'Climate Toolkit 4 Business' just one part of the collective push required
Lessons can be taken from the approach used to prepare Irish businesses for Brexit
5 November 2021
Commenting on the launch of the government’s Climate Action Plan, Public Policy Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, Cróna Clohisey said,
“These are ambitious targets for the enterprise sector, and to meet the 29 percent reduction in emissions, we need to see a partnership-based approach between business and government. Just as individuals need to be engaged in the national emissions reduction journey, so do businesses.
“We represent over 30,000 members, in business and in practice, and there is a gap for businesses, that we have been working to fill, between knowing what needs to be done and understanding how to do it.
“A parallel can be drawn here with the approach taken to Brexit preparedness for Irish businesses. Just as the government’s Brexit Readiness Checklist gave organisations guidance on the practicalities of the actions required, we hope the proposed 'Climate Toolkit 4 Business' will do the same.
“Nonetheless a tailored company climate action plan for each business is only the beginning. Businesses need to feel part of a wider effort, rather than feeling they are on an individual journey. Businesses in the UK were rallied earlier this year by the government under the “Together for our Planet” campaign, which encouraged small businesses to pledge to cut their emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner, while helping them grow, adapt and seize new opportunities. In the Institute, we have been leveraging and profiling the expertise among our membership base, so that members can learn from colleagues who are driving action on the climate crisis in their organisations.
“The government should draw from these collaborative approaches in ensuring that Irish enterprise is energised to decarbonise and remain competitive in the coming years.”
ENDS