https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/startup-fills-climate-data-gap-with-ai-intelligence-to-boost-decarbonisation <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Startup fills climate data gap with AI intelligence to boost decarbonisation</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/startup-fills-climate-data-gap-with-ai-intelligence-to-boost-decarbonisation" data-a2a-title="Startup fills climate data gap with AI intelligence to boost decarbonisation"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img 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src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/carbon-management" hreflang="en">Carbon Management</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/carbon-emission" hreflang="en">Carbon Emission</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/start-up" hreflang="en">Start-up</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/carbon-management" hreflang="en">Carbon Management</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Startup fills climate data gap with AI intelligence to boost decarbonisation" title="Startup fills climate data gap with AI intelligence to boost decarbonisation" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1619.jpg?itok=PrTWaJSP" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5010 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5011 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Despite the skyrocketing number of net-zero emission pledges set by countries, companies, and other entities, greenhouse gas emissions still need to be reduced by 43 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 globally, according to the United Nations' latest <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition" target="_blank">figures</a>.</p> <p>While carbon management is becoming increasingly a core business activity, collecting and analysing data presents challenges since emissions must be tracked across direct, indirect and value chain activities as these inputs are classified as Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in reporting systems.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5014 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5012 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Lara Obst, Co-Founder and Chief Climate Officer at <a href="https://theclimatechoice.com/" target="_blank">ClimateChoice</a>, a Berlin-based climate tech company, highlights that supply chain emissions typically account for over 80 per cent of a company’s total carbon footprint.</p> <p>“We chose to focus on Scope 3 emissions because they represent a significant but often overlooked part of the decarbonisation journey,” she explains, adding that this area is a critical blind spot for many organisations.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5013 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1620.jpg" width="586" height="326" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Co-Founders of climate tech startup, ClimateChoice: Dr. Rey Farhan, Lara Obst and Yasha Tarani (left to right)</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5015 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“With upcoming regulations like the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requiring over 50,000 companies to report and address Scope 3 emissions starting in 2025, taking action is no longer optional — it’s essential.”</p> </blockquote> <p>ClimateChoice provides an AI-first climate intelligence platform specifically designed for procurement and climate teams to empower businesses to accelerate Scope 3 decarbonisation through informed climate choices.</p> <p>Lara had her “climate aha moment” in 2014 when studying the IPCC* report, which made her realise that 50% of global emissions are concentrated in just eight international supply chains.</p> <p>She says this recognition fuels her daily work since she firmly believes that addressing this area can transform an overwhelming challenge into a manageable one.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Our goal is to empower sustainability and procurement leaders with the tools and support they need to overcome these complexities and achieve their Scope 3 reduction targets.</p> </blockquote> <p>This involves gathering data from hundreds or thousands of suppliers, assessing their climate maturity, accelerating sustainable procurement processes, and implementing structured decarbonisation roadmaps.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5016 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Climate data management presents various challenges, as Lara describes that decision-makers struggle with insufficient input on supplier emissions and climate efforts, which leads to a lack of transparency.</p> <p>Relying on manual methods like emails and Excel sheets also makes data collection inefficient and prone to errors, slowing progress. In addition, suppliers are often overwhelmed by repetitive requests and unclear processes, leading to lower participation and slower adoption of climate initiatives.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Our platform automates data collection from publicly available sources, such as sustainability reports, websites and other databases, to create initial climate profiles for suppliers. Companies can then invite their suppliers to enrich these profiles, avoiding the need to start from scratch,”</p> </blockquote> <p>Lara explains what makes ClimatChoice unique.</p> <p>“This approach eliminates inefficiencies, enhances transparency, and fosters effective supplier engagement, setting the stage for collaborative decarbonisation efforts.”</p> <p>ClimateChoice is building a global network of climate-conscious businesses, already having users from over 140 countries, and expanding its reach through an expert-led peer learning initiative, which currently includes 40 leading companies.</p> <p>One of their recent collaborations with global tech giant Lenovo demonstrates the power of joint climate action through innovative, data-centric approaches as they engaged the multinational company`s international network in decarbonisation efforts.</p> <p>Leveraging their AI-driven data platform, Lara and her team first analysed a vast amount of public data, typically covering over 100 detailed data points per supplier, to create individualised ClimateChoice Scorecards for each partner, followed by activating accounts that offered secure additional data sharing – including emission metrics, relevant initiatives and climate targets.</p> <p>“This two-way data flow provided all participants with real-time climate performance benchmarks and tailored feedback, fostering transparency and collaboration across the supply chain,” Lara recalls.