Perspectives · Perspectives

Aligning Projects with Purpose: The Key to Realizing Your Sustainability Strategy

Aligning Projects with Purpose: The Key to Realizing Your Sustainability Strategy The heart of every successful sustainability strategy beats with purpose. This purpose isn’t mere words strung together on a page or promises casually made; it's a commitment to a vision of a more sustainable future. As Chief Sustainability Officers and Directors, it's not just the crafting of these strategies that falls under your purview but ensuring they permeate every fiber of your organization. One might ask, "How do you make a strategy tangible?" The answer is more straightforward than one might think: through the projects your organization undertakes. Projects are the vessels that carry forward an organization's vision, acting as tangible touchpoints of a broader strategic mission. Without alignment between projects and a company's sustainability strategy, there's a risk of divergence, dilution, and even contradiction. It's like trying to sail a ship without a compass; you might move, but not necessarily in the right direction. For many, the gap between strategy and execution remains a challenge. But it’s in bridging this gap where sustainable project certifications come into play. These aren’t just stamps of approval or fancy accolades to flaunt. They represent rigorous standards, a commitment to sustainability, and a beacon guiding project managers to ensure that every decision made, every resource used, and every outcome achieved is in harmony with your strategic sustainability objectives. In a world where stakeholders are increasingly savvy about green initiatives, having certified projects can become a significant differentiator. They offer a transparent and credible testament to a company's genuine commitment to sustainability. Beyond stakeholder perception, these certifications can be pivotal in driving internal alignment creating a cohesive understanding among teams about what sustainability truly means for the organization. But, the most compelling reason to champion sustainable project certifications lies in the realm of long-term vision. For as we look ahead into the tumultuous landscape of the future – facing challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and societal shifts – organizations fortified with projects aligned to a robust sustainability strategy will be the ones that not only survive but thrive.

To put it into context, observe these examples:

Imagine a major coastal city-based enterprise. As rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges threaten its operational bases, sustainable project management becomes the linchpin. By ensuring projects prioritize resilient infrastructure designs, evaluating site feasibility from an environmental standpoint, and continuously monitoring the projects' carbon impact, these enterprises can better position themselves for the future. For the traditional energy company with a net-zero ambition, the transformation begins at the project management level. Each project's initiation phase incorporates carbon impact evaluations. Planning stages integrate carbon mitigation strategies, ensuring every activity — be it material procurement or onsite activities — adheres to low GHG emission standards. Execution phases deploy sustainable technologies and practices, while monitoring and control phases use advanced metrics to measure real-time carbon impact. By the time a project concludes, it doesn’t just deliver energy — it exemplifies the gold standard of sustainable project management. And then, turn your gaze to the automotive industry. As they transition to electric futures, it's not just about the end product. It's about ensuring every project activity, from inception to completion, embeds sustainability at its core. Research projects don’t just aim to produce efficient batteries; they focus on sustainable sourcing of materials, ethical labor practices, and minimal environmental disruption. When setting up new manufacturing units or revamping old ones, project managers are tasked with ensuring the entire process is energy-efficient, minimizes waste, and curtails emissions. Every project activity, whether it's designing a new model or selecting a supplier, undergoes rigorous sustainable project management scrutiny, ensuring alignment with broader environmental goals.

“It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there will be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” - Mahatma Gandi

For Chief Sustainability Officers and Directors, the responsibility is immense but so is the opportunity. By aligning projects with sustainability goals and adopting recognized certifications, organizations can solidify their leadership in the sustainability arena. It's a journey of transformation, of looking beyond short-term gains and envisioning a legacy that future generations will look back upon with gratitude. In this quest, remember that each project, no matter how small, has the potential to be a linchpin in achieving your sustainability vision. Embrace that potential, leverage the tools and certifications at your disposal, and lead your organization towards a future where sustainability isn't just an objective – it's the very essence of business. Need to know where to start? We can help!

Perspectives · Artificial Intelligence

The Role of Intuition in Decision Making: Can a Project Manager Trust Their Gut Feeling Over Data?

Lately, there are lots of headlines screaming about the takeover of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the projects, I want to set the record straight: AI isn't about to replace the Project Manager. Yes, we live in a time where data analytics and algorithmic predictions are at the forefront, shaping how we execute projects. Beneath the glamorous sheen of 010101010101 lies an often-underestimated dynamic of project management: intuition. Intuition, also known as "gut feeling," is an instinctive response or immediate understanding of something, not always supported by conscious reasoning. It’s that inner voice or nudge that often goes against the grain, challenging the prevailing logic of spreadsheets and data visualizations. In a world that's becoming more quantified by the day, where does this instinctual, almost primal sense fit in the decision-making process of a Project Manager?

