There is no Planet B

The issues around climate crisis will take centre stage in a few weeks’ time at the UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (COP26 Summit), which takes place in Glasgow.

For many people and businesses, knowing where to start to bring about change is daunting.

Author and expert on carbon footprint Mike Berners-Lee was our guest speaker on 15 October 2021, providing his view of what individuals and businesses can do.

Mike’s message is clear, if we don’t make a transition now, it will be too late. Businesses and individuals can bring about the big system changes needed to save the planet.

Mike also highlighted it is no longer ok for businesses to exist just to make profit, they need to exist for the benefit of people and the planet. In the Mercer & Hole webinar, he highlighted how we can all be mapping out our carbon footprints to find ways to reduce waste, travel less, mend more, de-materialise and think about how our investments such as pensions, and whether they are invested in climate responsible businesses.

Also, if it’s not always the case now, in the near future, businesses will find they have a much more informed and active workforce who insist on change, and consumers will be much more selective about who they buy from. Consumers will create the conditions to allow businesses to change.

Some businesses will be looking ahead and do the right thing now, and in the future many peoples’ career choices will be influenced by what businesses are doing.

Paul Maberly, Managing Partner at Mercer & Hole comments: “It is very clear that there is much more that we can all do now and Mike presents the evidence and many of the solutions in a really clear and concise way. We are grateful to him for taking the time to speak to the Mercer & Hole team and friends of the firm today and we will continue to find ways that we as a business, and as individuals can also work towards a sustainable future.”