The time to act is now

In IKEA we are guided by a powerful vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. As part, we have committed ourselves to becoming people and planet positive no later than 2030.

This is what both our customers and co-workers expect from us. It is the only way we will be able to serve the many people with thin wallets and big needs in life at home. It is the only way we will be able to face the questions from our children and look ourselves in the mirror.

For me it’s important to lead this change with action. Plans and goals are important and words give them power. But at the end of the day it is action that speaks the loudest.

We have committed ourselves to becoming people and planet positive no later than 2030

We are here in New York to place ourselves at the forefront of acting: to create the better world we want to see, at the same time as we take responsibility for our business. We are meeting with government officials, business leaders and youth leaders throughout Climate Week to discuss how we tackle global warming.

We are meeting youth leaders to bridge the gap between us. As the young leaders rightfully raise their voice on the concerns, we raise our voice in sharing the solutions that will be scaled and bring hope in to the dialogue. We have little time left to address the climate crisis and the stakes are so high that we need to focus on the most impactful solutions now, and to do it together.

We believe that governments around the world need to set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets and implement the policies needed to create a level playing field and support everyone in achieving them. And at the same time we as business leaders need to play our part in transforming our businesses to become climate positive.

Follow me during Climate Week

This Sunday I had the chance to meet with Alan Jope, the CEO of Unilever. We discussed the transformation that both of our businesses are leading in order to become more sustainable. It was a great conversation that you can watch here.

Earlier today, I shared what we mean in the IKEA business when we say that we lead with action. You can watch that session below (starting at 01:36:00):

And soon I will share my view on the citizen movements that we are seeing now, on the streets of New York and around the world, and how they are influencing the strategies in IKEA. You can watch that session here.  

I am positive that together we can implement real solutions. Solutions for a circular and climate positive, fair and equal, society. Solutions that make sustainable living affordable, attractive and accessible for everyone.

It’s time to act now and to spark real change.