Intuition vs. Data

Trusting data over intuition seems like a no-brainer. Data is objective, quantifiable, and replicable. It's a solid foundation on which stakeholders can discuss, deliberate, and decide. Intuition, however, is murky. It's personal, subjective, and challenging to communicate. But!!!!!  It is crucial to remember that intuition isn't necessarily the opposite of rational thought or data. It's the culmination of a person's experiences, knowledge, and subconscious understanding. Every experience a PM has – from the success and failures of past projects to interpersonal interactions – feeds into their intuitive sense. In many cases, this gut feeling might be the brain's way of recognizing patterns or anomalies that aren't immediately obvious in the data.

Here is what I see as the Value of Intuition in Project Management

1. Rapid Decision Making: In the fast-paced world of projects, there are moments when decisions need to be made swiftly. Waiting for comprehensive data can lead to missed opportunities. Intuition can guide a PM towards a decision when time is of the essence.
2. Handling Unprecedented Situations: When faced with a scenario that doesn't have historical data, intuition, built upon years of experience, can be a reliable guide.
3. Understanding Team Dynamics: Data might provide insights into performance metrics, but intuition plays a crucial role in grasping the more intangible aspects of team dynamics, morale, and motivation.
4. Filling in the Gaps: No data is perfect. There will always be gaps or situations where the available data doesn’t tell the whole story. In these cases, intuition can help PMs read between the lines.

Here are what I see as the Risks of Relying Solely on Intuition

While there are benefits to trusting one’s gut, it’s essential to acknowledge the pitfalls of relying solely on intuition:

1. Bias and Misjudgment: Humans are susceptible to various cognitive biases, which can distort intuitive judgment. Overconfidence, confirmation bias, or anchoring can lead a PM astray.
2. Inconsistency: Unlike data, which remains consistent over time, intuition can be influenced by a person's current emotional state, health, or external pressures.
3. Difficulty in Justification: In a stakeholder meeting, it’s far easier to justify a decision backed by data than one based purely on a gut feeling.

It is all about Balance.

For a Project Manager, the key lies not in choosing data over intuition or vice versa but in understanding when to lean on which:

1. Use Data as the Foundation: Always begin with the available data. Let it form the baseline of your decision-making process.
2. Listen to Your Gut: When the data is ambiguous, or you believe there’s more to the story, trust your intuition. But also, take a moment to understand why you feel a certain way.
3. Collaboration and Discussion: If your intuition contradicts the data, discuss it with your team. They might offer perspectives or insights that you hadn't considered.
4. Constantly Learn and Adapt: Post-decision, reflect on the outcome. If a gut decision led to success, what did you recognize that the data didn’t show? If it was a mistake, what bias might have led you astray?

In an era dominated by data, intuition might seem like an archaic tool. Yet, the best Project Managers recognize that their strength lies in blending the computational power of data with the human touch of intuition. After all, projects are undertaken by humans, for humans. So, while data can guide the path, it's the human spirit, intuition included, that truly drives a project forward. What do you think?

Perspectives · Perspectives

The Carbon Offset Mirage: Smoke, Mirrors, and Greenwashing? Let me explain.

I had a spirited debate with a good friend last week on carbon offsets.  It would be good to put my thoughts out for the public. Here goes... Climate change or as I prefer to call it climate chaos, is tightening its grip on our planet. Naturally, the appeal of carbon offsetting has skyrocketed. At first glance, it's a neat solution: emit here, offset there. But beneath the appealing veneer of "going green," a storm of controversy brews (storm, get it? 😉). Is carbon offsetting the climate equivalent of buying indulgences, or does it have a genuine place in our climate solution arsenal? 

Carbon Offsetting: The Easy Way Out?

Carbon offsetting seems almost too good to be true. Had a long-haul flight? No worries, just plant a few trees, and you're back in Mother Nature's good books. But let's be real. You can't just swipe your credit card, buy some 'green credits', and undo the environmental damage. The devil is in the details—or in this case, in shady practices like questionable additionality and murky accounting.

Additionality: Or, "Would You Have Done It Anyway?"

