Did you know? Your job is a climate job, here’s how to get to work!

By Katie Boyle, Account Director &Smyth

In the last few years, public awareness of the climate crisis has surged, but as things are hotting up, some people are going cold to this issue. In this ‘information age’, it can be difficult to navigate direct steps that will imbue change and move things in the right direction and  many individuals are left wondering what power they have to make a positive change.

The good news? Every job is a climate job!

Project Drawdown - the ultimate resource for climate action – is a much-needed salve to the otherwise contentious world of climate action. Boasting over 80 solutions to address the climate crisis, the resource is positive, accessible and most importantly actionable; making citizens feel empowered to address the largest societal issue in history..

Its mission is to “help the world reach “drawdown”—the point in the future when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline, thereby stopping catastrophic climate change—as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible”

One of the many resources available on its site is the Climate Action Checklist which is segmented by job function or industry. In digestible, simple graphics (which can be downloaded and shared) the organisation captures a collection of measures that can be directly addressed in an individual’s day to day work. While some are longer term prospects, many are ‘quick wins’ which is a welcome antidote to the climate anxiety experienced by many at present. This is a refreshing alternative to the dominant discourse that focuses on individual’s changing lifestyle behaviours solely.

When we look at the “Marketing Communications” industry,  the actions it lists are as follows:

·      Internal communication

o   It recommends making Climate Action part of regular conversation amongst internal teams, and to understand and develop a strong narrative around this. Once this basis is formed, it is much easier to bring this into client meetings or campaigns.

·      Production

o   Whether running an event or a campaign, it recommends opting for low-carbon and circular alternatives at every possible choice. It recommends questioning the validity of the tactics fully to ensure only the most relevant, valuable work is executed which will reduce overall emissions produced.

·      Customers

o   Tap into loyal customer bases and communities and use the company or brand position to further the dissemination of the Climate Action message and aims. Inform, educate and help customers to move along this journey with you. An example of a company doing this well is Patagonia

o   Find creative ways to nudge customers to make more sustainable choices or further Climate Action measures

o   If working in e-commerce, provide customers with an option to contribute to climate solutions via payment processing at checkout e.g. donate a % to a climate-NGO or carbon offsetting project.

o   Collaborate and learn from other climate-focussed companies to scale climate impact

·      Supporting Climate Policy

o   If working in PR or communications, collaborate with your organisation’s government relations team to develop communications strategies and campaigns to publicly support climate legislation.

·      Campaigns

o   Use climate-friendly imagery in all visual assets e.g. cycling or public transport

o   If working on the agency-side, avoid working with fossil-fuel companies and other businesses that support the fossil fuel industry. Also include climate considerations in all projects at proposal stage.

o   If working on the client-side, partner with creative agencies that have robust climate policies in place and at proposal stage ask what measures they have in place to further the wider movement.

·      Travel

o   Minimise carbon-intensive business travel e.g. consider traveling by train versus plane. Opt for virtual meetings where possible too.

·      Dialogue and Action

o   Brainstorm action with colleagues on your team and beyond. Raise your collective concern at team and all-staff meetings

 Find the most relevant Climate Action toolkit to your profession here.