Growing attention to the fast changing world climate also results in renewed attention for how businesses can contribute to solving this problem. The reality of the changes and the necessity to change one's behaviour is clear. The results of recent studies into climate change, such as the Stern report, published in October 2006 and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paint a gruesome picture of both the world economy as well as the environment, including increases in temperature of as much as 6.4° C, which is much more than previously expected.
More than ever, industries will have to accept responsibility for their carbon dioxide emissions. As this problem is becoming increasingly more clear, industries can expect legislation that will counteract carbon dioxide emissions and that will force them to find new ways for meeting stricter demands. Two of the main causes of air pollution are commuter traffic and air traffic. Driving to meetings alone causes 9 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per annum. Introduction of new technologies, such as conferencing services may largely contribute to CO2 reduction and at the same time, these may result in important financial savings and increase the productivity of your workers.
"1 person flying within Europe 3 times per year is responsible for 6.38 tons of CO2 emissions; in order to counteract this effect, you need 319 trees!"
