Greta Thunberg.
Jaden Smith.
Caja.
Can you see a common theme here?
Although we may not be found rubbing shoulders together in the same social circles, you may be pleasantly surprised to know that we all do have a core belief; changing for climate change.
More on what role we’re taking later.
Climate change is a hot topic everywhere, from political debates to award acceptance speeches to energy provider pledges. We have seen momentum pick up dramatically around the topic in the last decade, particularly when influential celebrities have backed for change and not to mention energy prices recently putting the squeeze on our pockets as of April this year. You may well have even seen the adverts about our oceans being filled with plastic or the ice caps melting and sea levels rising, but does any of this really feel particularly close to home?
Although we hear about the negative effects, it can be hard to relate something that may feel so far away from our direct day to day living. But what if climate change could be impacting your health right now without you realising? There’s no doubt it’s a scary thought and one that can make us feel out of control of our own wellbeing, but it’s an unfortunate reality.
Geography, age, and socioeconomic status are all things that can impact the physical effects of climate change on us. Inner cities are at risk of the ‘urban heat island’ effect; a man-made phenomenon where buildings, cars and public transport can reflect and generate so much heat within a built-up space that the city temperatures are higher than the outside rural areas. This can cause an onslaught of problems for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may not have access to the luxuries of fans or AC, may need to live within congested high-rise flats (more people = more heat) and are statistically more likely to suffer with poor health which can be exacerbated by heat which causes poor air quality and so on.
Well what if you have the ability to live in a rural area? Perhaps you can miss the ill-effects of the ‘expensive hoax’ ( as declared by some more controversial characters)? Not to be the bearer of bad news but the answer is no. If you’re no longer the spring chicken you once were and the need to buy a convertible is calling you, then you will be part of an age bracket where not only your health may be on the decline but you’re now more susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change.
Consistent variable extremes of weather and temperature can increase the mortality of older and vulnerable people, especially those with present respiratory or cardiovascular health problems. Acts of nature such as flooding, high winds and drought not only cause an imminent risk to life but can also have large impacts on mental health such as causing or contributing to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Now that does sound all doom and gloom, and it is certainly something to be taken seriously, but let’s sprinkle some positivity in this blog post. Last year, Glasgow hosted COP26 which is a Conference of the Parties – the parties being countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) treaty (1994). During the meet, the countries made net-zero pledges, which was a promise to reduce their countries emissions to keep global warming below 2oC by 2030, which they’re on track to do! It may not seem like 2 degrees is a lot, but our climate is fragile, and effects can be seen with just a 1.5 degree rise.
Caja is proud to be a facilitator and participant of change in both health and climate sustainability. We made the conscious effort to rent our brand-new office within Keele University’s science park, as, not only are they are one of the first universities in the country to declare ‘a climate emergency’, they were named Global Sustainability Institution of the Year at the Green Gown Awards 2021 and have a robust Climate Action Framework. This framework will see them become carbon neutral by 2030, which will be aided by both solar panels and wind turbines in their new renewable energy park which feeds our office renewable energy. In addition to this, Caja offset out 2021 carbon emissions and paid for native trees to be planted across the UK where re-forestation is needed, and as this is part of Carbon Footprints Tree Buddying Concept, a tonne of carbon is offset for every tree that is planted.
In relation to health, we have projects collaborating with Cancer Alliance, Age UK, multiple ICBs, and local authorities to target vulnerable and minority communities in order to promote their health, wellbeing and access to care. By helping the most vulnerable demographics, we are actively reducing the negative physical effects climate change has on these susceptible populations. Our dedication to sustainability is ensuring our future has more trees, less carbon, reduced global warming, increased renewable energy and a healthier world.
We’re good at making positive, sustainable changes and are helping businesses to do the same, it’s our bread and butter. Why not contact us and see what we can do for you?