One of the loudest criticisms lobbed at carbon offsetting is the issue of additionality. Think of it this way: If a billionaire donates to a charity after getting a huge tax incentive, was he really being altruistic? Similarly, if a project funded by carbon offsets would've happened anyway without the extra cash from offsetting, where's the real benefit? Reforestation projects, for instance, are notorious for this. Some forests tagged for these offsets might never have seen an ax. They're just sitting there, looking pretty and soaking up CO2, but the funds meant to "save" them were perhaps redundant from the start.

"Trust Us, We're Green": The Transparency Sham

Just because something is labeled green doesn't mean it's genuinely eco-friendly. Despite standards like the Verified Carbon Standard and the Gold Standard, the wild west of carbon offsets is rife with projects of questionable merit. Remember the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol? It ended up endorsing projects that, in some cases, were about as environmentally friendly as a coal mine in a national park. Here are some examples:

1. Large Hydroelectric Dams: Hydroelectric projects, especially large dams, have often been approved under the CDM. While these projects indeed produce renewable energy, they also have significant environmental and social impacts. Large reservoirs can lead to deforestation, disrupt local ecosystems, and displace communities. Additionally, stagnant water in these reservoirs can lead to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
2. HFC-23 Reduction Projects: Some projects focused on reducing emissions of HFC-23, a byproduct of HCFC-22 (used in refrigeration and air conditioning). While HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas, many argued that these projects provided excessive financial rewards compared to the actual cost of destruction. This could incentivize the production of more HCFC-22 just to gain credits from destroying the byproduct.
3. Palm Oil Biodiesel: While biodiesel sounds environmentally friendly, the mass production of palm oil for this purpose has led to widespread deforestation, especially in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Deforestation not only releases stored carbon in trees but also destroys habitats for endangered species.
4. Waste-to-Energy Projects: Some CDM projects involve incinerating waste to produce energy. While this process reduces methane emissions from landfills and generates power, it can also release other pollutants into the air and usually doesn't promote waste reduction or recycling.

Note: many CDM projects did indeed lead to meaningful emissions reductions and brought valuable co-benefits to host countries. However, the examples above highlight the importance of rigorous oversight and the challenges of ensuring that environmental projects produce genuine, sustainable benefits.

Carbon Offsetting: Savior or Snake Oil?

To some, offsetting is akin to slapping a Band-Aid on a gaping wound and hoping for the best. Why bother transforming industries or lifestyles when you can just buy your way out of the guilt? However, some see it differently. To them, carbon offsetting, though imperfect, is a bridge to a cleaner future, funding projects that otherwise might wither on the vine due to lack of resources.

The Offsetting Circus: A Glimpse

1. Airline Offsets: Some airlines' carbon offset programs seem more like slick PR moves than genuine attempts at environmental stewardship. They give flyers a pat on the back and a "thanks for going green" while the industry's carbon footprint stomps onward.
2. Corporate Virtue Signaling: While Microsoft's pledge to be carbon negative by 2030 sounds commendable, one has to wonder: Is this commitment genuine, or just a play for good press?
3. Renewable Energy Ruses: Funding renewable energy in developing countries sounds commendable. But when these projects are merely fronts that would've happened anyway, it's less "saving the planet" and more "lining pockets."

What do we do?

Think of the Earth as a big, beautiful house that all of us share. Every time we burn things like coal, gas, or oil, we're producing smoke, or what scientists call carbon emissions. Just like smoke from a campfire can make it hard for us to breathe if we sit too close, this carbon "smoke" gathers up in our planet's sky and makes the Earth warmer, much like a thick blanket. Over time, this extra warmth can hurt plants, animals, and even us! It's crucial that we don't make our shared home too hot and uncomfortable.

Why Offsetting Isn't Enough

Now, some people say, "Let's balance things out!" This idea is called "offsetting." Imagine you made a mess in one part of our shared house but cleaned up a different part as an apology. That might seem nice, but the original mess is still there. Offsetting is like this: instead of stopping the mess (carbon emissions) in the first place, we try to make up for it somewhere else. But the real problem is still there, and our house keeps getting hotter.

