Our approach is built on three foundational pillars
Reduction
-
The Intention-Action Gap
Despite the increasing commitments to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero targets, businesses struggle to translate these pledges into concrete action due to various challenges such as resource constraints, talent gaps, and regulatory uncertainty.
Objective: We will empower businesses to understand their carbon footprints, develop robust climate action strategies, and decarbonize their operations to achieve a net-zero carbon target while mitigating negative environmental impacts.
Adaptation
-
The Urgent Reality
Climate change is not a future concern; it’s an immediate and escalating crisis already impacting businesses today. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, coupled with mounting regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences, underscores the necessity of implementing adaptation and risk mitigation strategies for resilience and sustained viability.
Objective: We will support businesses to proactively identify climate-related risks, implement adaptation strategies, and strengthen their resilience to ensure long-term sustainability in the face of climate change.
Regeneration
-
The Systems Change
There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in how businesses relate to natural resources and the environment. The problem is compounded by the lack of comprehensive policies, guidelines, and incentives that encourage businesses to move beyond compliance towards a more holistic, regenerative approach.
Objective: We will lead the transition towards a regenerative economy by supporting businesses and policymakers to adopt new systems thinking and circular principles deeply rooted in Indigenous values and wisdom and redefine our relationship with natural resources and the environment.
The ultimate goal is not just to minimize negative impact but to introduce a new economic framework that enriches both human communities and the ecosystem we inhabit.
Here's how we'll get there
Collaborating with Industry for Climate Solutions through:
Problem-Driven Research
Closing the gap between the current climate science and innovation with policymaking and business practice
Facilitating academic and applied research at the intersection of climate and business and implementing these research insights and innovations in the real world. Activities will involve the creation of research grants and post-doctoral fellowships with a particular focus on actively participating in problem-solving research projects that address current climate issues within the business landscape.
Financing the Global Shift to Electric Mobility, Jan Bena and Bo Bian
Climate Risk, population migration, and banks’ lending and deposit-taking activities by Han Yan
Shifting Consumer Behavior to Address Climate Change, David Hardisty and Katherine White
-
Got Questions?
We're Here to Help!
-
Kookai Chaimahawong
Executive Director, Centre for Climate & Business Solutions
climatecentre@sauder.ubc.ca