government.

Even if stakeholders are worried about the impact on the bottom line, the ubiquitous vocabulary of doing good ostracises companies who do bad: for example, single-use plastic has disappeared from boardrooms and conferences.Every form of art – from movies, music, theatre, dance and visual arts – has advocates using their talent to spread climate awareness. Some use traditional instruments, fabrics and styles to highlight connections between indigenous communities and the Earth, and others use the language of innovation to show how we can prosper in the future. For me, the documentaries of David Attenborough were the primary window into Earth’s wonders, and his concerns about the planet’s deterioration increase with each new production.