Today is World Environment Day, and this year the focus is on climate change – specifically, the urgent signals the Earth is sending us and the signals we choose to send back.
The signs of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From extreme weather events to rising temperatures, the impact is being felt across every sector, and the events industry is no exception.
Climate Change and the Events Industry
Climate change is reshaping the events sector in both direct and indirect ways.
Directly, we are seeing more events disrupted or cancelled due to heavy rainfall, storms and extreme heat. These challenges are becoming a growing consideration for organisers when planning events and managing risk.
Indirectly, the industry is adapting to changing political priorities and environmental regulations. Developments such as the expansion of e-mobility, evolving safety requirements and building renovations designed to improve energy efficiency are all influencing how events are delivered.
Recognising Our Industry's Impact
As an industry, we also need to acknowledge our own environmental footprint.
The global events industry is responsible for around 1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂e emissions every year – more than the annual emissions of the USA and India combined. While this statistic highlights the scale of the challenge, it also demonstrates the opportunity we have to drive meaningful change.
Turning Commitment into Action
The good news is that there are practical steps every organisation can take to make a positive contribution to sustainability.
Actions speak louder than words. The most important thing is to identify what your organisation can do, develop a clear plan of action and measure progress along the way. Sustainability should be embedded into decision-making and regularly reviewed to ensure continuous improvement.
It's also worth considering joining ISO 20121, the international standard for sustainable event management. Achieving certification demonstrates a commitment to integrating sustainability into the planning and delivery of events.
Start Small, Think Big
The reality is that small actions, when taken collectively, can have a huge impact.
If everyone across the industry started making small changes today, the overall effect would be transformative. The key is to focus first on the "easy wins" – the changes that can be implemented quickly and help build momentum across the organisation.
For example, simply reducing the carbon footprint of your office fruit bowl by choosing local and seasonal produce is an easy place to start. It's a small change, but one that encourages people to think differently about everyday decisions. In more ways than one, it's about picking the low-hanging fruit.
The Signal We Send Back
This World Environment Day, the question is not whether change is needed – it's what signal we choose to send back.
By taking action, setting measurable goals and making sustainability part of everyday decision-making, we can collectively create a more resilient and sustainable future for the events industry and beyond.
Izzy Williams, Marketing and Sustainability Executive
