#CRX24 – Climate Fatigue and Regulation as Showstoppers: Causes and Solutions
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. We can only stop it if we take responsibility together and act accordingly. But how can we position ourselves to take proactive action? Are clear rules and laws helpful, or do they prevent us from making quick progress? These were the questions discussed on September 24, 2024, in two exciting live panel talks that kicked off the second Corporate Responsibility Experience of the Otto Group – #CRX24.
Why Climate Transformation Needs Us All
In the first panel, Alexander Birken, CEO of the Otto Group, Carolin Stüdemann, CEO of Viva con Agua, Marina Beermann, Managing Director of the Cociety foundation network, futurologist Carina Stöttner, and science journalist Jens Schröder discussed how we can act against the climate crisis both individually and collectively. "We need more personal encounters and genuine dialogue," emphasized Marina Beermann. She highlighted the need to get people out of their habitual thought patterns and fostering constructive exchanges.
Carina Stöttner pointed out that climate transformation is not only necessary but must also be economically viable. She pleaded for alternative economic concepts that go beyond current incentive and punishment systems to avoid social conflicts. "To initiate change, we need a common vision and institutions that can bring us back to the table despite differences of opinion," she added. A positive vision that attracts us all is crucial to fostering motivation and engagement for change.
Carolin Stüdemann added, "When people get active, a sense of future confidence emerges." Alexander Birken agreed, emphasizing the need for positive narratives that allow people to identify with climate issues.
Jens Schröder further explained the importance of the interplay between individual responsibility and regulation. For this to work, people must be able to make more informed decisions to actively take on their responsibilities. Too often, "there's a lot of opinion but too little expertise in the debates." Media has a relevant role to play by distinguishing between false solutions and true solutions in their reporting.
Alexander Birken reiterated that, although the Otto Group has been committed to successful climate transformation for many decades, it can ultimately only succeed with the power of many – business, politics and society.
My strongest plea: We must break out of these silos and come together. If we push things forward in a solution-oriented manner together, we have a chance to get climate change under control
Between Regulation, Performance, and Corporate Culture
The second panel focused on the core question: How can companies act responsibly while managing the flood of regulatory challenges – without neglecting the interests of various stakeholders? Prof. Dr Tobias Wollermann, VP Corporate Responsibility at the Otto Group, Anke Ehlers, Managing Director of International Sustainability at Aldi Süd Group, and Marloes van Kooten, Managing Director at the Witt Group, exchanged views on this topic.
"A clear focus is particularly important in sustainability. The topic is like an octopus – everyone has to participate, and it must be anchored in all departments," said Anke Ehlers.
Sustainability is increasingly shifting from voluntary to mandatory – the complex compliance requirements can initially be paralyzing. And: Bureaucracy alone has yet to achieve a positive impact.
"The attitude must be demonstrated from the top down; there must be space and room for the topic. If the CEO communicates during economically challenging times that sustainability goals will not be compromised, that is a statement," said Tobias Wollermann about the Otto Group.
Acting Responsibly Together – During the Digital Data Cleanup and Deep Dive Sessions for Colleagues
Another component of #CRX24 this year includes various deep dive sessions for employees, where experts from the Otto Group provide insights into topics and projects that move us across the company. Until October 1, colleagues can engage in exchanges and actively participate in the company-wide digital data cleanup by organizing their email inboxes and cloud data.
For those who want to learn more about the Otto Group's commitment to sustainability, many exciting stories can be found on our website.
