The signs of climate change are unmistakable in New Hampshire. We see it in our daily lives. From rising sea levels to shifting ecosystems, the consequences are clear and urgent. Our state’s iconic lobster fisheries are moving northward; orchards are succumbing to extreme weather; flooding is more prevalent; and tick populations are soaring. These are just a few examples of how climate change is impacting our daily lives.
Beyond personal observations, the broader implications are equally concerning. The increased frequency and intensity of storms pose significant infrastructure challenges. Our once-predictable, four-season climate is undergoing a rapid transformation, with the Northeast warming at a faster pace than many other regions. Climate change is here and getting worse. The time for inaction is over. The longer we wait, the more drastic measures will be required to mitigate its effects.
I became a sustainability consultant because I believe that people want to create a better world. They want jobs that make them feel good about themselves. They want to be connected to their community and the planet. Humans have a remarkable capacity for innovation and problem-solving. We have achieved extraordinary feats in the past, and we can harness that same ingenuity to address the climate crisis. By prioritizing climate action, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
Businesses, as engines of our economy, have a critical role to play in addressing this crisis. With their agility and resources, they can drive innovation and sustainable practices.
By setting science-based goals and taking concrete steps to reduce their environmental impact, businesses can contribute significantly to the global effort to combat climate change.
Many New Hampshire businesses are already leading the way. Lonza, a biopharmaceutical company in Portmouth, has harnessed waste energy to produce electricity, saving water and reducing emissions. Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting technologies in Hanover, promotes sustainable commuting, invests in electric vehicle infrastructure, and implements water conservation measures. MegaFood, a maker of multivitamins and supplements in Londonderry, prioritizes energy efficiency and offsets its emissions through renewable energy certificates. These are just a few of many examples.
These cases demonstrate the potential for businesses to make a significant difference. By embracing sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and create a more resilient future.
No business has to go it alone. Numerous resources and support systems are available to help businesses embark on their sustainability journey. There are national, international and local organizations that offer resources to businesses that want to make a difference, including New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, Ceres, International Society for Sustainability Professionals and Project Drawdown.
However, more needs to be done.
What is needed now is for businesses to rise to the challenge and play their part in creating a more sustainable future. By embracing sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Colleen Spear is the founder and lead consultant of Spearpoint Strategies, a Portsmouth-based consulting firm that works with businesses that want to make sustainability a strategic priority and create real impact. The Sustainability Spotlight is produced monthly for NH Business Review by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR.org).
