On November 20th, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) took place in Egypt. By the end of this meeting, a historic decision was made to create and put into operation a loss and damage fund.
This funding is for vulnerable countries that are hit hard by climate disasters. The result of COP27 was the coming together of countries to reaffirm their commitment to global temperature rises. A decision was also made to strengthen action by countries to cut greenhouse emissions and boost their support of technology, finance and capacity building for developing countries.
While it’s important that country leaders are taking action, to really make a difference, a collective effort is needed. Everyone can do their part to help climate change, from finding greener ways to travel, recycling, and more.
What Are the Impacts of Climate Change?
Climate change is already having noticeable effects on the world. Warmer temperatures and adverse weather patterns are disrupting nature’s balance. If this keeps on happening, human beings and other life forms are at risk.
Hotter temperatures
This causes a higher rate of heat-related illnesses and wildfires to start more easily and spread more quickly.
More severe storms
Increased drought
A warmer, rising ocean
Loss of species
Not enough food
Increased health risks
Poverty and displacement
How can this relay to small businesses?
All of these things can have a detrimental impact on small businesses because it can:
Small businesses could face inflated expenses to adapt to changing weather patterns, such as implementing energy-saving measures, upgrading infrastructure and/or dealing with damages from potential natural disasters.
Supply chain disruptions
Climate change can lead to more frequent or intense weather events, such as extreme heatwaves or freezing temperatures, which can disrupt supply chains and cause delays or shortages of goods and services for small businesses.
Changing customer behaviour
As consumers become more conscious about the environment, they may demand eco-friendly products or services, making it important for small businesses to try and adapt quickly, or they may risk losing customers.
Regulatory pressures
Governments could introduce brand new regulations to address the changes to the climate, which could further increase costs or limit operations for small businesses.
What Can We Do to Help?
Everyone can do their part to reduce climate change. Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:
Use Less Energy
Aim to save energy at home by lowering cooling and heating. Also, switch to energy efficient appliances, LED light bulbs and wash laundry with cold water.
Consider How You Travel
Get fitter and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by ditching the car and walking, cycling or using public transport.
Eat More Vegetables
Lowering meat consumption and eating more vegetables, will minimise your environmental impact. Plant based food production generally releases fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduce Food Waste
When you waste food, you’re also wasting the energy and resources used to make that food. Plus, food in a landfill rots, producing greenhouse gases.
Reuse, Recycle and Repair
When new items are produced, such as clothes and electronics, this causes carbon emissions. Reduce climate change by buying less, shopping second hand and recycling what you can.
What is WEEE Recycling?
WEEE or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment relates to electronic and electrical goods that are going to be thrown away. WEEE recycling refers to unwanted electronic goods that are going to be recycled.
How Can WEEE Recycling Make a Difference?
Thanks to WEEE recycling, more electrical waste is being recycled than ever before. This is good news for the economy and the planet. Fewer electronics in landfills results in less carbon emissions, a reduction in mining for primary materials and less damage to communities and the environment. Plus, this helps to reduce climate changing emissions.
WEEE recycling is one way you can make a difference. Even the producers of electronics have to do their part. Producers have to recycle at least 65% of what they put into the market, or they pay a fee into a government fund, which is used to improve recycling services.
How Concept Management Helps with WEEE Recycling
Concept Management are market leaders in computer disposals. They provide free of charge, WEEE compliant computer disposals, IT asset disposal and secure online data destruction, for the corporate and public sector.
Have electronics to dispose of? Call Concept Management today to discuss your needs.
