Businesses Acting on Rising Seas
TOPIC Small Businesses, Climate Change, and Preparedness IN THIS EPISODE[02:37] Introduction of Michael Green. [03:09] Michael explains what the Climate Action Business Association (CABA) is and what its mission is. [03:51] Michael shares how the organization got started and how long it’s been around. [05:35] How long has Michael been working at CABA? [05:48] Michael describes how he personally came to this work. [08:11] Michael shares a basic summary of what CABA does and how it serves businesses. [11:11] Michael explains what the Businesses Acting on Rising Seas (BARS) initiative is. [14:55] Is there a threat of rising seas or flooding to the businesses in the Massachusetts area? [16:20] How is it that GE is moving into a place where they’re at risk of sea rising? [18:11] Michael explains how CABA’s guide helps businesses outline an approach to decrease the risk of going out of business due to consequences of climate change. [20:47] Michael shares where people can learn more about CABA and BARS. [21:33] Are there resources on the website that will help small businesses learn what kind of steps they need to take to be resilient against climate change? [22:18] Michael shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [23:01] Michael describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [24:05] Michael explains what Massachusetts looks like 30 years from now. GUESTMichael Green is the Executive Director of the Climate Action Business Association (CABA). He came to CABA as a seasoned advocate for climate policy and environmental action. Since 2012, he has served as a representative to the United Nations focusing on international climate science and policy. As an activist, he has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international, campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. In his role at CABA, Michael manages staff and oversees the development of all program areas. He sits on the Board of Boston area non-profits as well as a policy advisor to national business associations on topics ranging from energy policy to climate adaptation. Michael is a Northeastern University graduate with degrees in international affairs and environmental studies, course work at the University of Edinbrough’s MSc Program in Environmental Protection and Management, and Harvard Business School’s CORe Program. ORGANIZATIONCABA’s mission is to help solve the climate crisis by organizing local business leaders to be more effective advocates for climate change action within our communities, at the business, and at local, state, regional, national and international levels. CABA envisions a new economy based on a strong, cooperative local business community, working together to create and maintain a resilient and sustainable future that is responding to climate change, with business leaders helping to achieve collective agreements at all levels of governance. CABA provides participating businesses with the resources and tools needed to work within the business on climate change and sustainability efforts, and within the coalition on broader policy initiatives. The coalition members set policy priorities, and create opportunities for business owners to leverage voice in policy. CABA welcomes all independent businesses looking to be effective policy advocates and offer resources to this collective effort. CABA’s work focuses on 3 main areas: internal sustainability, political advocacy, and building community. CABA’s summer campaign is called Businesses Acting on Rising Seas (BARS). For eight weeks, the CABA team will educate local businesses across the state of Massachusetts about the impacts of rising sea levels. CABA will engage into face-to-face conversations with business owners and managers providing education that is crucial to sustaining economic vitality and business continuity in the region with the...
