The theme of World Earth Day this year is investing in our planet. The world, as all of us know is going through a range of climatic changes from heat waves to cyclones and urban and rural displacement. From deforestation and droughts to air pollution and plastic waste, there are several factors exacerbating global warming. India is among the countries that faces the highest risk from climate change impact. India’s pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 was one of the most important announcements at the United Nations COP26 and the government has embarked on this journey through interventions in the areas of non-fossil fuel- based energy capacity of the country, reducing the total projected carbon emission and achieving net zero emissions.
Sustainable development in its true sense can be achieved by fulfilling the needs of the present generation without compromising on the needs of the future generation. As Mahatma Gandhi said- ‘’The world is big enough to satisfy everyone’s needs but will always be too small to satisfy everyone’s greed’’. His learnings are relevant to the current environment and reinstate that our planet needs action, it needs protection and most importantly, our attention.
Sustainability is a way of life. We all have an obligation towards each other, our future generations, and other species to sustain the planet and make it a better place. Businesses should also adopt a holistic approach to sustainability by focussing on the ‘implementation’ of sustainable and environment-friendly practices. Environmental considerations need to be integrated into business planning- across research and development, supply chains or new manufacturing methods.
Addressing climate change through sustainable operations
We are currently witnessing significant mobilisation of efforts by organisations towards fighting climate change. The realisation of the urgency of the present situation has led to an acceleration of companies’ commitment to this. While initiatives have been undertaken to reduce GHG emissions and use of renewable and sustainable resources, a collaboration of technology, expertise and experience between corporates can help expedite the adoption of evidence based GHG emission reduction targets. There is an imperative need to support and implement various climate change actions. The focus should be on use of more renewable energy, sustainable logistics, improving environmental operations and usage of fewer natural resources.
Managing plastic waste responsibly
Businesses should focus on pioneering easy to recycle materials, shaping a waste-free future and driving responsible behaviour. Efforts need to be intensified for developing innovative materials that can deliver the desired protection and functionality of incumbent packaging materials with better environmental performance.
Better waste management systems can address the issues of plastic waste entering the natural environment and impacting the ecosystems. Businesses should partner with consumers, youth, citizens local authorities, to bring about behaviour change to address proper disposal of waste. This should be implemented in every city across tourist locations.
Director
Corporate Affairs and Sustainability
Nestlé India
Ensuring responsible sourcing
Adopting responsible sourcing practices must be implemented in the supply chain, with a strong focus on empowering farmers and suppliers to produce raw materials sustainably. Certain guidelines can help enable implementation and operational support for sustainable procurement and supplier management for a green value chain. By focusing on regenerative agriculture and inculcating good agricultural practices, businesses should take steps to restore the environment.
Investing in our planet through a multi-stakeholder approach
The power to accelerate change will require a multi-stakeholder approach to lay the foundation for a better world. There is a need for collaboration and innovation among organisations and corporates to invest in the planet by triggering systemic changes. Responsible organisations are stepping up fight against climate change and making environmental sustainability an essential part of their operations.
The path to a sustainable future depends on us – by embedding sustainable practices and adopting innovative technologies, organisations can take important steps, to stich a better future and leave behind a world worthy for the generations to come.