There is no time to waste. The Scandinavian Outdoor Group (SOG) includes climate action in business ethics, requesting all members make climate commitments in line with maximum 1.5°C global warming targets this year.
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report makes it clear: the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half in just 7.5 years to have a chance to stay below 1.5°C global warming, then cut them by same amount by 2040 to reach net-zero by 2050.
If these targets are not achieved, there will be severe to catastrophic consequences for civilization, depending on how close the tipping points come to being triggered. Every tenth of a degree matters.
To align itself with this challenging roadmap and to send a strong message to the outdoor industry, at the 2022 SOG Annual Meeting the team unanimously agreed that a climate commitment in line with the Paris agreement will be a requirement for all SOG members. Commitments will be made before end of 2022 through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Race to Zero partner initiatives, and SOG will offer guidance to its members on commitments and practical work to achieve climate commitment goals.
Race to Zero is UNFCCC’s global campaign to rally leadership for the 1.5°C future. It creates momentum by bringing leading global climate initiatives and networks together. By joining one of these initiatives, SOG members will work by the same climate agenda as global leaders from other industries.
“This is a big step for SOG and our members, putting Scandinavia and our outdoor brands on the sustainability map for what’s important for our future,” said SOG’s Secretary General David Nordblad. “We don’t just want to follow but lead the way forward, making sure the planet is safe for generations to come.”
SOG is a group of more than 70 outdoor brands from Scandinavia, which aims to strengthen member brands internationally. SOG provides a platform for cooperation, sharing of competencies and projects that strengthen the image and profit of the member brands. For information, visit www.scandinavianoutdoorgroup.com
