Does business have a responsibility to push for stronger climate policy?
Earlier this year I attended the Sustainability Leaders’ Summit and one of the major themes was the belief that a lack of policy certainty and bipartisanship on climate policy has had a negative impact on business in Australia. No doubt this is also true around the world.
What I heard is that ambitious and steady climate policy was good for business, good for the community and good for the country. Yet when I asked a panel of executives whether they thought business had a responsibility to advocate political parties and MPs to do more on climate policy, they said ‘no’.
Many executives I spoke to thought it was their job to ensure their organisation can adapt to policy settings as they change, as opposed to influence the change they want to see.
Is this good enough?
Some industry groups and businesses are very quick to act when policy (such as industrial relations) has a direct impact their bottom line. Yet advocating and lobbying politicians on climate policy (which does impact a business’ bottom line) was seen by many as too ‘political’.
When I hear sustainability managers and senior executives say customers, investors and staff are demanding climate action, yet they feel held back from acting by government policy, surely it is in the interest of business to act?
It’s clear many businesses see ‘shared value’ in ambitious climate policy. Yet many businesses appear to have been scared into silence by a segment of the Australian political class that only wants business to speak up when it aligns with their own priorities. We are seeing this dynamic play out again in the Voice debate, with the federal opposition attacking any business that publicly supports the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
So what can businesses who want to see bi-partisan and ambitious climate policy do to change the narrative, while also minimising any perceived risk that some executives may see in acting?
One: Engage in the public consultation process
There are ample opportunities for businesses and lobby groups to contribute to policy formation via public consultation processes. Whenever government creates new policy, or embarks on reform, a public consultation process will be launched. This process provides business a chance to provide feedback or push for certain policy outcomes. Media also closely watch this process.
At the time of publishing this blog, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment Water was inviting submissions on Australia’s offshore wind industry, the review of the National Hydrogen Strategy and on the best ways to manage waste from solar panel systems. If your organisation has an interest in any of these policies, I suggest you engage with the consultation process.
Two: When engagement with a cabinet minister is not feasible, approach a local MP
Not every business will gain access to a cabinet minister or a senior MP in opposition. However where your business has a physical presence, a local MP should always be willing to meet. These local MPs can be a conduit to influential MPs in political parties while they can also use their own voice (via social media and media) to advocate on your behalf.
Three: Seek out influential MPs whose agenda matches your own
With independent MPs fast becoming a force in Australian politics, another option for businesses who want to see more ambitious climate policy is to identify crossbench MPs and Senators who are influential in climate policy. These MPs can campaign for change more forcefully than some party politicians and many will also be willing to use their public profile to campaign for change.
Four: Be prepared and be clear in your ask and recommendations
When meeting with an MP, many organisations want to focus on themselves and can spend a large portion of a meeting explaining who they are and what they do. It’s important that an MP understand this, but this can be done in writing before a meeting.
Your time with an MP is precious, so it’s crucial to:
Explain what the issue is, how it is impacting your organisation and why that MP should care.
Clearly define your ask, i.e. what do you want to see change? What can this MP do?
Focus on the impact the issue is having on that MP’s constituents. For example, a lack of clarity on climate policy may be holding back local investment, which in turns impacts local jobs. Ensure the MP understands how the issue impacts them.
Follow up your meeting with a very short 1-2 page brief (via email) that summarises the issue and your ask.
Keep in regular contact with that MP by sharing updates on the policy issue and if/when there is a breakthrough – acknowledge any support that MP has provided.
Five: Be prepared to go public
This can be done subtly via social media (for example, posting a photo of your meeting summarising what you discussed) and/or it may be more affirmative action such as talking to the media and publicly advocating for change.
In summary…
It’s clear that stable and ambitious climate policy is good for business. When many investors, customers and staff are demanding climate action themselves, a bipartisan policy framework is required for business to make important investment decisions.
Taking a timid approach to advocating for change will not deliver the results that many businesses say they want to see. I believe it’s time for businesses to step forward and start pushing governments, political parties and MPs of all persuasions to do more when it comes to climate policy.