Author: Felipe Pérez, director of FAIR Center of Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
CO₂ emissions have increased from 29 billion tons in 1995 to almost 41 billion today. In the same period, atmospheric CO₂ has risen from 361 parts per million to 419, and the earth's temperature has increased 1.2 °C compared to the pre-industrial period.
During November and December, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) is being held in Dubai, where the central theme is the existing climate emergency: CO₂ emissions have increased from 29 billion tons in 1995 to almost 41 billion today. In the same period, atmospheric CO₂ has risen from 361 parts per million to 419, and the earth's temperature has increased by 1.2°C compared to the pre-industrial period.
As a preamble to COP28, Pope Francis, in the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, issued a voice of alarm and called for global co-responsibility in the face of the imminent emergency of climate change. The pontiff recognizes the lack of sufficient reactions and emphasizes that the impact of climate change will increasingly affect the lives of many people.
Although climate change is a universal reality that does not discriminate in its scope, it is differentiated in its consequences, since it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. Furthermore, financial exclusion magnifies its effects, especially for marginalized groups, women and MSMEs.
In particular, MSMEs are at higher risk from climate-related disasters and financial exclusion, as lack of access to financial services, insurance and social safety nets makes rapid recovery after a disaster difficult. , as we are seeing in Acapulco, in Mexico, after the passage of Hurricane Otis.
Likewise, it is essential to recognize that MSMEs are essential actors for sustainable development by adopting best practices, using energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources. However, it is a reality that it is very difficult for MSMEs to comply with sustainability standards, since most operate in survival mode and their priority is on short-term profitability.
Thus, promoting green entrepreneurship requires not only entrepreneurial will, but also resources and government support. Access to green financing sources is essential for MSMEs to adapt their operations to climate change; which must be encouraged by policies and regulations that provide the right incentives. Likewise, it is necessary to complement these actions with the development of skills and training, with special attention to women entrepreneurs.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that creating a favorable environment for MSMEs that adopt sustainable practices not only benefits them individually, but also contributes to the construction of a more sustainable global economy and resistant to climate change.