Environment and ecology are a part of the culture and ethos of the Tatas. Our companies and trusts have traditionally nurtured practices and projects that reflect a deep concern for conservation and a conviction that the environment is not a disposable commodity.

I believe that the close association that we as a group have had with nature and its causes has helped us define our involvement with climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. It has helped develop clear guidelines which are comprehensively enunciated in the Tata Code of Conduct, on how to exercise greater caution in the use of natural resources and on the need to ensure that we do no harm to the environment. 

All of us have to realise that climate change is an undeniable fact of our existence today. It is not a summer shower which passes, rather it is like a deluge of biblical proportions and we will all be drowned in it if we don’t act promptly.

However we must also know that all action on climate change must be concerted, structured and sustainable. It must target the rising carbon emissions and work towards the dual objective of reducing the greenhouse gases being spewed into the atmosphere and reviving nature’s ability to heal itself.

Over the years, I have spoken to many business leaders from different parts of the world about their views and role in mitigating climate change. What I like among some of these companies is that they act on values with the realisation that whatever action they take today will pay off one day. They don’t look for an immediate return. They think that this is the right thing to do and they do it.  The investments do pay off one day but that is not the primary concern; mitigating the impact of climate change is.

That is the attitude that we in the Tatas have always used in cases of corporate social responsibility and with innovation. I am confident that the same attitude will imbue every action of ours towards combating climate change.

The principles of care and concern that are an integral part of the Tata way of doing business will help us meet the challenges posed by a changing climate. It will stand us in good stead in a world that is seeking lasting solutions to a growing problem.