</p> <p>“As a result, Lenovo achieved a Gold rating for climate leadership, while its partners collectively reached a Silver-equivalent rating.“</p> <p>She adds that companies cannot comply with regulations, effectively track improvements, or build trust with stakeholders without accurate and transparent data, so ClimateChoice strives to turn transparency into action.</p> <p>Apart from constantly developing and improving their platform, Lara shares that raising awareness and promoting the potential in managing Scope 3 emissions is also an important part of their work.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5019 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5017 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Winning the <a href="https://greentechfestival.com/startup-slam/" target="_blank">Green Startup Slam</a> competition at the <a href="https://greentechfestival.com/" target="_blank">Greentech Festival</a> (GTF) Los Angeles <a href="https://usa.greentechfestival.com/?_gl=1*1b2l11o*_gcl_au*MTg4OTI1NzAxOS4xNzM0MzY1MzM2*_ga*MTU1NDMwMTMxNC4xNzI2MTMzMzky*_ga_LFE022050Q*MTczNDQ1MTA4Mi4yMy4xLjE3MzQ0NTI2ODUuMC4wLjA.*_ga_KX4LPF0VWY*MTczNDQ1MTA4Mi4yMy4xLjE3MzQ0NTI2ODUuMC4wLjA.*_ga_8RP3B5FJ3T*MTczNDQ1MTA4Mi4yMy4xLjE3MzQ0NTI2ODUuMC4wLjA.*_ga_1BCLP885WJ*MTczNDQ1MTA4Mi4yMy4xLjE3MzQ0NTI2ODUuMC4wLjA." target="_blank">event </a>in November was an outstanding opportunity for her to connect with sustainability leaders and impact investors overseas.</p> <p>Reflecting on this achievement, Lara says: “Being able to share our mission on stage was already a highlight, but winning the competition against such innovative changemakers was beyond anything I anticipated.</p> <blockquote> <p>This recognition reaffirms that we’re addressing a pressing global problem – one that resonates with many seeking impactful, scalable solutions.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5018 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1621.jpg" width="558" height="378" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Lara Obst, Co-Founder and Chief Climate Officer at ClimateChoice pitching at the Green Startup Slam competition at the Greentech Festival (GTF) Los Angeles event in 2024.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5020 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Milestones like this further inspire ClimateChoice as a startup to continue driving meaningful action and contributing to the collective effort of turning climate ambitions into tangible results.</p> <blockquote> <p>“The entire experience at GTF was very inspiring, and it reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing and global networks in achieving our shared climate goals.”</p> </blockquote> <p>ClimateChoice also offers white papers such as the Scope 3 Strategy Canvas or the Best Practice Guide as part of their educational outreach, in addition to hosting learning programmes and fostering a community of practitioners.</p> <p>Looking into the future, Lara shares: “Securing $2 million in funding in 2023 has enabled us to scale our platform across industries and geographies, significantly expanding global supply chain coverage. Our next big goal is establishing climate-smart supply chains as the industry standard, driving systemic change and accelerating decarbonisation at scale.”</p> <hr /><p><span style="font-size:10px">* <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/" target="_blank">IPCC report</a> - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change produces assesment reports on climate change</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">December 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/greentech-festival">Greentech Festival</a> </div> </div> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:17:43 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 359 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/climate-tech-conference-advocates-for-change-in-the-us-despite-expected-regressive-anti <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/climate-tech-conference-advocates-for-change-in-the-us-despite-expected-regressive-anti" data-a2a-title="Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-tech" hreflang="en">Climate Tech</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-innovation" hreflang="en">Climate Innovation</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/conference" hreflang="en">Conference</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/climate-innovation" hreflang="en">Climate Innovation</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies" title="Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1608.jpg?itok=VtJHqG4O" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4968 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4969 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The <a href="https://greentechfestival.com/gtf-connect/" target="_blank">GTF Connect</a> international event series, initiated by leading global climate innovation platform <a href="https://greentechfestival.com/" target="_blank">GREENTECH FESTIVAL</a>, will host two days of thought-provoking discussions, networking and awards to advocate for the green transition in Los Angeles at the iconic Avalon Hollywood on November 14th and 15th.</p> <p>This year's central theme is “Business as Usual is Dead,” aiming to emphasise the need for a new era where green innovation and leadership drive the economy, and profit-only priorities are in the past.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4972 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4970 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Nico Rosberg, Sustainability &amp; VC Entrepreneur and co-founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, commented: “This year’s GTF Connect in Los Angeles is about uniting to transform today’s unprecedented challenges into opportunities for a better tomorrow.</p> <blockquote> <p>Business as usual is Dead, and we’re eager to dive deep into what this means for the future of sustainability, innovation, and green technology.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4971 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1609.jpg" width="521" height="399" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Nico Rosberg, Sustainability &amp; VC Entrepreneur and co-founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4973 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>With two main categories, the ‘Start-up’ and ‘Changemaker`, GREEN AWARDS will present exciting US-based climate innovators on the first day.</p> <p>The lineup for nominees includes start-ups such as Ascend Elements, Twelve, and Lyten, which are making waves by drastically lowering emissions in the battery and jet fuel spaces using innovative materials and technologies.