While reducing your own business’ climate impact is necessary, your company has another vital role to play in solving the climate crisis— and it could be the most important step your organization takes to address the climate crisis. That role is raising your voice to influence climate policy.

Climate policy in the US has been stunted by powerful industry groups with a financial interest in continued fossil fuel extraction and lax rules. These groups have been remarkably effective at getting lawmakers’ ears and preventing systemic climate regulation – just look at the 2021 tapes showing an Exxon executive bragging about this tactic’s success. Unfortunately, the climate crisis has become a political problem, and it requires a political solution. If we want a fighting chance at meeting the global climate targets for a livable future, businesses with a conscience must take a proactive stance as advocates for strong climate policy. Voluntary action by businesses and individuals is not enough. 

Fortunately, as a trusted and respected business your voice can be your superpower. Businesses are a valuable and important stakeholder for legislators, especially when advocating together through industry groups. How can your company leverage its position to influence elected officials? A few ideas are below, but this challenge requires creative solutions of all kinds. Don’t be afraid to use your unique position, network, or style to move the needle on policy.

A few ideas as a starting place:

• Join a climate-focused industry groups working at the Federal level, like the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), and Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP). These organizations can help organize:

  • Industry sign-on letters

  • Comments on rule-making

  • Demonstrations and days of action

  • Visits to the federal, state, and local legislatures

• Meet with your trade association’s leadership for its annual meeting and ask how the association is representing the company’s climate interests. Make it clear to the trade association’s leadership that climate policy is a critical issue to the company.

• Use your brand and communications platforms to educate and inform customers, suppliers, or the public about climate issues or potential policy solutions. Ensure that your internal and external messaging is aligned!

• Consider financial support for non-profits or NGOs that support climate policy work.

• Some companies even directly support electoral campaigns for climate-positive politicians through financial or in-kind donations. Ensure that your company is transparent with stakeholders if you use this tactic and follow all election laws and regulations.

• Check out this guide to engaging in climate policy as a business for more ideas of ways to engage with climate policy.