How can we overcome the triangle of inaction?

The scientific evidence is clear: we urgently need to make drastic changes to our behavior in order to limit climate change and stay within the 1.5°C limit.  

When we talk about the need for action to combat climate change, the answers are often the same;  

• "I don't have any impact on my own scale as a citizen.

• "It's up to politicians to act, I have no power as a company."

• "We can't do anything without citizen support."

These phrases reflect what is known as the triangle of inaction.

It's not my fault, it's yours!

The triangle of inaction is the situation where each side explains that it's the fault of the other two that no action is being taken on climate change. In other words, the population, the state and business point the finger at the others to explain why things aren't changing.  

But attributing responsibility to others blocks progress and, above all, provides a good reason to do nothing;  

• The State does not take strong measures because they would not be those voted by the citizens, and points the finger at companies that would have more financial resources.

• Citizens, for their part, accuse companies and the state of acting solely in their own interests.

• Companies, in turn, say that it's up to the state to set the rules, and that they're simply responding to consumers, who should change the way they operate.

In short, there's every reason to sit back and do nothing...  

What's next?

Breaking this triangle at all costs

As you can see, according to this triangle, it's in nobody's interest to act first.  

To break this triangle, we need to raise awareness of the importance of changing now and on a large scale. All three players have a vested interest in changing their behavior, even for purely selfish reasons: their future will be altered by the consequences of climate change if this continues!  

Furthermore, to break this triangle, it is necessary to develop active collaboration between the three parties. Stakeholders need to work together to develop sustainable solutions, using dialogue forums and public participation mechanisms for example.

To overcome the triangle of inaction between citizens, the state and companies, all three players hold all the cards;

• Citizen awareness and involvement: Active public participation can help to increase pressure on public policies and companies to act in the public interest.

• Strong political leadership: Public policy must be driven by strong, determined leadership capable of making tough decisions on behalf of citizens.  

• Corporate social responsibility: Companies must be held accountable for their social and environmental impacts, and encouraged to adopt sustainable and ethical practices.  

And on our scale?

At Surveco, we've decided to consume and move differently.

For example, 40% of our teambuilding material is bought second-hand and 100% of our travel is by soft mobility.  

And to help companies and individuals overcome this triangle of inaction, we've created teambuildings to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

No more excuses for not taking action, let's start taking responsibility now!  

But it doesn't stop there! Find out more about our impact initiatives on our impact👇 page

Let's act together!

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