CSR Voice: Czech Republic on the Green Transition
CSR Europe’s Czech National Partner Organisation, Business for Society, shares insights on the challenges posed by the green transition in the context of the war in Ukraine.
As Europe is accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, what are the main challenges that Czech Republic and its businesses are facing?
According to the latest IPSOS research, 6 out of 10 Czechs agree that the country should seriously address climate protection, including achieving carbon neutrality. Both topics have become all the more urgent in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia's aggression is very likely to accelerate the gradual transition to renewable energy sources. This is the road taken by Czech Republic, that is working to drastically reduce its dependence on strategic raw materials, especially gas from Russia.
At European level, the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union is directly tackling the challenge posed by the dramatic rise in energy price in all the EU countries. Joint coordination of the energy policies of all EU Member States is most necessary and desirable, especially vis-à-vis the social challenges triggered by energy scarcity, like for instance lower standards of living for the most vulnerable people in society.
Could you share some examples of companies that are successfully adapting to the green transition?
Balancing carbon neutrality with the need for a Just Transition poses major challenges not only for the European Union and its Member States, but also for responsible business. Business for society members and signatories of the Diversity Charter are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and are well ahead of most companies active in the Czech private and public sector.
Due to the war in Ukraine, the Czech Republic has welcomed many refugees. What was the impact of this humanitarian crisis on the sustainability agenda of the country?
From the very beginning, a lot of companies and many citizens tried to help Ukrainian refugees – financially, and otherwise. It was very inspiring to see how companies were helping and showing solidarity and empathy. Diversity Charter signatories as well as our member companies gradually took over the leadership in supporting and helping Ukrainians to integrate in the Czech labor market and society. For instance, they raised funds for Ukraine people, provided assistance to their families and kids, language trainings, and accommodations.
The decarbonization efforts are impacting the skills and jobs needed in the main industries associated with the transformation. How are you supporting businesses to advance a Just Transition?
Business for Society as a platform of responsible companies and the national coordinator of the European Diversity Charter, strives to bring together responsible companies in a platform where they learn from each other and share best practices. We organize educational events, conferences, roundtables, networking events on various sustainability topics. We are also bridging the corporate world with state administration and municipalities for mutual cooperation on important topics.
CSR Voice is the new blog series dedicated to exploring key global sustainability issues locally, together with CSR Europe’s National Partner Organisations.
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