Can Climate Change Be Mitigated in Time?
The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated, yet the approach to addressing climate risk is often misguided. A recent report by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries suggests that current models may not accurately capture the full scope of climate risk, leading to inadequate responses.
Worse still, new research indicates that climate change is accelerating faster than previously thought due to a decrease in aerosols from 2015 onwards, meaning that past projections may underestimate the real threat - a worrisome signal for policymakers and industry leaders working with incomplete information.
Adding to the concern, multiple studies highlight that we are approaching dangerous tipping points - irreversible climate thresholds that could have catastrophic global effects.
These include the rapid melting of ice sheets, the collapse of vital ecosystems, and the disruption of ocean currents, each of which could profoundly impact biodiversity, human settlements, and global economic stability. For example, if the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation were to shut down, this could lead to a decrease of arable land in the UK from 32% to 7%.
The science is clear: mitigation requires a three-pronged strategy - avoidance, reduction, and removal measures.
Avoidance means taking proactive measures to prevent emissions from being generated in the first place, such as through policy shifts and sustainable infrastructure investments (for example, shifting to renewable energy sources like wind and solar avoids burning fossil fuels).
Reduction involves minimising ongoing emissions by improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable production methods - as many industries are now exploring within circular economy models.
Finally, removal refers to actively extracting greenhouse gases from the atmosphere through approaches such as reforestation, technological carbon capture, or even ocean-based solutions. While the scientific framework is in place, the major challenge remains coordinating these efforts at scale and engaging all key actors.
Can Government, Businesses and Individuals Lead The Charge?
While governments, businesses, and individuals each have roles in tackling climate change, significant barriers hinder any single actor from leading an effective response.
Governments are currently preoccupied with short-term geopolitical crises and economic turbulence, making long-term climate planning difficult - especially with the chaotic change in administration in the U.S. and the global disruptions that this is leading to with regards to defense, trade and power balances between regions of the world.
Additionally, 95% of countries have missed the deadline to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) this year. If countries experience delays in even writing their plans, it's no surprise that actual global mitigation is painfully lacking. Even when submitted, these plans sometimes remain more aspirational than actionable.
The influence of anti‐climate lobbying further complicates government action. Powerful interest groups with vested stakes in fossil fuels continue to exert pressure on policymakers, reportedly contributing to delays or dilution of some climate regulations. For example, in 2023, lobbying efforts were cited by the Guardian as one factor behind delays in implementing certain EU climate mitigation policies.
The chaotic nature of the global economy equally adds to the complexity of the challenge ahead. With countless competing interests - from multinational corporations to small enterprises - the planning required for systemic change is challenging.
For instance, industries such as shipping have struggled to establish uniform decarbonisation targets due to varying international regulations; while specific quantitative data are limited, several industry analyses have noted that the lack of a centralised regulatory framework complicates coordination.
Further demonstrating that businesses will have trouble leading on their own, some major financial institutions have recently withdrawn from voluntary climate alliances. Early in 2025, several major U.S. banks - including JP Morgan and Bank of America - exited the Net Zero Banking Alliance, citing concerns about profitability and regulatory uncertainty (source).
Such moves raise questions about the reliability of voluntary corporate commitments and underscore the difficulty of achieving meaningful, coordinated climate action through fragmented efforts.
Consumers, while increasingly aware of their environmental impact, have limited individual influence over global emissions. Lifestyle choices - such as reducing meat consumption, using public transport, or adopting energy-efficient appliances - are valuable, yet on their own they cannot drive the systemic change required to reverse climate trends.
Why Membership Organisations Are The Perfect Leader
In the face of these challenges, membership organisations are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful climate action. Unlike individual businesses or fragmented government initiatives, these organisations are structured to coordinate large-scale efforts across entire industries, ensuring that climate strategies are implemented efficiently and effectively.
At their core, membership organisations exist to support and guide their sectors. They offer expertise, resources, and strategic direction - helping businesses transition toward sustainability without compromising economic viability.
Another critical function of membership organisations is protecting their members’ interests. Climate change poses an existential threat to industries worldwide, and long-term economic stability depends on proactive adaptation. By advocating for sustainable policies and best practices, these organisations help safeguard their industries’ futures while also addressing broader environmental concerns.
Moreover, membership organisations excel at developing and disseminating the tools necessary for effective change. They establish industry standards, offer regulatory guidance, and create best practice frameworks that equip businesses to implement sustainable strategies.
Self-regulation is another area where these organisations demonstrate strength. Rather than waiting for external regulatory mandates, they empower industries to establish and adhere to their own sustainability standards. This proactive approach can prevent the costly and disruptive effects of reactive compliance measures. For instance, several financial institutions have developed internal sustainable finance guidelines that support long-term investments in green initiatives.
The Path Forward
Addressing climate change requires a level of coordination that neither governments nor individual businesses can achieve alone. Membership organisations offer a structured, credible, and effective means of uniting industry players under a common climate agenda.
By mobilising stakeholders, advocating for policy reform, and ensuring accountability, they can drive the systemic changes necessary to mitigate climate risk before it is too late. When governments are slow to act and businesses face internal limitations, these organisations serve as the essential link needed to transform climate commitments into tangible results.
In an era marked by uncertainty and fragmented efforts, membership organisations have never been more crucial. Now is the time for them to assume a leadership role in the fight against climate change - ensuring that industries adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive in a sustainable future.
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