ACCELERATING
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

In the relentless struggle against climate change, two unsung heroes have emerged from the Earth's embrace - land and forests. While these resources may seem unassuming, they wield unparalleled influence in mitigating the colossal challenge posed by rising global temperatures. Let's delve into the intricate ways in which land and forests play a pivotal role in combating climate change.

The Carbon Dilemma: A Tale of Sinks and Sources

At the heart of the matter lies carbon dioxide (CO2), the notorious greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in our atmosphere. Forests, trees, and grasses collectively act as nature's "sinks" for CO2, heroically absorbing a significant portion of this harmful gas emitted through human activities. This process, known as carbon sequestration, is akin to Earth's own carbon capture and storage technology.

Yet, like a multifaceted puzzle, this story isn't solely one of absorption. The land also serves as a source of CO2 emissions, a consequence of activities such as deforestation and land degradation. These actions release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to the alarming rise in CO2 levels. Thus, understanding the delicate balance between land as a sink and a source is crucial in comprehending its role in the climate equation.

The Dance of Estimation and Uncertainty

Scientists shoulder the responsibility of deciphering the intricate dance between land, forests, and carbon. They endeavor to estimate the net impact of these natural systems on carbon emissions. This intricate task is no easy feat, considering the myriad variables at play - from diverse forest ecosystems to ever-changing human interventions

Enter climate change, a disruptor that further complicates this intricate ballet. Escalating temperatures place stress on forests, rendering them susceptible to devastating wildfires. As landscapes transform, their ability to sequester carbon is jeopardized. In essence, forests, once reliable carbon sinks, are challenged by the very crisis they seek to alleviate.

Peering Through the Numbers: Insights from Research

Research, as a beacon of understanding, illuminates the intricate nuances of this relationship. A study published in Nature Climate Change (2021) unveiled a striking revelation. Over the span of two decades, global forests sequestered twice as much carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) as they emitted. This delicate balancing act, led by Nancy Harris and her team at the World Resources Institute, demonstrated that forests annually absorbed approximately 15.6 billion tons of CO2e, overshadowing emissions from disturbances.

In parallel, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land 2019 corroborated this narrative. Land use, it indicated, contributed to 13% of human-induced CO2 emissions while concurrently acting as a net sink of around 11.2 billion tons CO2 per year. This net carbon absorption equated to a staggering 29% of total CO2 emissions during the same period.

The Green Road Ahead: Reforestation and Beyond

With our planet at a precipice, the preservation and expansion of forests are thrust into the global spotlight. As nations grapple with the inadequacy of emission reductions, reforestation emerges as a beacon of hope. The idea is simple yet profound: by nurturing existing forests and strategically planting new trees, we amplify nature's ability to counteract our carbon emissions.

However, this endeavor poses multifaceted challenges. Land ownership, equitable distribution of benefits, and the true cost of preserving these ecosystems become focal points. It is imperative that the noble cause of reforestation does not inadvertently perpetuate social or economic inequities.

In a world where climate solutions are paramount, the significance of land and forests as allies cannot be overstated. They stand as testament to nature's resilience and offer tangible pathways to confront climate change head-on. As we navigate the path to a sustainable future, the role of land and forests serves as a compelling reminder of the interconnectedness that binds humanity to the environment.

The tropics, a region encircling the Earth's equator, have long been perceived as lush rainforests with exotic animals and unchanging weather. However, they are also often associated with poverty, unstable governments, and environmental destruction. A new report, "The State of the Tropics," provides a deeper and more nuanced understanding of this diverse region.

Changing Perceptions

Historically, the tropics were misunderstood, with Aristotle even claiming that no civilization could thrive there. The report calls for a shift in perspective, urging recognition of the tropics from within and embracing local wisdom and experience. Compiled by 12 institutions, this comprehensive 400-page report delves into demographics, health, science, economics, biodiversity, and climate change..

Population Growth

Currently, the tropics are home to 40% of the world's population and 55% of children under five. Population growth is particularly rapid in Africa. By 2050, over half of the global population and 67% of young children will reside in the tropics. The region is expected to add 3 billion people by the end of the century, necessitating a rethinking of global priorities in aid, development, research, and education.

Economic and Social Challenges

A booming population drives increased demand for food, water, and resources. Tropical economies are growing 20% faster than those in temperate regions but still house two-thirds of the world's extreme poverty. While extreme poverty has decreased in Southeast Asia and Central America, it has doubled in Central and Southern Africa since the 1980s. Despite these challenges, there have been improvements, including a decline in undernourishment, rising life expectancy, and reduced maternal and child mortality.

Health Issues

The tropics face unique health challenges, with diseases like dengue fever and malaria remaining significant threats. These diseases are rarely found in temperate regions but are major health concerns in tropical countries.

