Former Apple employee speaks out on frustrating company policy: ‘[Apple] basically said, ‘we’ll think about it”

Employees can have a big impact in driving positive climate impact within their companies, said Deborah McNamara, Executive Director of ClimateVoice, a group that activates employees to push for climate-friendly corporate policies.

“For example, 59% of business leaders say that employee climate action caused them to increase their sustainability efforts,” she told The Cool Down. “There is an enormous opportunity here for employees to speak up.”

Examples, she said, include asking business leaders to support climate-related policies and initiatives, sharing calls to action via internal company and employee Slack channels, and submitting public comments during regulatory open comment periods.

ClimateVoice suggests employees start by getting the facts and doing research about the issues you want to tackle. Companies often have employee engagement groups focused on green initiatives, but if you don’t have one, engage your coworkers to build community around your efforts. You can also have conversations with your peers and company leaders about your concerns, advocating for action.

ClimateVoice just published an Employee Climate Action Checklist, which also includes simple steps you can take to get started and learn more about using your influence for positive change.

“The key is to find others who share your concerns, band together and speak up as a collective,” McNamara said. “Silence will not lead us to a better future. Practicing moral courage will. We need more of us stepping out and speaking up for people and the planet despite moves to foster fear. We need to normalize taking action to defend what we care about: healthy communities, clean air and a livable climate.”