Young entrepreneurs call for climate change to become focus of business

Climate change is one of the key issues of our time and business must help to address it now by investing in sustainable and green technologies. This is one of the main findings from a survey of young entrepreneurs in the European Union. 

The findings are the result of an online survey aimed at aspiring, current, and climate change focused entrepreneurs.  The survey was conducted between 30 October and 23 November. The ThinkYoung/3M Survey, launched in Paris on Monday (7 December), asked current and aspiring entrepreneurs for their views on how business can best contribute to fighting climate change and on what they expect from the COP21 UN conference.  “92% of young Europeans indicate that they see climate change as one of the most important issues that the world is facing. This is a strong message from future business leaders that today’s negotiators in Paris need to take to heart,” said Andrea Gerosa, founder and 'chief thinker' at ThinkYoung.  “Many world leaders speaking at COP21 have stressed we need to act on climate change for the sake of future generations. It is clear that the next generation of business leaders expect them to take the necessary measures,” he added. The survey of 500 young entrepreneurs from across the 28 member states of the EU also revealed that they see a combination of technology and legislation as the best way to tackle the problem.

“It is encouraging to see that 80% of young business leaders believe that developing sustainable technologies is the most effective means of fighting climate change. I fully agree with them,” said Guenter Gressler, president for Europe at 3M, the global sustainable technology provider. In addition to emphasizing the importance of technology, 67% of the respondents cited existing and future climate legislation as an effective means for fighting climate change.  “This underlines the need for clear rules to promote environmentally-friendly products and behaviour. It is a strong message for policy-makers to take responsibility in shaping a sustainable future,” said Maxime Bureau, director, Government & Public Affairs for 3M in Europe.

Three out of four survey respondents also stated that they are likely or very likely to purchase certified eco-friendly products for their company.  “This is consistent with their support for a predictable public policy with clear rules,” said Maxime Bureau. “To have environmentally-friendly products, we need to develop common policies and standards that stimulate and reward sustainable innovation.”

The survey also revealed that female entrepreneurs are more convinced than their male peers about the need to invest in green technology (56% v 42%) and in eco-friendly purchasing (32% v 23%).  Regarding the outcome of COP21, more than half of the young business leaders wish to see an international, binding agreement on climate change.

“Practically all respondents said they want world leaders to find an agreement in Paris on how to address the global challenge of climate change. For the majority, such a climate deal should be binding,” explained Andrea Gerosa. “The message from the future is clear: Let’s agree and face the challenge together,” she added.

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