People need to “stop being an individual” and focus on “collective action” for the environment, according to an environmental scientist.  

April 22nd marks ‘Earth Day’, which aims demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

First held on April 22nd, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.  

The official theme for Earth Day 2023 is “invest in our planet”, and Dr Cara Augustenborg said the best way to do this is invest in “collective action”.  

Speaking on The Anton Savage Show, the environmental scientist said people need to work together to resolve climate change.  

“The best thing an individual can do to address this crisis is to stop being an individual,” she said.  

“Collective action - putting pressure on businesses and local and national governments - is actually the most significant thing that we can do to address sustainability issues.” 

Dr Augustenborg said she thought US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland was “frustrating” because of its environmental impact.  

“There's a lot of do as I say and not do as I do, I think when it comes to our political leaders and Biden,” she said.  

Biden’s visit to Ireland required four helicopters, five Globemaster planes and 18 vehicles. 

“We know he needs a lot of security,” Dr Augustenborg said. “But also [consider] some of the stuff he's doing with regards to the [oil] Willow Project in America and the extraction of more fossil fuels in the Alaskan Arctic.” 

Greenwashing 

CEO of Business in the Community Ireland Tomás Sercovich said there are “costs” for businesses that are taking too long to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.  

“There's pressure from regulators, from investors and their consumers that are now asking to see more evidence about what businesses are doing that is not just greenwashing statements,” he said.  

“We're seeing people leaving their workplaces because they're saying, ‘I don't want to work for a company that doesn't follow through with some of those commitments’.” 

Young people

Mr Sercovich said young people entering the workforce are more conscious of a business’ environmental impact. 

“They’re nearly interviewing the employers around those issues,” he said.  

“It is it is definitely a growing trend and, and you can see it in terms of how companies are advertising themselves,” he said. “Employers are looking for that extra credential or recognition.” 

Mr Sercovich said there is a “mounting pressure” on businesses and climate-related decisions will determine how businesses make money in the future.  

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