This week, DataXpresso hosts Eva and Helena discuss the role of data in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the impact of when data is used for good. So, what are companies doing in this respect and who’s leading the charge? Find out below.
Listen to DataXpresso episode 19 here.
During this episode Helena mentions the Greta Thunberg effect. This is the observation that since the teenage climate warrior burst onto the global stage, children and young adults have become more likely to use social media for environmental activism, but also that the increased focus on these topics is helping to accelerate commitments to reduce carbon emission levels.
So, who’s pledging to change their ways and what are the effects?
“The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say – we will never forgive you.”
Paris Climate Agreement: everything you need to know
Just a few days ago it was reported that one of new US president Joe Biden’s first executive orders was for the US to re-join the Paris Climate Agreement, following its withdrawal in 2017. But how many of us actually know the detail behind this agreement and understand how impactful it could be?
In short, the Paris Agreement aims to unite the world in an effort to combat climate change and requires countries to make strong commitments to lower their CO2 emissions progressively over time. The historic accord was signed by 195 countries in 2015, but its implementation has been far from smooth. You can learn more here.
U.S. workers at Google and Amazon join climate protests
The Thunberg effect was already showing back in September 2019, when employees from tech giants Google and Amazon took to the streets. Their goal was to pressure their employers to increase their commitment and action towards lowering CO2 emissions and to lobby them to stop dealing with companies from industries such as oil and gas.
The protests actually happened during a week in which Google said it had increased its wind and solar energy deals by more than 40%, and Amazon pledged to use only renewable energy by 2030. The point was protesters wanted them to do more. Read more about these protests.
What are the tech giants doing?
Almost a year to the day those protests took place, Google announced in September 2020 that it had become the first company in the world to eliminate its entire carbon footprint.
Whether or not the kind of carbon offset Google’s approach relies on is accurate, this is still a massive step in the right direction for other brands to follow. But given the constant rise in the number of gadgets we connect to and the amount of data that is produced, consumed and analyzed — what impact does our individual use of tech and data have?
A recent article in Forbes suggests that turning our cameras off during video calls could cut the carbon emissions related to the call by 96%. That’s important, as another study predicts that by 2023, more than 10% of all carbon emissions could come from computing. Find out more here.
Climate movers and shakers
Businesses named on A-list for tackling their climate impact
Some organizations and the people that run them have taken a lead in reducing their impact on the environment. Non-profit group CDP compiled a list of noteworthy businesses that are driving change in their operations to reduce their carbon footprint. Among them are Sainsbury’s, Lego and H&M. Read more about these companies and the motivations behind their actions in this article.
Unilever to insist suppliers pay ‘living wage’
By 2030 consumer goods giant Unilever will require all its suppliers to pay a living wage or the company will refuse to do business with them. The move comes in an effort to extend the company’s CSR reach beyond its own workforce, and pressure supply chain partners to pay a wage that helps to lift workers out of the poverty cycle. Find out more here.
Want to get involved?
Empowering non-profits through data story – VizForSocialGood.com
Put your data analysis and visualization skills to use by joining the Viz for Social Good community in one of its projects geared towards supporting non-profit organizations and NGOs in their work with data. Check out their latest projects.
Visualize Gender Equality
The UN sustainable development goal number 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Apply your data skills and help the team at Operation Fistula build awareness for injustices experienced by women and girls. This, in turn, will support many non-profits in bringing their message to more people. Find out how to participate here.
Alternatively, why not find one of many climate-related virtual hackathons hosted by universities, research institutes, companies and user groups and lend your analytical skills to help solve real-world problems?
Remember, as Thunberg stated in New York, “the eyes of all future generations are upon you.”