SEPA highlights ‘new domain of risk’ for business leaders as they confront climate change.

The Institute for Public Policy Research said the combination of global warming, soil infertility, pollinator loss, chemical leaching and ocean acidification was creatinga“new domain of risk” that may pose humanity’s greatest threat–but was hugely underestimated by policymakers.

Terry A’Hearn wants sustainability to be a business school staple

“A transformational response is required,” the IPPR said. “Due to the high levels of complexity, the scale of breakdown and systemic nature of the problem, responding to the age of environmental breakdown may be the greatest challenge that humans have faced in their history.”

Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “In Scotland, we’re currently using the resources of three planets, but only have one. At SEPA, we call this One Planet Prosperity, and all parts of our communities, businesses and government have key roles to play in helping Scotland live within its means.

“Good leaders say–there’s only one planet, we have to work within it. But great leaders say–how do we turn this from a threat into an opportunity for our organisation?”

This article appeared in the March 19' edition of Business HQ - CLICK HERE to view online

As well as driving demand for environmental jobs in areas like ecology, environmental consultancy, renewable energy and resource management – this need for transformational change is seeing sustainability become an increasing staple of Scottish business schools.

Programmes like the University of Stirling’s MSc Strategic Sustainable Business or Strathclyde’s MSc Sustainability and Environmental Studies are equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills to tackle 21st century challenges like climate change.

A’Hearn himself is a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership at The University of Cambridge. This isaglobally influential Institute developing leadership and solutions forasustainable economy. He was also a participant in London Business School’s Senior Executive Programme, which is designed to help business leaders achieve high performance and lead transformational change.

“We need to blazeatrail to a different sort of economy, a different sort of society – and it’s critical that our business leaders now and in the future develop the skills and knowledge to drive this change,” says A’Hearn.

SEPA CEO Terry A’Hearn - We only have 1 world, but are using the resources of 3

To help grow Scotland’s next generation of environmental leaders, A’Hearn introduced SEPA’s first Graduate Trainee Scheme after being inspired by his own experience onagraduate programme in Australia in 1989. From Melbourne, A’Hearn spent ten years in senior management roles at the Environment Protection Authority in the State of Victoria, and was chief executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency before joining SEPA in 2015.

“There are endless opportunities to tackle our planetary challenge and my key message would be: ‘change your mindset’,” A’Hearn said during his address to the TEDx Glasgow talks in 2017.

“Too many people think of it as a big threat – but it’s a huge opportunity for economic and social success. And every single one of us has skills, ability and experience to bring to this challenge – and create a very different future.”

For more information visit www.sepa.org.uk 

The Herald’s Climate for Change initiative supports efforts being made by the Scottish Government with key organisations and campaign partners. Throughout the year we will provide a forum in The Herald newspaper, online at herald.scotland.com and in Business HQ magazine, covering news and significant developments in this increasingly crucial area.

If you are interested in contributing editorially or interested in becoming a Climate for Change partner, please contact Stephen McTaggart on 0141 302 6137 or email stephen.mctaggart@heraldandtimes.co.uk