2020 is a crucial year, in fact every year from here on out is a crucial year. This year marks a new beginning for a strategic systemic push towards a net zero future that puts the UN sustainable development goals at the core of its design.
The carbon challenges are daunting, however it is not too late to steer the ship in a direction towards a future that sees global temperatures stay well below 2C above pre-industrial levels. The deep pause forced upon us by the break out of Covid-19 is the biggest opportunity we have had to reset and transition our economy to a resilient low carbon one. An economy that acknowledges planetary boundaries and prioritises people and the planet over profit.
To do this, we need to ramp up our current political ambitions and business commitments. We must collectively work together, finding solutions which not only help us mitigate and adapt to the rapidly changing climate, but that will also work towards a future with zero poverty, reduced global inequality, gender equity and ethical self-determination for the worlds peoples.
Ekos: A systems based approach
At Ekos, we are taking a systems based approach and investing in ecological infrastructure to achieve some of these goals. We understand that investing in solutions that draw-down carbon and provide ecological resilience can also be solutions that restore ecosystems and provide ethical economic opportunities.
That is why we have chosen to work with land-owners to support the planting and protection of restorative forest projects. Through this, Ekos is taking action on climate change, the protection of natural systems (water & soils), the safe guarding of biodiversity as well as facilitating a just transition for our land owning communities towards sustainable land management.
What does the united nation’s ‘decade of action’ mean for ekos?
Ekos’ emissions related goal for the ‘decade of action’ is to see as many businesses as possible halving their carbon footprint by 2030. This aim is in line with the ‘Carbon Law’ developed by Johan Rockstrom and science-based-targets, which provide a roadmap for reaching net zero global emissions by 2050. This goal requires the global economy to halve its emissions every decade from 2020. So today is the beginning…
2020 - the beginning
Ekos’ ambition for 2020 is to get as many businesses in Aotearoa measuring their carbon footprint. By understanding your ‘business as usual’ carbon emitting activities, businesses can set targets for reduction and begin to collaborate and innovate to achieve lower-carbon operations.
If we start now, this decade can become the turning point that we need. The turning point which can steer us in the direction of a resilient, vibrant, abundant, and equitable future for all beings on the planet.
Get in touch with the Ekos whānau at ekos@ekos.co.nz to start your Zero Carbon journey!