Will Silverwood

COP29 wrapped up a few weeks ago, and some key decisions were made that could impact the UK's path to net zero. Here's a simple breakdown of what was achieved and what still needs more work: Key Points: ✅New Global Climate Finance Target - A new target was set for global climate finance starting in 2025, building on the previous $100 billion per year goal. ✅Article 6: Global Carbon Market Framework - COP29 made progress in creating a system for carbon markets, which will be crucial for meeting climate goals and raising the funds needed to tackle climate change. ✅Ambitious National Climate Goals - The UK and Brazil have both asserted their dedication to addressing climate change by announcing more ambitious targets for reducing emissions. ✅Fossil Fuel Transition and COP29 Energy Pledges - Unfortunately, the final agreement didn’t focus enough on moving away from fossil fuels. Key actions to speed up the transition—like improving energy grids and making it easier to get renewable projects off the ground—were not fully addressed. These are areas that will need more attention at future COPs. What Didn’t Move Forward: ✅Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels - There was little progress on clear plans to move away from fossil fuels and invest in cleaner energy. ✅Scaling Up Climate Finance - While some climate finance plans were discussed, there weren’t strong commitments to provide more financial support for developing countries. ✅Connecting Climate and Nature - The importance of protecting nature alongside tackling climate change didn’t get the attention it deserves. ✅Progress on Energy Targets from COP28 - No significant steps were made towards the energy goals set at COP28, which are important for hitting global climate targets. While there's still a lot to be done, you can start making a difference today with Go Climate Positive. Visit our website to see how we can help: https://go-positive.co.uk/ #cop29 #roadtonetzero #netzero #sustainability #journeytonetzero

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🌱 Demand for green skills is rising! 📈 Between 2018 and 2023, the share of green talent grew 5.4% while the share of jobs requiring at least one green skill grew 9.4%. Plugging the green skills gap is an essential part of delivering the UK's #NetZero ambition. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/e2sKjEDX ✏ Are you looking to upskill your team with key sustainability skills? We offer training designed to help businesses achieve net zero. See what's on offer here: https://lnkd.in/eVwnPDwH #GreenSkills #SustainableBusiness #UKNetZero

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If you're a business in West Yorkshire looking for ways to become more sustainable: Sustainability Knowledge Library 🚨 https://lnkd.in/em9ZtZ9j Here we will host guidance pieces from internal and external experts as well as recorded webinars and events.    SME Sustainability Webinar Series:   Climate Resilience for Businesses ⛰️ The rate at which our climate is changing means becoming climate resilient is something every business should be considering. This webinar will help you to complete a climate risk assessment for your business and understand what green measures you can put in place to future proof your climate resilience. https://lnkd.in/eVmTqayH   Design for the Circular Economy 🔄 What is the circular economy and how could it be used in your business to help you grow? This webinar will help you to understand how to build a circular business model and implement it, and how to apply changes to your supply chain. https://lnkd.in/ed3XQH3v   Reduce your Water Footprint 🌊 We hear a lot about reducing our carbon footprint, but what about your water footprint? This webinar helps you to understand what your water footprint is, ways to reduce it and engage with your workforce to get them onboard to help you reach your water footprint goals. https://lnkd.in/e8f9JFXh   Encourage Sustainable Travel 🚲 Electric vehicles, bikes, walking and public transport. We all know the ways to get to and from the office using sustainable travel, so why don’t we do it? In this webinar you’ll learn how to build and implement a sustainable travel plan for you and your workforce, covering topics like behaviour change and electric vehicles for work.  https://lnkd.in/evWesZb7   Identifying and Avoiding Greenwashing 🟢 Have you heard the term “Greenwashing”? This refers to businesses who are over communicating their green credentials without backing them up with the corresponding environmental measures and policies. This webinar helps you to understand how to communicate your sustainability achievements without the risk of greenwashing, and where to go to authenticate the measures you have put in place. https://lnkd.in/e5HsvgNM Rebecca Newman Paul Collins Parminder Singh Catriona Watson Vincent McCabe Jim Porter Jake Mason Nick Edwards Adam Mann Adrian Balcombe Barry D Cusack Kath Clark

