As I write this on the winter solstice and we mark the beginning of the return of light, I am reminded of Valarie Kaur’s powerful words in Revolutionary Love, “What if this is not the darkness of the tomb – but the darkness of the womb? What if this is our greatest transition?”
We are indeed in a transition, whether Senator Manchin accepts it or not. Solar energy is exploding in the U.S. generating more than 23 times as much energy as it did just 10 years ago, driven in large part by plummeting prices. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that solar electricity is now the cheapest power on Earth. The market is responding. In 2020 and 2021, renewables accounted for 90% of new power capacity expansion globally. Meanwhile, in 2020, U.S. coal production decreased 24.2% year over year. It is predicted that by 2035 every new car sold in the U.S. could be electric. We are living the transition!
We can feel the momentum build in our network. More businesses than ever are stepping up and speaking out in support of bold climate action and implementing innovative new practices in their businesses.
Change is not easy, especially on the scale that is required if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change. Those who have benefited from the existing system will fight to the end. That’s why I am so proud of our community for stepping up over and over in 2021, most recently with hundreds of you signing on to the Ceres business letter to U.S. Senators urging them to support bold climate action at the scale of the crisis.
While we will have dark moments like the momentary setback with the Build Back Better bill, we must also remember that change can happen very fast. Thanks to you and your commitment to addressing the challenge of climate change, I am hopeful that in the year ahead we will take big steps, make huge progress, and bring the transition to life.
Wishing you all a blessed solstice and happy and healthy holidays with your loved ones.
With gratitude,
Courtney Pineau
Climate Collaborative Executive Director
Partner Campaign: One Step Closer To Zero Waste |
OSC is seeking brands and industry members to mobilize, and participate by re-sharing OSC posts and campaign assets, creating their own tailored assets (using the Campaign Guidelines/Partner Toolkit) to share their own packaging work, engaging with legislators via ASBC, or joining circular economy dialogues on key topics during January and February. Brands that want to take their engagement a step further are called to make a commitment to transition at least one packaging material to a more sustainable option by the end of 2022. If you have any questions on the campaign, please reach out to Alyssa Harding, Packaging Collaborative Director.
IN THE NEWS |
How to use your brand voice for activism in 2022
When CPGs and retailers united around #Call4ClimateNow in support of the Build Back Better Act, they proved that business can—and should—be used as a force for good. Here's how you and your customers can get involved in climate activism in 2022.
The top 2021 natural products industry trends--and 2022 predictions
Following the 2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference, the U.S. rejoining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the fact that the latter Agreement’s deadlines are quickly upon us, companies have been working steadfastly to address climate change through business practices. Now, they’re sharing this with consumers through climate smart messaging.
INDUSTRY IN ACTION |
As the U.S. Senate prepares to debate the Build Back Better Act, nearly 400 companies of all sizes and industries from across the country are urging lawmakers to pass its ambitious climate, clean energy, and environmental justice measures. See the full sign-on list here.
Share your good news with us! In this new section of our newsletter, we want to share out climate-related progress, announcements and good news from our community in action. Send us an email at [email protected] to contribute to next month's section.
UPCOMING EVENTS |
PARTNER EVENT: GreenBiz22
February 15 - 17, 2022 Scottsdale, Arizona
Amidst challenging times, the sustainability profession is evolving -- with new concerns, opportunities, and concepts emerging faster than ever. Join the dynamic GreenBiz22 community of more than 1,000 professionals to explore the latest trends, learn from your peers and form valuable connections in Scottsdale, Arizona, February 15-17. Register here for 15% off your GreenBiz 22 All-Access Pass with the code GB22PARTNER.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Have you had any climate impact successes you think we should know about? Send them our way and we’ll make sure that your lessons learned benefit the whole community.
Send us any blog or social media posts your company publishes about your experience reducing your impact on the climate and we’ll spread the word!
Twitter: @climatecoll Instagram: @theclimatecollaborative Facebook: /climatecollab
COMMIT TO CLIMATE ACTION |
If you haven't already made a commitment to Climate Action please visit the Climate Collaborative website and check out the nine areas in which your company can make a commitment to bold climate action.
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