Each year, Climate Week gathers a cohort of activists, leaders, and organizations across the world who share a mission to accelerate climate action. This year, Climate Week 2021 aims to assess progress ahead of COP26, and to focus on “fulfilling and increasing commitments made by businesses, governments, and organizations.” In short, Climate Week “is the time and place where the world gathers to showcase leading climate action and discuss how to do more, fast.”

As we take a moment to reflect this Climate Week, we’re inspired by the progress being made. From increased corporate climate commitments to nation-leading climate policy at the state and local levels, the climate crisis has become a higher priority on both business and government agendas. Climate reporting is forecast to become increasingly standardized and mandated, and better climate data allows companies and governments to measure, and then manage, the significant risks they face from a warming world. Carbon capture technologies are growing and evolving, and global investments are shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy projects.

But this year also has been a difficult one with climate impacts. The number of extreme weather-related disasters around the world has increased five-fold over the past 50 years; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report warns that we are experiencing “inevitable and irreversible” climate-related changes; and, so far, Gambia is the sole country on track to meet Paris Agreement targets of 1.5C warming by 2030.

When faced with such challenging odds, we have two pieces of advice we look to for strength in this fight. The first, our neighbor Mr. Rogers’ timeless words of wisdom: in the face of scary news, he advises to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” We are heartened to be surrounded by countless helpers who are passionate about this work and have their sleeves rolled up, fighting with conviction for this planet and its people. Secondly, in the words of renowned activist Joan Baez: “The antidote to despair is action.” It’s time to get moving. 

One concrete action your organization can take this Climate Week is achieving Climate Neutral Certification: joining a community of helpers who have committed themselves to meaningful action.

Developed by the non-profit Climate Neutral, the Climate Neutral Certified label makes it possible for consumers to choose brands that have measured, offset, and implemented plans to reduce the greenhouse gases they generate by making and delivering products and services.

To earn this designation, companies must offset and reduce all direct and indirect carbon emissions. To date, over 300 brands — including Allbirds, REI, and Reformation — have earned the certification and collectively offset 780,576 tons of carbon.

For thinkPARALLAX, Climate Neutral certification signals to our employees, our clients, and the world that we “walk the talk” of sustainability. As a leading ESG strategy and communications agency, we recognize that leadership demands integrity: living our values. 

This Climate Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating through action. Whether your company is leading on climate or just beginning its journey, we stand by your side as dedicated partners to help you construct effective strategies, set meaningful goals, and communicate progress along the way. So don’t hesitate to reach out: we are here to help the planet, through action, together.

Learn more about how to achieve Climate Neutral Certification in our CEO Jonathan Hanwit’s article in Sustainable Brands.