ISEP declares a climate and environmental emergency

19/09/2019

Our declaration is rooted in the widespread consensus of international scientists and in the knowledge that we and our members can make a pivotal contribution towards the radical transitions now required. 

“ISEP was founded to transform the world to sustainability and its mission has never been so important or relevant as it is right now.The 2018 report from the IPCC1 and 2019 report from IPBES2 show that the current situation and future trajectory has catastrophic implications for global society and the environment. Government business and society need to respond with urgent transformative action to deliver systemic change within a very short timeframe. ISEP therefore reaffirms its commitment to addressing the issues and declares that there is a climate and environmental emergency. ISEP calls upon all organisations to respond with urgency and action.” Paul Leinster; Chair of ISEP Board.

Our declaration is rooted in the widespread consensus of international scientists and in the knowledge that we and our members can make a pivotal contribution towards the radical transitions now required.“International targets for emissions conserving and restoring nature and for achieving sustainability cannot be met by current trajectories. Global goals for 2030 and beyond can only be achieved through transformative changes.”ISEP Climate Change Policy and Engagement Lead Nick Blyth.

Environment and sustainability professionals are uniquely positioned to respond to this emergency making vital contributions within businessesorganisations and communities. Building on existing work ISEP released its first position statement on climate change in 2012 identifying key policy calls and working with professionals to support change. The continuing and escalating emergency requires leadership at all levels from government through to individuals. ISEP will support environment and sustainability professionals to rise to the challenge of transition. We will work with our members to support them in addressing this urgent strategic need and to support businesses and organisations through the rapid change now required.

ISEP provides professionals with unique networks where our members can share experience and mobilise change. ISEP appeals to every organisation to join it by becoming carbon neutral in 2020 and to work progressively to transition operations towards zero carbon and sustainability.

“We want to see every ISEP professional no matter where they are in their career committing to take positive action to deal with the Climate and Environment Emergency and to develop targets and goals to help them realise this ambition both in the workplace and at home. As environmental and sustainability practitioners we need to be ambassadors and to be leading by example.”Jonathan Foot ISEP Fellow and Steering Group Chair for the ISEP Climate Change and Energy Network.

ISEP will act as an advocate on behalf of our members and convene others to influence policies standards and frameworks that will support transition both in the UK and internationally.Read our Climate Change and Position Statement and Resources here