Did you know that two-thirds of small businesses lack the confidence to tackle climate change? A recent survey shows that most small businesses are concerned with climate change but, many either don’t know what to do about it or lack the resources needed to make a difference.

Perhaps you are in the same boat, and you feel that your business isn’t ready to deal with the risks of climate change. Alternatively, you don’t see why your small business needs to worry about climate change and your business doesn’t make an impact on the environment.

The fact is, the dangers posed by climate change are very real and have an impact on every small business. Read on to learn why your small business should care about climate change, and how it can make a difference

Climate change and its Impact

While sometimes climate change is caused by the changing solar cycle, since the 1800s humanity has had the greatest impact on the climate. This is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. As these burn, the emissions stay in the earth’s atmosphere, trapping heat and raising temperatures.

In the past century, global temperatures have risen 1.1 degrees Celsius due to human-caused climate change. Scientists have given the number of 1.5 degrees as the limit before there are real catastrophic implications. As of now, the global temperature is on pace to rise to 3.2 degrees by the end of the century.

What Impact Does It Have on the World?

Those numbers are troubling, and if something isn’t done, the consequences can be terrible. There are many different ways climate change can have an impact on the globe. 

With rising temperatures comes an increase in extreme weather patterns. There are and will continue to be more floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. 

Rising temperatures lead to the melting of ice caps, which in turn lead to higher sea levels. As sea levels rise, some communities may find themselves underwater. Many have already needed to move to higher ground to survive.

As pollution levels rise and air quality goes down, people will start getting sick from respiratory diseases more often. Weakened immune systems will begin to be more common and lead to more widespread health concerns.

How Much Do Small Businesses Contribute to Climate Change?

The impacts of climate change are many and far-reaching. While it may seem like your small business doesn’t contribute to this growing crisis, it does. Many people believe that larger firms are the culprits when it comes to the impact of businesses on the environment, but that might not be the case.

In fact, it has been found that for large businesses, 90% of their emissions are traced back to smaller companies creating products and services for them. As these smaller companies fulfil contracts for larger firms, they contribute to emission levels and harm the environment.

An SME does not contribute as many emissions as a large business; however, there are 5.6 million SMEs in the UK. When each one is contributing to climate change, the numbers can add up quickly.

In the UK, about 25% of emissions are from the business and industry sectors. Half of that number comes from small to medium-sized enterprises. That is an astounding number, and depending on what kind of industry your business is in, you could be far more contaminating to the planet.

Changes Small Businesses Can Make to Fight Climate Change

Many SMEs report feeling unprepared and underfinanced in dealing with lowering carbon emissions. While small businesses contribute to climate change, there are plenty of low-cost solutions for reducing your carbon footprint.  If you want to know how to reduce your business’s emissions, be sure to follow these easy steps.

First, find simple ways to lower your energy costs. This is easier than you might think. Start by lowering your thermostat by a few degrees, making sure it is still comfortable for your employees.

Another easy way to cut down on costs is to turn off lights when there is enough daylight or if no one is in the room. This simple solution again cuts down on your energy usage and cuts down on your emissions. 

If your business produces a physical product, work with your team to see if there is a way to make the same product in an environmentally friendly way. Perhaps some steps can be adjusted, or materials can be recycle. It might even be possible to make the product out of more environmentally friendly materials. 

Next, commit to working with other companies that believe in lowering their emissions. Third parties such as Supply2Defence can help you win tenders by leveraging your commitment to lowering emissions. By having this commitment, you can work with like-minded firms in creating products that are a lower risk to the environment.

Commit to Lower Emissions Today

Working towards lowering your carbon emissions is a very important step. There are millions of other businesses like yours that altogether contribute large amounts of waste to the environment every year. By taking steps to lower your carbon footprint you and your business can fight climate change and stand out from your competition. 

By working with Supply2Defence, you can leverage your commitment to fight climate change when you are looking to win a contract. Register for free with Supply2Defence today and see why it’s the best option for winning defence tenders and civil tenders.