</p> <p>The conference will take place on the second day and is jam-packed with inspiring leaders and influential creators sharing insights, as well as the GREEN START-UP SLAMS and GREEN INVESTORS CRUNCH sessions with various networking opportunities.</p> <p>Debates on stage will explore topics like “Can the LA Olympics be a Movement for Good?” and “Is Sustainable Hollywood just another Fairytale?” besides discussing equitable cities, energy transformation, and accessible mobility for all.</p> <p>One of the renowned speakers, Erin Simon, VP and Head of Plastic Waste at the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank">World Wildlife Fund</a>, says:</p> <blockquote> <p>“We need to design solutions for the future we want, not the reality we are in. I am not saying we don’t need to be grounded, but we need to think outside of today’s barriers if we want actual change.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4976 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4974 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1610.jpg" width="956" height="558" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">GTF panel discussion, Berlin. Image: GREENTECH FESTIVAL</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4975 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Attendees will have the chance to hear from changemakers, including Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability at Waymo, Conyers Davis, Global Director of USC’s Schwarzenegger Institute and Nurit Katz, Chief Sustainability Officer, UCLA, to name a few.</p> <p>After hosting GTF Connect events in London and Singapore in 2024, the Los Angeles conference will welcome approximately 600 guests, including a 50-person business delegation from Germany led by the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4977 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Marco Voigt, Co-Founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, shares what drives them to advance the green agenda:</p> <blockquote> <p>“… green leadership deserves to be recognised, and we want to play our part by providing the platform and inspiration for business leaders to see what’s possible when green business innovation, technology, and leadership unite.</p> </blockquote> <p>We have learned a lot from our peers across the globe on our 2024 tour, and we’re excited that GTF Connect has the opportunity to return to Los Angeles a second time, especially given that we aim to celebrate and promote green change across the entire planet.”</p> <p>Those interested in joining the GTF Connect event in Los Angeles can avail <a href="https://usa.greentechfestival.com/tickets/" target="_blank">free tickets</a> on the event`s website.</p> <p>The GREENTECH FESTIVAL is a leading global platform for business sustainability, uniting innovators, changemakers and communities to showcase cutting-edge green technologies, share actionable insights and accelerate the decarbonisation of industry.</p> <p>By expanding globally, the festival aims to celebrate and promote green globally, as organisers firmly believe this world urgently needs sustainable transformation.</p> <hr /><p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-4979"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4978 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Read more insights with Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business at the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank">World Wildlife Fund </a>(WWF), a participant in the "Creating Change" panel discussion at the <a href="https://usa.greentechfestival.com/" target="_blank">GTF Connect Los Angeles</a> event on 14-15 November:</p> <p class="font-subtitle"><a href="https://climatejournal.news/news/making-a-world-without-plastic-pollution-a-reality" target="_blank">Read the article &gt;&gt;</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">November 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/greentech-festival">Greentech Festival</a> </div> </div> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:06:28 +0000 Climate Journal reporting 356 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/making-a-world-without-plastic-pollution-a-reality <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Making a world without plastic pollution a reality</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/making-a-world-without-plastic-pollution-a-reality" data-a2a-title="Making a world without plastic pollution a reality"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/plastic-pollution" hreflang="en">Plastic Pollution</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-action" hreflang="en">Climate Action</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/plastic-pollution" hreflang="en">Plastic pollution</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Making a world without plastic pollution a reality" title="Making a world without plastic pollution a reality" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1601.png?itok=QGoW3_K5" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="field field--name-field-lead field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Changemaker insight with Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business, World Wildlife Fund</div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4955 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4958 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Whether we consider biodiversity loss, polluting fossil fuels, or climate disasters, the picture is clear: we must change systems at scale.</p> <p>Although change doesn`t happen overnight, and if you recall any recent personal endeavours to change something in your life, from shifting to a healthier diet to squeezing in more exercise, you will agree that change is difficult.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4961 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4959 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of the most pressing global challenges we face is plastic pollution, given that every year a staggering <a href="https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution" target="_blank">19-23 million</a> tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).</p> <p>As Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business at the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank">World Wildlife Fund </a>(WWF), Erin Simon drives positive change across industries in packaging and material sustainability while leading one of WWF`s flagship campaigns, “<a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/no-plastic-in-nature?s_subsrc=homepage" target="_blank">No Plastic in Nature</a>”.</p> <p>“Mount Everest. The streets in your neighbourhood. Tropical beaches on remote islands. Your local park. The Mariana Trench. What do all of these places have in common? You can almost guarantee that you will find plastic waste in every one of them”, says Erin about the scale of the plastic challenge.