| A Note From B Team CEO Halla Tómasdóttir
This year was no doubt one filled with many global challenges to realizing the future we envision at The B Team. Yet, despite these obstacles, we’ve also seen incredible momentum, collective effort and ambitious action toward our vision of an inclusive economy.
As we head into 2020, eyes wide open about the challenges we must tackle, I can’t help but to do so with hope in my heart. Reflecting on a tradition that shaped my childhood, as well as that of my children, I’m dedicating this end-of-year message to reasons why. From the tireless advocacy of the next generation to the revolution brewing in the boardroom, we’re at a crucial turning point—and we would not be here without your continued support.
I’m incredibly grateful for your dedication and determination over the past year and beyond. May we continue to wake up to a better world and each play our part in making it so. I wish you nothing but health and happiness in the new year. |
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| We are facing a climate emergency—and it’s clear that we must face it together. CEOs of more than 75 companies and the AFL-CIO are standing united for the health of workers and the American economy. They’re standing united for the Paris Agreement and calling on the US to join them.
And they’re not alone. As of today, 177 companies across 36 countries representing 5.8 million employees are now committed to setting climate targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. They’re calling on governments to match their ambition—to build a better future, faster. |
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| “If we imagine the future where no one is left behind; where we act on the call of our children…where people are well-served by just transition measures: we can build it together.” Building an inclusive economy includes delivering a just transition—urges our Vice-Chair, Sharan Burrow.
“Transforming endemic corporate behaviours that are devastating the planet requires whole industries to move together, and fast.” For business, the measure of ambitious climate action is transformative action. Our Chair, Paul Polman, stresses why companies must spark these changes together.
“Open government is accountable government.” Our Director of Governance, Robin Hodess, explores how we can—and are starting to—tackle challenges toward building cohesive open government that’s accountable to all people.
“The shift toward a net-zero future is inevitable. What is not inevitable is that this transition benefits all of humanity.” While more businesses set ambitious climate targets, reaching them must include reaching a just transition—and reaching it through radical collaboration. Our CEO, Halla Tómasdóttir, shares why. |
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| While 2019 marked a historic year for protest movements around the world, how does the global state of civic rights compare? The CIVICUS Monitor’s People Power Under Attack indicates that 40% of the world’s population live in countries where fundamental freedoms are repressed. This is sadly up 18% from 2018.
To build a future of work that works for everyone, how can we rethink recruiting? The 100% Human at Work Network’s Reimagining Paths to Employment asks companies to examine their approach to education and skills training, diversity and inclusion and ethics and technology to develop future-proof recruitment practices.
At COP25, over 500 B Corps committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2030. How will they get there? The latest edition of B Lab UK’s Climate Emergency Playbook gives them—and all businesses—the knowledge and tools they need to declare a climate emergency and take ambitious action. |
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| “If we don’t have workers who deliver every day for us, if they aren’t protected in this transition to enable them to have a career in our future on this planet, then we have nothing as enterprises.”
At COP25, Chairman Emeritus and Former CEO of Dow Chemical, Andrew Liveris, emphasized why businesses must take a stand for a just transition for workers in the shift toward a clean energy future.
“There needs to be collaboration on a new gold standard for how we evaluate business success beyond the financial. We must shift the definition of what is acceptable and what is auditable.”
Members of The B Team Australia, 100% Human at Work companies and more discussed how we can chart a path toward an inclusive future of work—which includes redefining success.
“Progress comes at the cost of countless voices—they are neglected, silenced, even threatened—but eventually their chorus becomes louder, so loud it cannot be ignored.”
Recognized for his tireless advocacy to end gender-based violence, Kering Chairman and CEO, François-Henri Pinault urged the importance of taking a stand to eradicate this scourge, together. |
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