To achieve global 2030 goals of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the world needs to reduce emissions by 3 billion tonnes per year – but they’re still increasing.
Getting on track to meet our targets will require economic and social transformation, the likes of which we have never seen on a global scale.
Greenhouse – a climate action ecosystem that connects climate tech innovators to investors, corporate partners, academic experts, government agencies, and other organisations – says existing government policies are not enough.
“Leadership and innovation from business are vital, and climate action in all sectors and regions is required,” says Chief Collaboration Officer Mark Rowland.
So, what exactly is a climate action ecosystem?
A climate action ecosystem is a network of interconnected and independent players working towards a common goal: finding a solution for climate change.
Climate change is one of the largest global challenges of our time, so it makes sense to build an ecosystem that works together to create solutions.
With all the stakeholders brought together, it can encourage a symbiotic relationship between different players to build better solutions faster.
Whether it’s climate tech startups building the tech for carbon sequestration, or venture capital looking to invest, an ecosystem can:
- Foster connections between startups and investors, climate-aligned corporates, industry, researches, climate action groups, and governments;
- Encourage collaborations between startups and brands or corporations; and
- Build co-innovations between startups that have different focuses and skills.
Greenhouse is walking the talk
That’s where Greenhouse comes into play. There are many different ways to participate in the Greenhouse ecosystem, including reserving space in the co-working Tech Hub, becoming an Ecosystem Partner, and attending climate action relevant events.
Greenhouse is also walking the talk, aiming to contribute to 10% of Australia’s total emissions reduction targets by 2023, through its work with climate technology companies and corporations.
“Achieving this would remove at least 22 million megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum in the process,” said Mr Rowland.
“It’s part of Greenhouse’s ambition to build an inherently resilient and sustainable ecosystem.”
Creating a climate action pathway is crucial
In addition to government policy and regulations, organisations must take the lead on climate action – especially when companies account for most of the world’s emissions and play a crucial role in creating our net-zero future.
Greenhouse says its Climate Action Pathway can closely guide an organisation to understand its emissions, set and achieve targets to reduce them, and create value along the way, through six phases of climate action, including:
- Understand your emissions (Scope 1,2 and 3);
- Set emissions reduction targets;
- Identify opportunities like improving efficiencies, changing suppliers, switching energy sources, changing culture, etc.;
- Implement climate action opportunities within your company and supply chain;
- Monitor the impact of your climate actions; and
- Inspire others to take positive steps and make connections by releasing their results to customers, employees, peers, investors, media, and the general public.
Collaboration the key to achieving net-zero
“Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require an unprecedented effort to restructure how we consume, make things, move around, and live,” Mr Rowland says.
“Thousands of new technologies will need to be developed, iterated, and implemented at a scale and pace never seen before to combat such change.
“This transformation will only be achieved with a high degree of collaboration and willingness to disrupt.
“Whether you’re an ecopreneur, a corporate executive, a policy maker, an investor, a small to medium-sized business owner dedicated to reducing your emissions, an accelerator/incubator, a researcher, or a climatarian, this is the place where you can collaborate and co-innovate for climate action.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Greenhouse, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.