Wakeup Call: The connection between#EarthWeek and the UK's disgraced CBI

As someone who has spent many years working around the world, I've had the opportunity to observe and experience a lot. The recent scandal at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has unfortunately reminded me of a couple of things.

Firstly, despite the many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) campaigns, and the growing focus on gender equality and social responsibility within businesses, it's worth questioning whether we have truly learned anything over the past few decades or if we've simply become better at paying lip service to these issues through policies and statements.

Secondly, it's all too easy to criticise others and ignore the issues within our own organisations. We must hold ourselves accountable and take a hard look in the mirror.

Last week, people all over the world were raising awareness of Earth Week and Earth Day, which is fantastic. However, the coverage of the CBI scandal in the UK media has highlighted the abhorrent behaviour of some of its employees, as well as the organisation's poor handling of serious complaints of sexual misconduct and rape.

While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for saving our planet, it's not enough. We need to fundamentally change the way businesses operate to tackle the interlinked global challenges we face, such as climate change, food security, and hunger. This requires a new type of leadership that many current leaders are not equipped for.

We need leaders who prioritise sustainability, ecological responsibility, and societal change rather than those who simply shout the loudest or prioritise financial interests. While it's important to promote concepts like Net Zero and a circular economy, we need to embed sustainable development and leadership principles within organisations and make them part of the company culture.

Of course, changing human behaviour and business practices takes time, but the recent IPCC synthesis report should serve as a wake-up call for leaders to start taking action. They must create a business environment that supports behaviour change and develop a culture that can 'act now' for the planet and its people, living up to statements like 'purpose-led.'

Kudos to the journalist Anna Isaac for exposing this story. Businesses that have suspended or quit engagement with the CBI should use this as an opportunity to examine their own operations and make genuine, transparent efforts for change rather than simply protecting their reputations.

Claire,

Founder, SDG Changemakers