What is The Power of X?

In This Together

September 28, 2021

In This Together is a group of over 40 non-profit organizations and over 2 million members, all dedicated to finding real solutions to the problems we face globally, both politically and environmentally. Polarization is tearing us apart and we are not getting enough done.

The power of X helps individuals and organizations band together to find common sense solutions to the 10 environmental initiatives that In This Together has identified as critical for the health of our planet. The power of X is the power that individuals and organizations can unlock when they work together to find common sense solutions instead of working in silos. This power, combined with our ten critical environmental initiatives, will give the In This Together community the momentum we need to effectively problem solve and create positive change.

So what exactly are the different powers?

1. Zero Deforestation

Our world’s forests are being destroyed to satisfy demand for wood, land, palm oil, beef and cocoa. If current rates of tropical deforestation continue, the world’s rainforests will completely disappear within 100 years. Not only is the impact on our environment extreme but deforestation also contributes to the mass uprooting of communities, plants and animals.

Some big brands such as McDonald’s and Unilever, have pledged to ensure deforestation is not part of their food chains. As well as this some government initiatives have been put in place to combat deforestation, such as the UN’s sustainable development goals and the Consumer Goods Forum, a network of retailers and manufacturers or consumer goods who committed to achieve zero net deforestation by 2020.

These pledges are a positive step in the right direction, however there are a number of limitations. Some smaller farmers simply find alternative areas to raise cattle without such stringent restrictions on deforestation. Larger corporate groups do a good job of tracing businesses along their supply chain but find it difficult to track down smaller and third party suppliers.

Through the power of X we can push big brands and organizations who have failed to turn rhetoric into action, to prioritize anti-deforestation efforts.

2. Net Zero Carbon by 2050

Around 197 countries have now signed the Paris Climate Agreement, a nearly world-wide effort to get to net zero carbon by 2050. Many studies and researchers have confirmed this is achievable, but it will take some big changes. The gap between talking and acting must close now so we can completely transform the energy systems that underpin our economies.

No new unabated goal plants such as carbon capture and storage and no new oil and gas fields should be approved after 2021 if we are to achieve this goal. By 2050 around 90% of electricity produced globally will need to come from renewable sources with 70% from solar and wind.

Given the long timescale required to get new innovation into homes and businesses, we must start now.

3. Regenerative Agriculture

We need to re-learn how to farm in harmony with nature. Regenerative agriculture is based on various agricultural and ecological practices and focuses on minimal soil disruption, increased biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing our ecosystems, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil for future generations. Regenerative agriculture is not a practise itself, rather a variety of sustainable techniques.

Food production is responsible for one quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore finding more sustainable and eco-friendly farming techniques would significantly contribute towards combating global warming.

4. Innovation and Digitization

Technological advancement is a vital ingredient in our ability to find more sustainable practices. If we can grow productivity faster than we grow our economy, we can enhance and expand global prosperity, even as we reduce our draws on fossil fuels and raw materials.

Many countries encourage sustainable innovation and digitization through strategic funds. The Strategic Innovation Fund supports Canada as a top destination for businesses to invest in innovation and digitization which promotes and supports the protection of our environment. The UK government unveiled last year The Sustainable Innovation Fund, providing $250 million to help innovative businesses bounce back after the impact of the pandemic.

The power of X will help ensure these types of funds continue to be available by governments worldwide.

5. Sustainable Cargo and Shipping

According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global merchant fleet is responsible for about 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of a major developed country like Germany. If no action is taken, they will account for around 17% of global C02 emissions by 2050.

How can shipping be more sustainable?

– Offer a green shipping option at checkout when online shopping
– Businesses use less packaging material to reduce single-use plastics, instead use biodegradable packaging
– Use more recycled packaging, materials, boxes and shipping labels

Given how prevalent online shopping has become in our lives, ensuring we get our deliveries sustainably and in a way that protects our environment should be a top priority.

6. 30X30 Protection of Nature

The 30X30 Resolution to Protect Nature aims to fully protect 30% of our oceans by 2030.

How will this be achieved? By using our oceans more responsibly and enhancing and supporting their diversity of life. 70% of the earth is covered by the ocean and 80% of all life on earth lives in the ocean. Yet in 2020, only 8% of the world’s waters were under healthy stewardship. And by 2050, our oceans could have more plastic in them than fish. We must remember that without a healthy ocean, having a healthy planet is impossible.

7. Sustainable Mining

The mining industry remains unsustainable in many areas and faces a broad range of challenges, experiencing pressure to maintain productivity amidst heightened awareness of environmental and CO2 emissions impact.

Digital transformation must be accelerated to drive the mining industry’s energy revolution and find technologies able to offer more efficient and cleaner mining solutions.

How can mining be more sustainable?

– Utilising natural resources like wind and solar as sources of energy
– Diverting surface water and pumping groundwater
– Using cleaner production techniques
– Reusing mine waste and by-products

8. Sustainable Fisheries

Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in our oceans so as to not deplete fish stocks and negatively impact natural ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity has a negative impact on the fishing industry itself, according to the United Nations. The fishing fleets themselves are forced to sail hundreds of kilometers further out to sea to find more productive waters.

How can fishing be more sustainable?

– Take a break from eating fish until we learn how to maintain healthy and wildlife populations
– Fishing for specific species only during certain times of the year
– Restrict fishing in certain areas such as coral reefs and other protected spots
– Stronger efforts to ensure other animals do not become entangled in nets
– Adopt modern day spear fishing into more countries, it is already practised all over the world in countries like South America, Africa, Australia and Asia

The power of X aims to push the biggest seafood retailers, brands and suppliers to take up more sustainable fishing and ensure sustained economic opportunities for fishing communities worldwide.

9. Circular Economy

This is a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leading, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials for as long as possible. This creates further value and results in less waste entering our atmosphere and landfill sites.

At the heart of the model is the understanding that at all levels, big and small businesses and organizations must work together globally and locally to achieve a circular economy.

The world’s population is rapidly growing and with it an unsustainable need for raw materials. Currently the production of materials we use every day accounts for 45% of all COS emissions. A circular economy could reduce this pressure on our environment, increase competitiveness and stimulate innovation.

10. JEDI

JEDI aims to improve business through justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. These are the crucial drivers behind achieving meaningful, effective and long-lasting change and impact.

Many businesses have begun pledging strong eco-friendly and sustainable messages. However, increased reports and stories of green-washing demonstrate there isn’t a strong enough framework to hold businesses accountable to these messages, or motivated enough to stick to them. When businesses develop their messaging through JEDI, they are more likely to be authentic and long-lasting.

To work with us in supporting problem solving brands, politicians & policies today, pledge to donate your dollars and votes to the right places and people today.

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