Calling on the World’s Largest Companies Could Change the Future of Our Planet

Numerous studies have found that some of the world’s largest companies have the biggest adverse effects on the planet. What can business professionals do to positively change the situation?

Hold Companies to Account

Company press releases are often full of promising details of how a business will reduce its emissions, use more recycled materials, invest in renewable energy and make other changes for the planet’s good. However, there’s often a stark difference between what’s stated and a company’s options.

One 2023 analysis found only 22% of companies acted in ways aligned with the Paris Agreement. It seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. An even more worrying takeaway was that the study focused on the top 500 biggest public companies. Those entities are theoretically positioned to have the biggest impact but fall far short of that potential.

How can people with relatively low levels of influence get noticed by the biggest companies? By working together. One of the most accessible ways is to become a shareholder and participate in activism events with other shareholders at the business’s annual general meeting.

In one 2023 example, shareholders showed their displeasure at Shell’s annual meeting. They chanted, sang and otherwise caused disruption. Some who spoke about their participation said the company is not doing enough to reduce emissions and has missed opportunities to act more sustainably.

Request More Specificity

Another issue is that executives often make overly broad statements. They might say their companies are committed to sustainable actions but fall short of specifying what that means. However, the good news is that those statements often become part of press releases, which usually have contacts for media representatives to use.

Specificity helps people create and work toward meaningful goals. Specific details also set expectations. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires companies to report when their facilities store at least 10,000 pounds of chemicals classified as hazardous during a year.

All applicable entities must submit reports to the appropriate state regulators by March 1. Those details ensure company representatives can’t claim they didn’t know better as an excuse for not following regulations.

People who work in the media or know someone who does can use press releases’ media contacts to get more specifics about what company representatives have promised from a sustainability perspective. They may not get the level of detail they’d prefer, but the information received could be better than not asking for further clarification.

Consider Boycotting Unsustainable Companies

Even with many companies not doing as much as necessary to make climate-related gains, positive things are still happening elsewhere. For example, it’s increasingly easy for people to find and support green-certified businesses. However, there are dozens of certifications companies can get.

People should always look beyond a green certification and learn what it means. Which actions does the company take or refrain from doing to help the planet? Do those things align with an individual’s values and ideals?

Beyond locating and backing sustainable companies, people should consider doing the reverse by boycotting companies that do not operate in ways they support. The United States has a history of boycotts dating back decades. Although people have varying opinions about how well they work, many assert that individuals should use it as one of many tools against companies.

People have told others to “vote with their dollars.” They can do that by boycotting companies they formerly supported. Of course, the overall impact is much bigger when the boycotts happen across large population segments. However, consumers can still stand against unsustainable actions by no longer buying from particular companies.

It’s Time to Encourage Action

These suggestions show that people in numerous business roles have various options for urging the world’s largest companies to act. The desired progress can take time, but these options are still worth pursuing.

Jane Marsh works as the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers environmental news and sustainable living tips.