Terrible Beauty: Rethinking Corporate Sustainability and Climate Action

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, the corporate world has adopted sustainability practices, with businesses large and small proudly boasting their green initiatives. Yet, in Terrible Beauty, Auden Schendler delivers a sobering message: the environmental movement has lost its way. Schendler, a veteran of corporate sustainability with over 25 years of experience, argues that the current green strategies of businesses are more performative than impactful. His upcoming book, Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering Our Soul (November 26, 2024), takes a hard look at the superficial actions of corporations and individuals that, while well-intentioned, fall short of addressing the root causes of climate change.

About the Author: Auden Schendler has spent over two decades running sustainability programs at Aspen One, a ski, hospitality, and retail business. His work focuses on large-scale solutions to climate change, including clean energy development and policy advocacy. Named a "climate innovator" by Time magazine, Schendler has published widely on climate change and is the author of Getting Green Done. He lives in Basalt, Colorado, with his wife and two children.

BlueSteps had the privilege of asking sustainability expert Auden Schendler, key questions on the current state of environmental responsibility and how business leaders can effect real change.

 

You suggest that traditional environmental efforts may actually support the status quo. What can executives do differently to drive real, transformative change?

Auden Schendler: Modern environmentalism could have been designed by the fossil fuel industry to ensure that we burn all remaining reserves. The actions we take as individuals, businesses, and governments—like recycling, buying offsets, or taking personal responsibility—are not enough because they don't tackle systemic issues. Executives should ask, “If we really saw climate change as a legitimate business threat, what would we do about it?” The answer can’t be the same things businesses have been doing for decades, as emissions keep rising.

 

In a world where sustainability is often used as a marketing tool, how can leaders ensure their initiatives are both authentic and impactful?

Auden Schendler: Radical honesty is key. We openly acknowledge that we have a large environmental impact and don't claim carbon neutrality because most offsets are ineffective. It's crucial for businesses to focus on real solutions rather than optics. Ask yourself: “Does this initiative make a big difference?” Too often, corporate programs fall short of addressing the real issue—climate change. Leaders should aim for genuine impact, not just public relations wins.

 

You challenge the effectiveness of carbon offsets. What alternative strategies should companies consider to genuinely reduce their environmental footprint?

Auden Schendler: The voluntary carbon offset market is largely unregulated, which leads to dubious claims and even lawsuits. Instead, companies should focus on reducing their carbon footprint through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and systemic changes. However, the real solution lies in fixing the system: changing tax policies, shifting how we generate power, and transforming transportation.

 

How can integrating equity and climate action into business strategies create both ethical and competitive advantages for companies?

Auden Schendler: We shouldn’t have to justify moral issues with profitability. Fighting racism or climate change should be enough in itself. That said, leading on justice and climate creates loyalty among employees and customers. Those who fail to lead will lose out to competitors that seize the mantle first. But the competitive advantage is just the bonus—the real reason to act is because it's the right thing to do.

 

With your extensive experience in sustainability, what actionable advice do you have for CEOs who are serious about embedding environmental responsibility into their core business operations?

Auden Schendler: Operational sustainability—clean energy, efficiency—should be a priority, but it's only the first step. Real leadership means wielding your influence to drive policy and regulatory changes. Has your CEO publicly advocated for stronger government leadership on climate? If not, that’s where they should start.

 

Can you share a success story where a company’s environmental initiatives have led to significant business and environmental benefits?

Auden Schendler: Years ago, we realized that our utility’s reliance on coal was undermining our sustainability efforts. We focused on changing the utility’s board and over time moved from 6% to 80% renewables, with a goal of 100%. It was a difficult fight, but the results were transformative both for our carbon footprint and the local community.

 

Many businesses may unknowingly support fossil fuels through their financial practices. What steps can executives take to align their financial strategies with their sustainability goals?

Auden Schendler: Ask your bank if they use your cash to support fossil fuel investments. Many banks can’t assure that they don’t. Companies have significant leverage here—they can pressure banks to change by threatening to take their business elsewhere.

 

You propose legal actions against major polluters like ExxonMobil. How can business leaders support or initiate efforts to hold such companies accountable?

Auden Schendler: Businesses can use legal tools to drive change. ExxonMobil, for instance, has hidden climate science and misled the public for years. Filing suits—even if they don’t win—can damage their social license and push the conversation forward. Companies can also support broader legal actions through their influence and advocacy.

 

What role should executives play in advocating for policy changes that align with sustainable business practices?

Auden Schendler: Executives need to push their trade groups to support climate policies, or threaten to withdraw if they don’t. Too often, even progressive companies are members of groups that actively oppose climate regulations. This is a critical point of leverage for business leaders.

 

Schendler's Terrible Beauty is not only a wake-up call but a call to arms. It challenges business leaders to think critically about their role in perpetuating the climate crisis and to take the necessary steps to drive transformative change. As Schendler poignantly illustrates, the stakes are not only environmental but deeply personal—tied to the future of our families, communities, and the world we cherish.

As the climate crisis continues to intensify, Terrible Beauty serves as both a reflection on our failures and a beacon of hope for those willing to do the hard work of reimagining what true sustainability looks like.

Stay tuned for more insights from thought leaders like Auden Schendler, and don't forget to check out his latest book, Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering Our Soul (Available November 26, 2024), for a deeper dive into how businesses can lead the charge in sustainability.

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