Boris Johnson’s COP26 Opening Ceremony Speech is More Relevant to Your Business Than You May Think – Here’s Why

Addressing global leaders and activists in his welcome speech at COP26, Boris Johnson described the world as being in roughly the same position as James Bond as he tries to deactivate a doomsday device – in this case, climate change.

His cinematic comparison has received mixed reviews but within the analogy, there’s one message that we cannot and must not ignore – a rally cry that not only speaks to world nations but businesses, too. He said: “We have the technology to deactivate that ticking doomsday device. We have the technology, we can find the finance – and we must. The question for all of us today is whether we have the will.”

The subject of technology being available, accessible and economically viable yet untapped, is a challenge we’ve been working hard to educate businesses on for many years. Thankfully, the appetite for innovation is growing, technology is driving new solutions and the commercial pressure for businesses to demonstrate their green credentials in increasing but, adoption rates are still slow – particularly when it comes to innovation in waste management.

Despite improved education and society becoming savvier about ‘thinking green’, 11 million tonnes of waste still go to landfill each year in the UK – enough to cover the whole of Cornwall and Devon[1]. In order to make the radical changes needed to ‘deactivate the doomsday device’, we must address the fate of all waste. That means shifting our focus solely from recycling – to include non-recyclable waste.

Every 100 tonnes of residual industrial and commercial waste that goes to landfill generates 47 tonnes of CO2e each year, plus the transportation of waste for disposal produces further CO2 and particulate emissions. Only when businesses make an overall commitment to reducing the amount of all waste that leaves site (including recyclable and mixed general waste) can they stand a more realistic chance of achieving net zero.

To do this, business leaders must first take off their blinkers and see their complete waste picture. That means actively interrogating the waste supply chain, understanding the true fate of all waste streams, avoiding overly simplified ‘green’ claims and finding the technologies to deliver meaningful and lasting change. It’s human nature for businesses to want to share their green successes – but if they don’t tell the full picture or are simply wrong; it’s greenwashing. The businesses that have these honest conversations and use the insights to spur action will demonstrate there is more than the ‘will’ for change.

Biotechnology is already proven, available and waiting. By embracing innovation in this area, organisations can cut up to 50% of the waste sent for disposal – drastically reducing their carbon footprint, unlocking savings and accelerating the journey to net zero.

Reverting back to the Prime Minister’s point – we need to stop talking about being greener and actually doing it. Otherwise – to coin another phrase – it’s nothing but blah, blah, blah.

[1] If spread one metre deep

By Dr Stephen Wise