A new toolkit launched on March 5, 2020 by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) offers practical guidance and resources that will help Manitoba’s business community prepare for the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigate risk and build resilience.
The Climate Action Toolkit for Manitoba Business is geared toward leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up 98 per cent of all registered businesses in the province. Together, these companies represent the largest contributor to Manitoba’s GDP, so how they fare in dealing with climate change will have a significant impact on the economy.
“Manitoba is experiencing frequent severe weather events, rising temperatures, unpredictable rain patterns, and other challenges resulting from climate change,” says Philip Gass, senior policy analyst at IISD. “It’s crucial to our economy that business leaders have access to information about climate change impacts, emission reduction strategies, and how to qualify for government incentives. This toolkit is designed to help steer Manitoba businesses in a climate-friendly direction.”
“We heard loud and clear in our 2019 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey that more than half of the province’s business leaders are concerned about climate change,” says Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of MCC. “But we also learned that most of them—almost two thirds—are not incorporating climate action into their strategic planning. This concerns us a great deal, because a lack of preparedness could mean severe impacts on operations, increased insurance premiums, and supply chain issues. As well, a growing number of consumers are looking to the private sector to offer sustainable products and services, and this may present new market opportunities.”
Featured components of the toolkit include the following:
- A primer explaining the effects of climate change on business
- A climate action checklist for business leaders
- Examples of climate action being taken by Manitoba businesses
- Barriers to action, as cited by local SMEs, and efforts to address those
- Links to government programs and incentives for climate action by SMEs
- Highlights from the 2019 survey of climate action by Manitoba SMEs
- A communications guide for business leaders: Promoting Climate Action to Key Stakeholders
This project was financially supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Climate Action Fund and supported by World Trade Centre Winnipeg with input and collaboration throughout the initiative.
For further information, click here.
