While there was disappointment that delegates at the Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow did not do more to mitigate climate change, COP26 ended with a commitment to phase-down fossil fuels and a pledge to end deforestation. Although these are country level commitments, but business leaders and companies will be the ones that need to drive the change that stops global warming. More than 100 countries have agreed to cut their methane emissions by 30% by 2030 under the Global Methane Pledge According to International Energy Agency (IEA), global oil demands must drop by 75% to attain net-zero targets. 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions result from the existing buildings according to the World Green Building Council.

If we’re going to reduce climate change, we need to understand where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from and what to focus on to reduce them. The data is confusing at best and often contradictory. Focusing on key pieces can, though, show what to do.

With the UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow focusing on countries and companies taking action to mitigate climate change, individuals might feel there is little they can do. However, the world’s wealthiest can have the biggest impact. With the UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow focusing on countries and companies taking action to mitigate climate change, individuals might feel there is little they can do. However, the world’s wealthiest can have the biggest impact.

Net Zero emissions is getting plenty of attention as the world seeks to mitigate climate change. Realistically, though it’s not enough. As Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest put it, “Net Zero isn’t a real solution. It’s carte blanche to continue using fossil fuels (and) offset emissions by capturing carbon, burying it, or planting enough trees.” What we really need is Absolute Zero, which means eliminating emissions. And it actually is possible.

The huge problems described in the recent Climate Change report from the IPCC makes it seem like only governments and big companies could possibly make a dent in mitigating climate change. In reality, though, the small actions each of us take can have a big impact. From riding the bus to lobbying legislators, what you do can slow climate change.

As the search for ways to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere intensified in recent years, farmers have been told that they can earn thousands of dollars by storing CO2 in the soil. New studies have, however, called that “carbon farming” into question. Farmers need to consider carefully whether they will start carbon farming.

With more people globally concerned about the impact of their carbon emissions on climate change, airlines have jumped in and now allow passengers to pay for carbon offsets. While these offsets help, flights are just one part of our everyday lives. Consumers can reduce their carbon emissions even more by making changes in their lifestyle, and they will save money at the same time.

It might seem like improving the taste and texture of plant-based meats such as Impossible burgers would convince carnivores who love beef and other animal-based meats to try plant-based alternatives. It’s not. Perhaps surprisingly, focusing on environmental and social benefits works better than talking about taste or even health.

Wearing clothes might seem like it doesn’t hurt the environment nearly as much as driving and flying or a multitude of other polluting activities. The reality, though, is different. Every time we get dressed, we literally put climate change on our backs. Indeed, the textile industry is one of the world's worst polluters. Changing what we wear can help reduce climate change and protect the environment.

The primary purpose for most companies has long been to increase profits. Now, however, employees and other stakeholders are demanding that firms focus on a positive purpose that embodies social, environmental or other goals. A key question for many firms is whether they can focus on purpose and still be profitable. Research shows that they can.

All across Singapore, office buildings and condos are continually being pulled down and rebuilt. Little thought is often given, though, to the environmental impact of that destruction. It turns out that renovating buildings is far better for the environment than rebuilding. Changing mindsets and construction practices could help Singapore achieve its climate goals faster.

Investors who consider environmental factors in their investments are making the world better. Many times, however, they reduce the symptoms rather than solving the fundamental cause of climate change and the impact is small. More investors are starting to focus on system change in selecting investments so that they identify the root causes of environmental problems and solve them in order to have a major impact.

Investors’ interest in companies with environmentally friendly practices is growing, and research shows that returns from these firms are higher. Measuring a company’s environmental practices is, though, still quite difficult. While development of better metrics is underway, investors can still figure out whether a company is doing well now by developing their own criteria and using the reporting that already exists.

It is far more difficult than it might seem for vegans and even vegetarians to align their values with their investments. Choosing the right companies means going beyond seemingly obvious choices such as alcoholic beverage firm Diageo or Crayola crayons owner Hallmark Cards, which may use animal products. Investors need to pore through the products.

Amidst the pandemic, many of us still operate on autopilot when it comes to insurance. We may renew our standard car insurance even when we’re driving less or renew an annual travel insurance policy even though we’re not traveling. We may also skip home or cyber insurance despite buying things to work at home and facing cyber-attack risks. Reviewing and changing policies can reduce costs or give you the new protection you need.

Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, career-constrained workers have an opportunity to look at life afresh. Some may select YOLO, others FIRE and still others SLO-FI. Choosing a new direction can put you on the path to newfound career freedom and life satisfaction.

Many of us who are reasonably healthy get into a routine of buying medicine at a pharmacy and visiting doctors when we feel really ill. Look a little further, though, and digital innovation can keep you healthier, lower your costs and make healthcare more convenient.

The pandemic has thrown people off course, and many feel a loss of purpose or meaning. That’s natural, experts say. The important step now is to refocus and find your purpose for your life and career. Taking time to find your purpose can get you back on track, and companies can help too.

Despite plenty of talk for two decades or more, recycling rates in Singapore are low and actually declined last year. Recycling can be a misnomer, too, as some “recycled” materials are incinerated or sent overseas. Despite the lack of progress, individuals have a key role to play in driving recycling forward and pushing policymakers to take action faster.

The vast majority of firms at the top of Singapore’s Best Employers 2021 list in April, as compiled by The Straits Times, were foreign. The surprise standout locally was the construction industry. Perhaps it’s time for the vaunted service sector and other industries to learn from oft-neglected construction companies.