Climate change: the leadership challenge

Briefing Paper
Beverley Darkin, June 2007

There are five characteristics common to national/regional governments and businesses that are taking the lead and driving action on the global challenge of climate change:
- An appreciation of the urgency of the problem, underpinned by a strong understanding of the science;
- An ability to connect climate change with other issues and craft policies which can achieve multiple aims;
- A recognition of the need to move from a 'zero-sum' game mentality to one based on collaboration;
- A willingness to characterize climate change as an opportunity rather than as a risk;
- A decision to place the issue at the centre of strategic thinking and to appoint champions.
Those governments and businesses that are able to develop all five characteristics are well placed to act as pioneers on this issue.
However, failure to implement can act as a significant barrier to progress. It is essential that realistic targets are set, backed up by credible policies to achieve them.