Land and Environmental Struggles

Growing populations and consumption have led to land-use clashes. Indigenous groups struggle to maintain control over their lands as corporations seek resources for agriculture, livestock, and commodities. Conservationists are working to preserve vital ecosystems, as the tropics host 80% of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity and 95% of mangrove and coral reef biodiversity. Unfortunately, forest loss continues, especially in Oceania.

Oceanic Pressures

Marine resources in the tropics, including coral reefs and mangroves, face unprecedented pressures. Overfishing and destructive practices have depleted species. Mangroves, crucial for coastal protection and carbon storage, are being rapidly destroyed for aquaculture and development. Climate change and ocean acidification further threaten these ecosystems.

Future Challenges

Climate change poses significant challenges for the tropics, including extreme weather, rising seas, and changing precipitation patterns. These changes could impact agriculture and increase the number of refugees and regional conflicts. The tropics are expanding into temperate zones, which will have implications for water resource management and agricultural systems.

Conclusion

The future of the tropics is one of rising influence and wealth, alongside ongoing struggles with poverty, hunger, health standards, biodiversity, climate change, and resource conservation. The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and conservation to safeguard resources for future generations. The tropics hold great potential and influence, making it crucial to address these challenges thoughtfully and effectively.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting or CSR refers to a regulation and management system employed by companies to keep check of their environmental and social impact on the world. It is a yearly report made by companies to self-regulate their brand reputation through charitable, philanthropic and social activities. Although CSR is usually done by companies as an initiative of their own, many nations and organizations have made it mandatory for large scale companies to have a CSR model. It is also a way to make the stakeholders of the company and the general public aware of their yearly working system.

What are the benefits of CSR?

To have a long-term customer or client, a brand doesn’t need just a good product. It needs to show what it stands for, what values it represents. Here are some benefits to incorporating CSR into your company:

It helps the company to be more conscious of its social, economical and moral responsibility It improves a company’s reputation for its employees and potential recruits CSR limits the risk of scandals and mishaps in the environment. It enhances the perception of the general public, as people prefer to use products and services of a company which is environment conscious.

How to write a CSR report?

Without careful efforts, a CSR report can appear extremely dull and difficult to read. A well written CSR attracts investors, customers as well as potential employees. So here’s how to write an attractive CSR report:

• The report will be online, so use a directory or table of contents in the beginning for all subjects mentioned in the report
• Give an overview of your business, its operations and recent dealings
• An optimistic and warm letter from the CEO that adds a human element to the report
• Mention your goals for environmental sustainability
• Mention your progress towards said goals (use measurable numbers and percentages for more clarity)
• Add real life incidents, narratives or interviews to make the report more readable
• Mention what your priorities will be for the next term in regards to corporate social responsibility, how the company will tackle major issues
• Use detailed and easy to understand infographics and charts.
• If the report is large, make sure to add the sources from which the report is compiled.
• Add the contact details of every major person involved in the handling of mentioned issues.
• Have your report audited by a third party for better validation

What are some good examples of CSR?

Writing a CSR report can be daunting and exhausting, especially without inspiration. Here some excellent examples of CSR done flawlessly by corporate companies that we can learn from. (THIS PARANTHESIS IS NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN FINAL BLOG- THE LINKS ARE TO THE RESPECTIVE COMPANIES’ CSR REPORTS)

• Google: https://sustainability.google/in 2019, Google celebrated 13 years of Carbon neutrality. It is also the world’s largest annual corporate purchaser of renewable energy.
• Ford Motor Company: https://www.india.ford.com/about-ford/community/csr/#:~:text=Ford%20India%20lays%20particular%20importance,and%20pollution%20of%20water%20bodies the firm took a Sustainable Workforce initiative under which they improved employees’ health, efficiency and productivity. Its global safety standards have reduced workplace accidents by 90%.
• Bosch: https://www.bosch.in/our-company/our-responsibility/corporate-social-responsibility/during the early Covid-19 outbreak, Bosch India pledged more than 50 crore rupees for pandemic relief efforts. 9 lakh masks were donated to second level Covid-19 warriors.
• Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-us/sustainability the firm has pledged to go completely carbon neutral by 2022. The toy company has also announced that they will replace from plastic packaging their toys to paper packaging.
• Ben & Jerry’s: https://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2014/corporate-social-responsibility-history the ice-cream company donates 7.5% of their pretax earnings to social causes since 1985. It has remained one of the few brands that have consistently spoken out and taken action against acts of injustice around the world.

While CSR report can look different for every company, its objective is the same throughout- to be more sustainable, ethical and responsible. To do well not just for the brand, but also the environment. Companies that stick with yearly CSR reports usually tend to see profits in all areas. Socially responsible companies tend to focus on the approach called Triple Bottom Line. Here, three areas are taken into consideration- Profit, People and Planet. ‘Do well by doing good’ is their motto.

So if your company is not legally required to do CSR, it is still wise not to wait. CSR sets a standard for your company among your competitors. Committing to CSR is a step in the right direction, not just for your brand, but for everyone involved.