If your business wants to help tackle climate change, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement is a great place to start. This global agreement, signed by nearly every country, aims to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. While that might sound like a job for governments and big industries, businesses of all sizes play a big role too. The good news is—you don’t need to be a scientist to get started.
One of the first steps is to figure out your business’s carbon footprint. This means looking at the energy you use, how your goods are made, how far your products travel, and even how your employees get to work. Websites like https://planet-positive.org/ offer helpful tools and guides that make it easier to understand what your business is emitting and how to reduce it.
Once you know your impact, the next step is to make a plan. This could include changes like switching to renewable energy, using less packaging, or working with local suppliers to cut down transport emissions. Start simple—small changes can add up. For example, turning lights off when not in use, choosing energy-efficient appliances, or holding a few meetings online instead of in person all help reduce emissions.
Another big part of aligning with the Paris Agreement is setting goals. Try setting a goal to cut your emissions by a certain percent in the next few years. Many businesses aim to be “net zero,” meaning they reduce their pollution as much as possible and balance out the rest—often by supporting projects that remove carbon from the air, like reforestation.
It also helps to talk to your staff, suppliers, and customers. Let them know what changes you’re making and why. People are more likely to support your efforts if they feel included and informed. You might be surprised by the great ideas your team has too.
Remember, aligning with the Paris Agreement doesn't mean changing everything overnight. It’s a journey, and every step in the right direction makes a difference. Start where you are, do what you can, and keep learning as you go. Many other businesses are making this shift—your business can join them and help build a better future.