Did this year’s Earth Day give us a wake up call?
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd that focuses on environmental protection. It started in 1970 as a way to raise awareness about the environment and has grown into a large global movement. Earth Day is now celebrated in over 193 countries by an estimated 1 billion people. According to the UN Climate Chief, we need an effort of that magnitude. United Nations scientists say halving climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is crucial to stop a rise in temperatures of more than 1.5 Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) that would unleash more extreme weather and heat.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change said the next two years are “essential in saving our planet”. In a recent speech that warned global warming is slipping down politicians’ agendas, Stiell said that governments, business leaders and development banks have two years to take action to avert far worse climate change.
What can people working in the meetings and events industry do to help meet the deadline? For one read the featured article on our homepage, “Supplier Earth Day Case Study: 5 Steps to a Cleaner Event Space.” It tells the story of the journey London’s QEII Centre has taken to become a more sustainable facility for trade shows and events. You can access it here.
After that check out our “Green Convention Site Selection Check List.” It will give you 10 things to look for when searching for a facility that can accommodate a sustainable event. You can access it here.
After that check out the “SITE Crystal Award Case Study: Most Socially Responsible Incentive,” currently on our home page. This 2024 award winner created a CSR event and competition that help make a dent in food insecurity among the local population in the destination that was hosting their incentive program. Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives are both part of the solution. You can access that here.
If that wets your appetite for ideas on how to work CSR into your meetings, check out “Great Corporate Social Responsibility Programs,” you’ll find 18 of them you can get started on right away. Access the story here.
It’s important that the organizations and the people who plan face-to-face events develop and for incorporating CSR and sustainability practices into their meetings and events strategies.
Because the clock is ticking.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Khadeeja Yasser on Unsplash
