Pathways to Action, How Keystone Organizations Can Lead the Fight for Climate Change

Climate change is like no other challenge we have ever faced. We have seen technology change driven by computers and information systems. The rate of change is determined by market acceptance and economics. We have also witnessed social changes in areas like voting rights, civil rights, child labor and gender equality. However, these social transformations have been much slower and in many cases are only partially accepted even after a century or more of effort.

Climate change is unique because global warming doesn’t care if we agree with the science, and it doesn’t slow down because we are unwilling to act. The science is not driven by our focus on quarterly earnings and is not determined by public opinion.

The purpose of Pathways to Action is to engage the reader in ideas about accelerating action. How can we prioritize certain approaches that allow for faster change at an industrial level? What are the biggest targets? Who can do more? What is the blueprint for action? The actions we take or don’t take will be this generation’s legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Peter McAteer is managing director of SustainLearning LLC; advisor on sustainability to KPPM Global Rubber; and former managing director of Harvard Business Publishing, Corporate Learning.