Article Referenced: https://hbr.org/2019/10/corporate-action-on-climate-change-has-to-include-lobbying
This article raises an important issue that has plagued the effort to combat the climate crisis. Namely, the apparent focus on many small, “green” acts eventually being enough to kill the most imminent threat to our population and planet. Paper straws, electric cars and the like are all cute ways in which individuals feel like they are doing something about an issue that is way too far gone to be affected by a new recycling bin. Corporations are equally guilty of such farce. Promises to reduce their carbon footprint along with a new focus on eco-friendly materials are all ways in which companies boost their public image and escape the criticisms of the climate conscious. It seems that the majority does not understand, or perhaps is afraid to admit, that policy and regulation are the only hopes we have of fending off the inevitable. The human race is hard wired to take whatever resource they desire until there is no more. There’s no way around this fact, even if the resources and means of acquiring such resources are harmful to our environment (most of them are). This article understands that, and calls for companies that have proclaimed their bucket list for reducing their impact to use their substantial influence in government to lobby for change in our environmental policy. It is no secret that big business holds heavy influence in our politics today. Shouldn’t it go without saying that these businesses use their influence to back up their new climate related goals with the appropriate legislation? They lobby for changes in our economic and trade policies year round. If no such environmental lobbying follows these announced enviornmental practice reforms, it will be a clear indication that any sort of concern in regards to the climate crisis is superficial and not worth a second thought in the boardrooms of these companies.