Firstly, the world has warmed and the effects are becoming undeniable – it’s faster than even the scientists expected.
We are more than 1.5°C over baseline in the past 12 months. That was the limit we set out to stop. The US is not immune and the fires in Los Angeles were a spectacular example for us all to see how small changes in temperature are going to change the world to a less stable environment.
Secondly, and during the fires, Trump and his government immediately took away the US’s commitment to COP pledges.
Fight rests with us
The US will make its own plans on when to hit net zero, if at all. More authoritarian (and more selfish) government all over the world and less collaboration means the climate crisis rests even more with us as individuals and businesses.
The UK can still be a shining example to the US that proves it is possible. That may feel daunting for some but most hospitality businesses can go a long way to reduce carbon and take carbon out of the energy we use right now. And, good news, carbon efficiency saves money, making you more profitable.
Electrifying kitchens is now not only possible, it works. The equipment has come of age. It is much more efficient and once done it is a much better environment to work in. Cleaner, less extract, less heat, noise, dirt. Great for chefs, though they are never easy to persuade.
The power market has stabilised and one can buy renewable only electricity, that contributes to building even more solar and wind farms. Change from gas boiler heating is a challenge still.
Push your suppliers
There will be clearer answers in a few years so this is one to be careful with. It might be better to renew a boiler with a newer highly efficient gas boiler for now than risk doing an expensive unproven change.
Reduce food waste and making sure you really manage when power is used is key. Push your suppliers to tell you what their progress is.
Don’t wait, the world isn’t going to heal itself. And while I dream of a benevolent world dictator who gives us all the plans and rules and carbon taxes that will make our world sustainable and keep our kids’ kids safe, Trump isn’t that man. So we better look after ourselves.
- Hamish Stoddart founded Peach Pubs and is coach, strategic adviser and non-exec to pubs and hospitality www.aftertheclouds.org
