The power of the individual: entrepreneurs
Whilst there is a lot of energy and expectation around COP26, for some there is also a sense of trepidation, and potentially even a feeling of powerlessness. These global summits often feel far removed from the regular person on the street – the person directly and wholly experiencing the negative impacts of rapid climate change.
Global negotiations between politicians and climate experts can feel high level and ineffective. Where is the practical action? Why can’t decisions be made more quickly? There can be a sense of helplessness felt by the general public – a waiting game they must endure, whilst a small select group participates in conversations that don’t seem to move things along.
There are, however, spaces and opportunities for individuals to affect change. Consumer choice holds influence. Our decisions on what and how much we consume and buy, the activities we engage in, and how conscious we are about waste are some of the key areas in which individuals can affect change. We can be vocal about our decisions and we can demand action from businesses and governments, like Greta, but another way is through supporting entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs on the ground are doing innovative and practical things within their communities to create alternative options to support sustainable choices. They hold the potential, the ambition, and the flexibility to test out innovative ideas, and iterate and grow them to develop solutions for rapid climate change. An example is Kenyan and woman-led social enterprise Gjenge Makers, which originally started out in plastic waste collection, but pivoted to include the manufacture of sustainable and affordable alternative building products, like paving blocks, tiles, and manhole covers out of the waste. Beyond environmental impact, Gjenge Makers is committed to creating job opportunities for youth and women, and to promote a cultural shift towards recycling and upcycling in Kenya and across Africa.