When you’re talking about the future of the planet, who better to involve than the next generation?

We don’t need more talk about climate change and carbon reduction, we need action. The latest report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was stark, calling this point in time “Code red for humanity .” ?

Through the legally binding commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the UK has made clear its commitment to decarbonise the economy and protect the environment. To move forward, EY created and convened the Climate Business Forum with senior industry leaders and future leaders – 18-30 year old professionals, students and entrepreneurs – to challenge thinking and contribute new ideas. The goal was to create a list of actions to be taken in the next 12 months.

11 climate change actions to take this year

To avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need concerted effort from individuals, businesses and government. Collaboration is key to tackling climate change , but at EY we believe there are some actions that business can take now to move swiftly to action:

1)?????Sign up to science-based targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implement decarbonisation targets throughout the supply chain, and report on progress.

2)?????Develop a plan to decarbonise and improve the efficiency of the company’s estate and infrastructure, in line with science-based net zero targets.

3)?????Implement a biodiversity action plan in key areas of your business and ensure new major developments have a net positive impact on biodiversity.

4)?????Convert 100% of light vehicle fleet into zero emissions vehicles by 2030, and identify areas for Electric Vehicle infrastructure development at major sites.

5)?????Integrate circular economy principles into business processes, and ensure new products and assets are repairable, recyclable and have longer design lives.

6)?????Develop and implement an investment programme for industry-relevant green technologies that support the transition to net zero.

7)?????Undertake an assessment of the business’s long-term skill requirements and implement the changes required for the business’s transition to net zero.

8)?????Actively share sustainability solutions on business operations common across different sectors.

9)?????Inform all stakeholders on the carbon footprint of products and services offered by the business, building in scope and complexity as more accurate data becomes available.

10)??Engage consumers on sustainability and be transparent on the environmental impact of products and services to help them make more sustainable choices.

11)??Train the workforce to help them do their current jobs in a more sustainable way.

Expect to see more next-generation boards

EY’s decision to invite young people to its board was based on our firm belief in the power of diversity, whether it be age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or other forms. We believe that generational diversity – particularly when it comes to decision making on climate change – leads to more open, productive and creative problem-solving.

There’s been a rise in Youth Advisory Boards in recent years, with many leading institutions seeking out the views of younger generations. Our charity, EY Foundation, which was created to open up career opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, has a very active Youth Advisory Board. As Patrick Dunne, serial social entrepreneur and Chair of EY Foundation, explains: “Next-gen boards – done well – enrich the culture, reinforce your values and can provide a real boost to organisations .”

For the EY Climate Business Forum, bringing together UK business leaders (between them responsible for companies generating almost ￡100bn in revenue and employing over 300,000 people) with a carefully selected group of 18-30 year-old professionals, students and entrepreneurs resulted in much more robust discussions and ideas for action.

What next?

The EY Climate Business Forum examined in detail what delivering the Government’s green plans means for businesses and presented its findings to the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

Climate change is too big a challenge to be addressed by any single individual or organisation. We hope that you will join us in taking action on these commitments, as well as exploring opportunities for listening to and involving younger generations on your Boards.