</p> <p>For a global issue like plastic pollution, Erin stresses the importance of collective action.</p> <p>She believes that to combat this crisis, we need as many people as possible to support and contribute to the solution, but for that to happen, we need to overcome our differences.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4960 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1604.jpg" width="480" height="720" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-4963"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4962 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“Divisiveness continues to paralyse us as a global community across many complex issues. We get caught up in one way or another and lose the ability to create shared solutions. With plastic pollution, there are ways to find common ground and benefits for communities, the planet, and the private sector – we just need to come together to find them.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4964 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>She further explains that collaboration is not just about working together more broadly as “we can't just inspire everyone to go off and act on their own”.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4982 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4980 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>However, plastic is not only an environmental issue since it disrupts livelihoods and has been linked with various <a href="https://www.ciel.org/plasticandhealth/" target="_blank">human health implications</a>, negatively impacting lives worldwide.</p> <p>While we still don’t know how much plastic ingestion is safe for humans, there is growing agreement among a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36969097/" target="_blank">broad group of scientists </a>that plastics are responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4981 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1611.jpg" width="516" height="264" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Plastic pollution pose a threat to human health according to variouos research. Image: Canva</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4966 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Erin feels strongly about the power of collaboration and delivering justice as she explains that “our oceans don't adhere to country borders, and neither can our solutions - success for a few will not equal success for the planet”.</p> <p>The plastic pollution crisis is quickly reaching a tipping point, even though, in March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) agreed to establish a legally binding international agreement to address the issue.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Despite voluntary initiatives and national regulations, marine plastic pollution has increased by 50% in the last five years and is projected to triple by 2040”,</p> </blockquote> <p>Erin explains.</p> <p>Crafting a treaty that will make a real difference requires strong and specific agreements that will hold countries accountable for building better systems for waste management and recycling while finding alternatives to plastic to avoid exhausting natural resources is at the top of WWF`s agenda.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4967 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution will gather in late November to have the final negotiations, which, as WWF describes, is the “last critical moment to prevent irreversible economic, health, and environmental damage from plastic pollution”.</p> <p>On the promising side, some countries already recognise the importance of addressing the plastic crisis. For instance, Colombia, Jamaica and Panamá announced joining forces in 2023 through a shared initiative to reduce plastic pollution from coastal and urban environments by allocating $ 42 million to support a holistic approach to improve city-level circularity.</p> <p>Looking into the future, Erin shares her vision:</p> <blockquote> <p>“We need to design solutions for the future we want, not the reality we are in. I am not saying we don’t need to be grounded, but we need to think outside of today’s barriers if we want actual change.”</p> </blockquote> <p>One example she highlights where collaboration sparked real change is the <a href="https://www.businessforplasticstreaty.org/" target="_blank">Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty</a>, jointly convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, where she managed to bring major companies such as Walmart, Target, The Coca-Cola Company, and Procter &amp; Gamble to the treaty negotiating table.</p> <p>She notes that many of these businesses are not only in favour of a treaty like this but have become vocal champions for it, helping grow industry buy-in, adding that “plastic producers are a large part of the problem but also a vital part of the solution”.</p> <p>An area where Erin sees a massive mindset shift is necessary is looking at the economics of plastics differently.</p> <blockquote> <p>“We often measure progress in dollars and cents – which is how our world works, but it also prioritises that and colours our ability to get creative. The question of “who is going to pay for it?” plagues problem solvers and deprioritises communities and ecosystem services that often bear the brunt.”</p> </blockquote> <p>In her opinion, to turn the tide and make a world without plastic pollution possible, a global treaty that provides rules for all countries to abide by and enables solutions like policies and funding that smooth the way for implementation would be essential.</p> <p>The role of advocacy cannot be overstated despite the fact that the plastic crisis is one of the most well-recognised global issues, and <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/no-plastic-in-nature?s_subsrc=homepage" target="_blank">85% of Americans</a> somewhat or strongly agreed in a recent WWF poll that plastic waste pollution is a serious and concerning problem that requires immediate political action to solve.</p> <p>As part of her work to raise awareness, Erin Simon takes the stage alongside other changemakers to share insights about their changemaker journey at the <a href="https://usa.greentechfestival.com/" target="_blank">Greentech Festival conference in Los Angeles</a> on November 14-15.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">November 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/greentech-festival">Greentech Festival</a> </div> </div> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:55:40 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 355 at https://climatejournal.news