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SMEs account for approximately 50% of business-related emissions in the UK, yet have limited #sustainability practice - largely due to concerns surrounding upfront costs and financial benefits. Great to see then that the UK Govt. is (finally) launching a review in a bid to support SMEs to embrace sustainability - the economic benefits for small & medium enterprises and the nation as a whole are huge! https://lnkd.in/e6EcDRr2 #willowreview #netzero #energyefficiency #climatechange #climateaction #cleangrowthstrategy #desnz #planetmark

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The biodiversity crisis threatens supply chains and entire business models. Find out how Sancroft helped Marks and Spencer refine its approach to managing nature risk for its food business: https://lnkd.in/d_tWkPRd #sustainability #riskassessment

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Great to see the new report out from @PwC_UK identifying sustainability as a key growth lever. The report, which surveyed over 1200 of the UK's senior business decision-makers and interviewed more than 60 business leaders, sets out options for integrating sustainability into the UK industrial strategy. Find out what it says here. #IndustrialStrategy

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Rising energy costs, the climate emergency and increasing consumer pressure continue to impact businesses. Find information, resources, events and local support to help you on your journey to #NetZero...

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5th June 2024: The Circular Economy: A New Dawn for Our Planet For many, the traditional economic model feels distant and uninspiring. But the Circular Economy offers a transformative journey, not just for the UK, but for all communities across the globe. It transcends political divides, cultures, and religions, because a healthy planet is essential for everyone. We are a diverse species, each with unique experiences. But one truth unites us: the Earth is in crisis. Our current system of resource extraction is unsustainable. Despite incredible scientific advancements, from telescopes reaching distant galaxies to space exploration, we struggle to meet basic needs for all. The Circular Economy offers a solution. It's about rethinking, reusing, and regenerating instead of simply taking. It's about giving back to the ecosystems that sustain us, the very source of our oxygen and well-being. This approach is not just necessary, it's empowering. We have the potential for greatness, the ability to heal the wounds we've inflicted on the earth. Just as families provide love and support, education empowers us to be responsible stewards for future generations. By embracing the Circular Economy, we leave a legacy of determination and action, not neglect. The time for inspiration is now. Let's harness science, knowledge, and a spirit of innovation to engage businesses, educators, and everyday citizens. Together, we can build a future where nature and humanity thrive in harmony. Imagine walking through our gardens and countryside, not with a sense of anxiety, let us forge ahead as guardians with the knowledge that we are actively protecting the ecosystems that bring us joy and wonder. Waste is a systemic problem, we can change that by deploying our extensive knowledge, science and a combined effort to “do more – be more – produce more – give more” Call me and I shall offer the insights I have garnered since 2019, share with you my vision, which fosters not just business, but educators, scientists (in different fields of technology) people who care and have an empathy with this wonderful planet, its ecosystems, fauna and flora. This is our chance to rewrite history. Let's choose a future where determination meets knowledge, and together, we shall create a thriving Circular Economy for all. What legacy shall we leave coming generations? Séan Mob: 07831 304856 Email: [email protected]

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As we inch closer to the UK budget announcement, set to be revealed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves today, it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the choices those numbers represent for the future of sustainability. This will be the first budget set by a Labour government in over a decade, and their recent track record since taking power in July. Here’s a summary of what the budget is likely to mean for green startups like GreenBridge.🌍 #UKBudget #Sustainability #GreenEconomy #NetZero #ClimateAction

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The right climate solutions can be unlocked by the right government policies. Positive, constructive engagement by businesses and industry groups is critical to this process.     We’re delighted that InfluenceMap assessed our corporate climate policy engagement review as best practice. To drive progress towards our net zero ambition, we require increased transparency across our value chain – this includes policy engagement. Simply put, to deliver our goals we need wider industry to move forward too.    Read more in our Climate Policy Engagement Review: https://lnkd.in/eCS_6ppV #UnileverInsights #ClimateAction #CTAP 

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Did you know that we've expanded our sustainability advice services? We now offer: 📈 Carbon Accounting 🗨️ Integrated Sustainability Taster Workshops 📝 Targeted Action Plans 🤔 Transformative Strategies See which service is right for you: https://buff.ly/4bXi6uI #SustainabilityAdvice #SustainableBusiness #Sustainability #CarbonAccounting #SustainablePlanning

