Empowering Change: Using Your Influence to Confront the Climate Crisis

It is widely acknowledged that achieving corporations' net-zero goals of operating in a carbon-neutral state requires the active support of public policy and corporate sponsorship to facilitate and expedite progress. In essence, we need to foster a transition away from the use of fossil fuels at a faster pace and on a larger scale than what we are currently doing.

Consumer activism has led to significant progress in reducing emissions. However, there are still concerns regarding the influence of the fossil fuel industry and the impact that influence has on attaining a net-zero future. Corporations must curb global emissions as they continue to rise. 

To achieve our net-zero targets, it is essential to have strong and effective public policy in place. Companies play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy, and employees' voices can help drive change. By raising our voices in public forums, conferences, and government panels in the regions where we operate, we can help influence a future free of emissions.

During one of the conference sessions, the topic of plastic pollution was discussed. Approximately eight years ago, this issue gained significant attention from consumers, who began to take action to encourage corporations to adopt more responsible practices. 

Essentially, plastic became the number one pollution-related issue in the minds of consumers. The power of people's influence moved companies to start recycling initiatives. 

Governments around the world have since realized that corporations are not always motivated to take action on their own and that regulatory frameworks are often necessary. As a result of consumer influence, the United Nations has developed a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Those who champion sustainability within companies can use their influence to drive change from within.

One consistent message throughout the conference was that storytelling is a powerful tool and often needed to influence or help gain support from others. This approach focuses on crafting your message to address specific topics and introducing the value propositions relevant to your audience. 

As a tech-centric company, many of us at Akamai come to meetings with lots of data, analysis, and figures. Over my career, I have come to realize that it is crucial to gain the attention and support of your peers before presenting them with endless facts, data, and information about your initiative. People like me who are immersed in data every day, need to remember that our colleagues have limited time and resources, so it is necessary to assure them that their support  for our efforts is critical.

Storytelling moves away from the “death by data” approach and influences people to take action by asking “What would it take to gain your support?” This acknowledges that the person who has been approached for support is the expert on their situation, and it invites them to collaboratively problem-solve versus pressuring them to do things in a prescribed way. Also, when the expert provides their list of the requirements necessary to gain their support, and you can demonstrate that you have met these requirements, you have preemptively gained their much-needed support for the desired outcome.

So you may be asking yourself: What strategies can employees use to support and communicate with vendors, partners, and customers, or take action to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change? 

Here are some examples, including initiatives that are already in progress at Akamai:

• Understand the climate crisis. Akamai has partnered with the Clean Energy Buyer's Association (CEBA) to host educational seminars for our top supply chain vendors. These seminars will provide our suppliers with an introduction to clean energy market trends, clean energy procurement options, tangible next steps — and more!

• Recognize your sphere of influence. Your sphere may include personal, professional, and community networks.  Look for opportunities to get involved within one of your spheres. For example, my hometown recently released a job posting for a Climate Change Liaison to help build an emergency preparedness plan.   

• Build credibility and trust. Our team works hard to provide transparent and credible data for Akamai customers to measure their carbon emissions using our platform. 

• Mobilize your networks for climate action. We have created a global Akamai Green Team of employees engaged in organizing, community outreach, and collective action in driving change.

To learn more about these initiatives, please contact Akamai Sustainability.