Pathways to Action
How Keystone Organizations Can Lead the Fight for Climate Change
By Peter McAteer
Foreword by Larry Susskind
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About This Book
Climate change is like no other challenge we have ever faced. We have seen technology change driven by computers and information systems. The rate of change is determined by market acceptance and economics. We have also witnessed social changes in areas like voting rights, civil rights, child labor and gender equality. However, these social transformations have been much slower and in many cases are only partially accepted even after a century or more of effort.
Climate change is unique because global warming doesn’t care if we agree with the science, and it doesn’t slow down because we are unwilling to act. The science is not driven by our focus on quarterly earnings and is not determined by public opinion.
The purpose of Pathways to Action is to engage the reader in ideas about accelerating action. How can we prioritize certain approaches that allow for faster change at an industrial level? What are the biggest targets? Who can do more? What is the blueprint for action? The actions we take or don’t take will be this generation’s legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Reviews
We are pleased to be part of Peter’s research. This is really about committing individually and collectively as a business to do the right thing. We still have a lot more to do, but Peter’s ideas validate a lot of hard work and the direction we’ve taken.
JOHN PHILIP S. ORBETA, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Risk Officer, ACEN Corporation
Some books are worth reading; others should be required reading … and doing. Pathways to Action goes beyond proclaiming the irreversible risk of climate change and offers concrete solutions to make progress. The four pathways are explicated with cases, assessments, action items, reflections and tools. The blueprint in this comprehensive book could help change the climate direction and create a more sustainable society. GREAT book that taught me a lot. DAVE ULRICH, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Partner, The RBL Group
I was captivated by what Peter has written. This is a really important and impressive book. It was frankly overwhelming, but the case he makes is strong because of all the details, all that research, and all the companies and organizations he includes. The Pathways approach seems terrific to me.
DAVID GOEHRING, Independent Content Advisor, Former Director, Harvard Business Review Press and Former Director John Wiley and Sons Digital Book Publishing
The hard part is taking good intentions and making them actionable. Peter’s ideas about Pathways to Action make a lot of sense. VICTORIA TAN, Executive Director for Group Risk Management and Sustainability, Ayala Corporation
Peter McAteer is the world’s expert in applying the principles of sustainability in the real world for the benefit of our planet and more profitable businesses. Pathways to Action provides strategies to accelerate sustainability and provides four specific pathways to accomplish that goal with practical examples of how to do it. The book also details how leadership is key to success. It is an essential read for leaders in all three sectors. - WILLIAM B. EIMICKE, Professor of Management Practice, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Great read, great learning and great ideas! Peter’s knowledge of these issues is amazing, and he manages to make very complex issues easily understandable. - MALCOLM GOODALE, Former Head of Leadership Development, United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC)
Peter’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in how to impact the climate change crisis. Offering fresh insights on a decades-long issue that continues to struggle for attention, this book will provide the reader with updated, well-researched information, articulated in a detailed, yet easy to read and understandable format. Most importantly, Peter gives us hope that there can still be time for action, from the actions of critical “keystone” organizations and government leaders to the individual behaviors of “followers.” It wisely looks at cultural and geographic differences and how to learn and utilize ideas from various sources. While I remain scared of the current situation and skeptical of our ability to act in time to avoid catastrophe, this book gives me new energy to fight for a hopeful future of significant action necessary to turn the tide. One or more of the pathways Peter lays out will be the answer, but only if we act. Please read the book and share it broadly. - MIKE OSORIO, Vice President Retail & Marketing, Tori Richard Ltd.
Pathways to Action is a timely transformational book which elicits visionary passion and focus for sustainability, while providing a straightforward practical approach for keystone organizations and leaders to bring the vision to life. The book is built upon a factual, logical and pragmatic foundation that draws in deniers and encourages believers to become true advocates, in word, and in deed. McAteer’s mission to save the planet is undoubtedly clear; however, his wise counsel and guidance can help any institution or individual succeed in bringing their unique visionary dreams to fruition and thus make a difference in this world we call home. The Q&A and reflection exercises at the end of the chapters are helpful tools for the reader to absorb the wealth of data you provide and to reaffirm the importance of your call to action. - JOSEPH P. O’BRIEN, President, National Scoliosis Foundation
The topic is just so important. Peter focuses on what is actionable, which is key, and puts it in a form that is easy to read. I also like the quizzes at the end of the chapters as it reinforces the readers on the facts and figures. A great book to read and an easy way to learn. - SUCHINTANA VIRARAT, Chief Executive Officer, INSEE Ecocycle
How can we tackle the problem of accelerating change? Pathways to Action: How Keystone Organizations Can Lead the Fight for Climate Change is organized around three fundamental principles. The book does not discount new technology innovation, the value of broad-based advocacy, or the challenges of legacy transitions, but rather advocates for a set of organizational behavior principles, when rigorously applied and adapted to each business context, can help organizations reduce risk, find opportunity-and above all-move faster — Stanford University Social Innovation
Author Information
Peter McAteer is a managing director of SustainLearning LLC; advisor on sustainability to several companies; and the former managing director of Harvard Business Publishing, Corporate Learning.
Series
Anthem Environment and Sustainability Initiative
Climate Change: Science, Policy and Implementation
Table of Contents
List of Tables; List of Figures; Foreword; Introduction; PART ONE: OUR FAILURE TO WORK TOGETHER; Chapter 1: Is Anyone Listening?; PART TWO: LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES; Chapter 2: Industry Opportunities; Chapter 3: Government Opportunities; PART THREE: LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY; Chapter 4: Change Leaders; Chapter 5: Change Followers; Chapter 6: Partnership Pathways; Chapter 7: Public Policy Pathways; Chapter 8: Ecosystem Pathways; Chapter 9: Personal Pathways; Chapter 10: A Pathway Story; Appendix: Pathway Resources to Get Started; Acknowledgments; Notes; Index
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