From Why to How: The Return of the Strategist

In reading this week's stories, I am struck by what they say about the current moment in our collective efforts to address global climate change. Not long ago, it seemed the primary focus was on making the case for action. How solid is the science? What are the implications? What can -- and should -- business do about it? What are the key technologies and policy mechanisms needed to meet the challenge?

While these questions remain important, they have been joined -- or even overtaken -- by another fundamental question: How can each of us as individuals and organizations sort through the growing plethora of tools and approaches to take meaningful and sustainable action?

There is no shortage of ammunition to support the business case for action -- see the latest addition from ICCR and Trucost on the financial exposure of different industries to inevitable regulation, and the stellar results achieved by early movers such as Tesco and Marks & Spencer.

There is no shortage of tools and resources to support our efforts -- for the latest see our featured story on new tools for small business from Intuit, as well as new software solutions from Hara supporting energy efficiency, a “carbon pedometer” for commuters, and even an eager cadre of interns from Net Impact.

And yet a new report from CERES and Environmental Defense Fund indicates that more than two-thirds of S&P companies fail to even mention climate risks in their annual reporting and only 5 percent cite a strategy for mitigating those risks. What gives? These are intelligent and competitive organizations.

I believe that what many organizations lack is the confidence that they can identify and successfully pursue a course of action that is likely to produce meaningful results. They need a vision that aligns with their capabilities and interests and a good road map for getting there. In two words: leadership and strategy.

Eric Olson is vice president of advisory services at Business for Social Responsibility.

This report from Ceres, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Center for Energy and Environmental Security looks at how many -- or how few -- companies are reporting climate-related risks in their annual reports, and breaks down reporting on a sector-by-sector basis.

Ceres, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Center for Energy and Environmental Security analyze recent filings from the world's largest industries, finding that while the energy industries are disclosing climate change risks to a greater extent than other sectors, the detail and depth are far from sufficient to help investors make wise choices.

Energy efficiency is a basic step in meeting climate goals. Learn how EPA's ENERGY STAR program can help your organization manage energy well and how several U.S. industrial companies have been able to successfully impact their carbon footprints through good practices, tools and techniques learned as a part of their partnership with ENERGY STAR.