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People, Planet, Pint is coming around again - May 9th. The Mayoral election will be decided but what will that mean for climate change mitigation and adaptation in North Yorkshire? Come meet and discuss the: Environment & Energy: Transition to Carbon Negative – The transition to carbon negative is not just good for the environment, but can also support our businesses, people and communities:  Will the winner Monitor and measure the delivery of the Routemap to Carbon Negative. Will they Accelerate the drive to net-zero and a green, regenerative sustainable economy. Will they Implement The Circular Economy – Create a Waste Free Yorkshire! Will they support British leadership of a renewed clean industrial revolution is essential for economic revival and increased prosperity for British people. Will they have a visionary mission, with clarity of purpose and a clear target, well in advance of other developed economies, of net zero by 2030, which is also in line with the science. will they address the decline of nature in Britain must be switched to restoration immediately and our waterways protected from pollution. Looking forward to seeing you! https://lnkd.in/eF7D28qK

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Must-Attend Training Opportunity: Biodiversity A second event for Yorkshire Sustainability Festival fringe - the Biodiversity Collage. Learn what’s behind the word “biodiversity” and why it matters. Remember that we humans may think we’re the main character, but we’re supported by a cast of plants and animals who make our existence possible. Let’s make sure we keep them around so that we can thrive. This workshop will help you get to grips with the role humans play in the grand game of nature, and understand why giving consideration to our impact on animal and plant life is an essential component of every sustainability strategy. Best of all, it’s free and hands-on. You’re gonna have fun while learning to be a planet custodian. Will I see you there ?

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In this week’s episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I chew over the state of Sustainability with one of the sector’s leading voices, Brendan May of Robertsbridge. In a wide ranging conversation, we take in recent UK political developments, the difficulties with transition, the threat of culture war populism, the unintended consequences of not doing things (eg offsetting, nuclear, palm oil), the success and failure of various NGO campaigns and deep sea mining of transition metals. A veritable smorgasbord of no-nonsense Sustainability insights which will challenge many of your assumptions and articles of faith.

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🚀We are delighted to launch our brand new Greenwashing Industry Report which aims to establish the challenges, themes and impacts of greenwashing in the UK! 🚀 The report, which is based around our ‘Catalyst Conversation' event series, brings together publicly sourced available data as well as industry experts to provide a cross-section perspective on the state of greenwashing and its impact on businesses and consumers.  We ask ‘What Can We Do To Challenge Greenwashing?’, and our Catalyst Conversation participants brought their unique insights, added to existing data, in order to try and answer that question.. You can download the report to read in full here: https://lnkd.in/ehzJt6SU 📖 A study by Hattrick and the Carbon Literacy Project discovered that 63% of B2B businesses admit to greenwashing with the actual figure likely to be significantly higher. The report builds on these findings, with business leaders sharing their own experiences of greenwashing. The report delves into a series of challenges that businesses face in relation to greenwashing, including transparency; knowledge; collaboration; culture; legislation and issues surrounding certifications. Each of these provides a unique set of opportunities and risks for businesses to navigate. The report highlights that greenwashing occurs at all levels of society, from governments to individuals, suggesting that we all have a responsibility to act and hold others accountable. The overall aim is to give readers tangible steps to take in order to tackle greenwashing... 🤔What is the Better Business Network? The Better Business Network (BBN) is an inclusive network for purpose-driven business owners and leaders who want to grow their business and make the world a better place. We help you grow your impact, income and audience while advocating for systemic change. Members have access to events, tools, resources and workshops to help them on their journey to having a greater positive impact. We invest a proportion of the membership fees to support impactful organisations such as Client Earth, B1G1 projects and 1% for the Planet. As a supporting member of the Better Business Act we also actively lobby for improved government legislation to help businesses create positive systemic change. We believe that collective action is the key to building a better future for people and the planet. Interested in joining? Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/dFMeNxxk

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Discover more about greenwashing in the UK and it's impact on businesses and consumers in the latest Greenwashing Industry Report from The Better Business Network👇 #Sustainability #Innovation #Greenwashing #CorporateReponsibility

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It was great to help The Better Business Network deliver their brand new Greenwashing Industry Report, leading on the researching and writing of the document. Check it out below 👇 👇 👇

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