International Day of Families:
Empowering Climate Action through Business Support

Hena Khan, a ninth-grader in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has found it difficult to concentrate on her studies recently as temperatures in the capital have soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

“There’s no real education in schools in this punishing heat,” she explained in a recent article by VOANEWS.com. “Teachers can’t teach, students can’t concentrate. Rather, our lives are at risk.”

Khan represents over 40 million students across parts of Asia and North Africa who have been temporarily excluded from their classrooms due to the escalating heat waves, prompting school closures.

As global temperatures climb, heat waves become more prolonged and intense. This has led to a challenging dilemma: keeping students in sweltering classrooms or sending them home to stay safe and cool.*

As we observe the International Day of Families today, we focus on the urgent theme of “Families and Climate Change.” The stark reality is reflected in the numbers: 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change and face significant risks from extreme weather events intensified by climate change, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts (WHO). Furthermore, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), air pollution contributes to 7 million premature deaths annually.

Children are particularly vulnerable

Children are particularly vulnerable to the environmental impacts of climate change. Increased air pollution exacerbates respiratory problems while rising temperatures and frequent heat waves pose serious risks of heat-related illnesses due to their less effective internal temperature regulation.

Changes in water availability affect agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages that can cause malnutrition and stunt children’s development. Water scarcity also heightens the risk of waterborne diseases, further threatening children’s health.

The psychological toll is also significant, with many children experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress from the direct impacts of climate events and the chronic stress of uncertain futures.

These diverse challenges underscore the acute impact of climate change on family health and livelihoods, necessitating a robust response from every sector, particularly the business community.

Empowering change: How businesses can lead the fight against climate impact on families

Businesses wield unparalleled influence and possess the resources necessary to spearhead transformative changes that safeguard families from the adverse effects of climate change. The corporate sector must step up and lead by example through decisive action. Here are some ways:

Champion Sustainable Practices: Companies must integrate sustainability into their core operations—reduce waste, conserve energy, and transition to renewable sources. By influencing their entire supply chain to adopt eco-friendly methods, businesses can drastically lower their collective carbon footprint.

Innovate for Climate Resilience: Particularly in vulnerable industries like agriculture and fisheries, businesses have the opportunity to develop products that withstand climate fluctuations. Creating drought-resistant crops and flood-proof construction materials can significantly decrease community vulnerability.

Mobilise Community Engagement: It’s essential for businesses to collaborate directly with communities to build climate resilience. This can be achieved by supporting local environmental projects, funding community-driven renewable energy initiatives, and leading workshops that equip families to both adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Embrace the Circular Economy: Businesses should adopt circular economy principles that focus on sustainability and waste reduction. This involves designing durable products, facilitating recycling, and implementing systems that extend the life of products. These measures not only reduce waste but also educate families on the critical importance of sustainable consumption.

Businesses need to reevaluate and realign

Through committed action and strategic innovation, businesses can profoundly impact our planet’s health and ensure a resilient future for all families. The 2024 International Day of Families marks a crucial opportunity for businesses to reevaluate and realign their strategies towards supporting families in the face of climate change. By adopting environmentally sustainable practices, fostering educational programmes, and empowering communities, businesses can play a pivotal role in driving the global agenda toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

*VOANEWS.com, Extreme heat closing schools, widening learning gaps worldwide, April 30, 2024

Image credit (top): Yuttana Studio via stock.adobe.com