👏 The Business and the Earth webinar was a big success! A fascinating opportunity to reflect on the role of business in society, and specifically in the ecological transition. Moderated by JESC's Senior Officer for Ecology Adriana Opromolla, each of the four outstanding speakers provided rich insights, and together offered a diverse and complementary vision of this topic. 
 
🌍 Edmond Grace gave a broad overview of the role of business in our society, challenging the notion that the sole purpose of business is to create profit. He remarked that businesses are more influential than the Church ever was, which is why the self-perception businesses have of themselves is crucial. He also called for a change in the way businesses generally view resources: these should no longer be seen as beasts of burden to be exploited without limits. 
 
💡 Josianne Gauthier (CIDSE) highlighted the importance of dialogue, for which listening and being open are essential preconditions. She warned that sometimes power imbalances or certain privileges create unbalanced situations in which dialogue becomes difficult. When referring to the current unhealthy relationship our society has with the Earth, she reminded us that we are all accomplices because we all consume and function within this system. The ecological transition is a challenge not only for businesses but for each one of us.  
 
✅ Enrique Meroño Sierra explained how Iberdrola decided to become part of the solution around the year 2000, and how it works not only in renewable energy production but also in energy efficiency as a way to reduce electricity consumption. In line with Josianne’s referral to dialogue, Enrique mentioned the need for a new language to enable different actors and sectors to understand each other and address system failures. He also stressed the importance of including externalities in the real economy. 
 
🌐 Lastly, Cedric Pacheco explained how, based on its experience, the Laudes Foundation reached the conclusion that engaging with business is necessary but not enough when addressing problems like climate change and social inequality. Why? Because the way businesses operate can be a consequence of the system they’re a part of. Therefore, a systemic approach is essential. Cédric then looked more closely at the work Laudes does regarding finance. He explained Laudes’ main areas of intervention, which include changing the way financial institutions function, supporting policy changes, and rethinking the economic system. 
 
We are very grateful to our speakers for their time, commitment and enthusiasm, and to all the participants who were part of this fruitful dialogue. 
 
Most of JESC's team members joined the gathering: Luciano Larivera Filipe Martins Peter Rožič Telmo Olascoaga Michel Victoria Reynal