About This Episode

In this episode of "Moving Business Forward Faster," Adam Roy Gordon from the UN Global Compact Network USA leads a critical discussion on how the business sector can and must take the front line in addressing climate change. Guests Clara Arpa Azofra, founder of ARPA, and Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, share their insights and experiences. 

And with that, we ask ourselves, "Why is it crucial for the business sector to take a leading role in the fight against climate change?" Azofra discusses the importance of courageous leadership in climate action. She emphasizes the significance of collective engagement and the need to create a movement where everyone contributes.

• You have to believe in this. When we are part of an environment like COP 20, we are surrounded by people who believe in it and feel that everyone is aligned. But when you leave this environment, you realize many see this as someone else's problem, to be solved by others. Clara explains That we must convince everyone that we all play a role in this fight and must be part of the solution together.

Businesses need to integrate sustainability into their core operations. This is something Colgate-Palmolive has done long before climate regulations became the norm. Long-term efforts and robust strategies are something businesses should focus on to meet the physical and transitional risks associated with climate change.

• Colgate was committed to environmental sustainability long before many current regulations came into effect. Since 2002, we have actively measured and reduced our greenhouse gas emissions and electricity and utilities consumption. Tracy says this reflects our understanding of the business's environmental impact and willingness to take proactive steps toward a sustainable future. 

Businesses must look beyond immediate financial results and understand their place in a larger ecosystem. This realization also comes with the opportunity to lead in innovation, create and implement sustainable solutions, and propel the industry forward. When companies like Colgate-Palmolive and ARPA commit to such goals, they set the stage for others to follow suit, contributing to positive change.

So, how can your business improve efficiency and reduce operating costs by cutting energy consumption and emissions? What concrete steps can you take to enhance your company's carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future? 

Do companies like Colgate-Palmolive and ARPA have their recipe for success in sustainable initiatives? Listen to the podcast, increase your knowledge, and become inspired to ask, "How will taking ambitious action in this area benefit your company?