Well, COP26 has been and gone and I guess my overarching thoughts are…well…the pledges made by the various countries are an improvement, but not nearly ambitious enough to be in line with what climate scientists are telling us. Indeed, the IPCC now say it is inevitable that we will breach 1.5C global warming. We need cuts of last year’s magnitude every year to keep warming close to 1.5C. My conclusion is that the work we do here at Future Leap is now more important than ever. It is down to us; us as a business network, us as individuals and us in our communities to do all that we can to limit the devastating impacts of the climate emergency.

So, with that in mind, I would like to share a #BristolClimateAction campaign film featuring yours truly speaking about my commitment to not fly until there are low carbon options and another film from the Net Zero Tour, discussing the services Future Leap can offer, as well as a recent BBC Radio Bristol interview where I reflected upon the outcomes of COP26 and spoke about the actions that businesses can take.

In addition to these, since the last time of writing, the Future Leap team attended the Bristol City Gathering, to hear from national, regional and local speakers all with the same ambition, to tackle the climate and ecological crises and to make Bristol Net Zero by 2030. Our Future Leap team also partnered with Bristol City Council and Network members, Business West to deliver ‘the business of net zero’ which included what Bristol businesses are doing to reduce emissions, where the growth opportunities in the low carbon economy are and what offers of support are available. If you were unable to attend, check out the recording here.

So, we keep pushing on, pushing as fast as we can towards promoting and accelerating sustainable business practices. And we see and hear about so many incredible companies doing the same within our Network! Indeed, we are receiving some brilliant examples of sustainable business practices as applications come in for our Future Leap Business Awards. Please do apply if your organisation is leading the way (deadline 12:00pm 1st Feb 2022). We all need to collaborate and learn from one another if we are to minimise the negative impacts of the climate emergency.

Here’s to working together, for a better, greener future!

With very best wishes

Katherine Piper

Head of Partnerships & Sustainability