The True Solution: Reducing Emissions

The best way to keep our shared house nice and comfortable is to stop making messes altogether. That means producing less smoke and reducing our carbon emissions. It's like turning down the heat on a stove that's too hot. By doing this, we don't have to worry about balancing things out elsewhere because we're tackling the problem directly. After all, if we genuinely care for our big, beautiful house, we should aim to keep it clean and comfy for everyone.  Let me be clear.  I am not saying do not offset.  Ok... I just wrote a lot saying that. To be clear, if you are offsetting and think that is the end all solution, it isn't.  It is only a temporary measure to be employed while working towards full on decarbonization. Not sure where to start?  We can help :)

Perspectives · Perspectives

Breaking down the P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management: Training and Qualification

Training and qualification are crucial for ongoing development and project success. At GPM, Training and Qualification is an element under the "Labor Practices and Decent Work" category in the P5 Standard, and it is an important one. According to the P5 Standard, practices for Training and qualification  that project team members have the necessary skills to effectively complete their work. It involves providing instruction, assessing proficiency, monitoring performance, and offering guidance. According to the P5, The project team should:

• Identify skills required for the project.
• Identify skill gaps and development needs of project team members.
• Avoid placing project team members in roles they are not suited for.
• Sponsor training programs that enable project team members to learn new skills.
• Give project team members access to mentors who can offer advice and practical tips on how to improve their skills.
• Encourage project team members to collaborate with each other and share ideas for professional growth.
• Establish a system of rewards and recognition for those who improve their skills.

Let’s drill down a little and outline some key reasons why we prescribe these practices.

1. Enhanced Engagement and Productivity

Imagine this: You have a team of highly skilled and trained individuals who know exactly what they're doing. They are engaged, motivated, and ready to tackle any project that comes their way. Now, doesn't that sound like a dream team? When you invest in training and qualification, you empower your team members to develop their skills and knowledge. This not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their engagement and productivity. They become like superheroes, armed with the right tools and ready to conquer the project world!

1. Attracting Qualified Individuals

In the competitive world of project management, attracting qualified individuals is like finding a needle in a haystack. But it doesn’t’ have to be. Training and qualification can be your secret weapon. When potential candidates see that you value continuous learning and development, they'll be drawn to your organization like bees to honey. People want to work for companies that invest in their growth and provide opportunities to expand their skill sets. By offering training and qualification programs, you'll have a pool of talented individuals knocking at your door.

1. Better Project Performance

Picture this: You're sailing smoothly through your project, ticking off tasks left and right, and delivering exceptional results. It's like riding a unicorn through a rainbow! Training and qualification contribute to better project performance by equipping your team with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome challenges and deliver successful outcomes. When everyone is on the same page and knows what they're doing, projects run more efficiently and effectively.

1. Organizational Learning and Informed Decision-Making

In the ever-changing landscape of project management, staying ahead of the game is crucial. That's where organizational learning comes into play. By encouraging a culture of continuous learning within your organization, you create an environment where knowledge is shared and new insights are gained. This leads to enhanced capabilities, increased efficiency, and the creation of an organizational body of knowledge. With a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, you'll be able to make more informed decisions, avoiding pitfalls and seizing opportunities. It's like having a crystal ball that helps you navigate the project management realm!

1. Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords; they are fundamental to creating a thriving work environment. When you provide equal opportunity in the workplace, magic happens. Why?

1. It reduces turnover. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay with your organization for the long haul. This not only saves you time and resources but also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment.
2. it improves organizational morale and productivity. A diverse workforce brings together different perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It's like a melting pot of awesomeness!
3. It builds trust. When employees know that they are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities, trust between them and their employers flourishes. And trust is the foundation of any successful team.
4. Local Competence Development

It is also important to remember that the impact of training and qualification on the local community. When you invest in local competence development, everybody wins! By providing opportunities for skill development in the local area, you contribute to economic growth and social inclusion. This means new and improved skills for individuals, a more sustainable access to a qualified workforce, increased productivity and efficiency, and enhanced innovation opportunities.

Perspectives · Perspectives

Breaking down the P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management: Project Health and Safety

The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management is a valuable resource for project managers and organizations. The P5 Standard focuses on understanding and managing the potential impacts of your project on the environment, society, and economy. Although its practices are clear and straightforward, we often receive requests for additional context. Therefore, we have launched a 49-part series aimed at dissecting each element of the standard, providing practical explanations one at a time.  This is part 3 of 49.

Ensuring Project Health and Safety is a Critical Imperative for Success.

Project management encompasses numerous elements that contribute to successful project delivery. One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects is project health and safety. Creating safe working conditions for personnel involved in a project is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a strategic imperative for achieving project goals efficiently and effectively.

What are a few reasons that Project Health and Safety is so Important?

1. Human Capital Protection: The most apparent reason for prioritizing health and safety on a project is to protect the well-being of the workforce. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, companies can prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities that may occur during project operations. A healthy and safe workforce is a productive and motivated one.
2. Risk Mitigation: Risks are inherent in any project, but by proactively identifying and managing safety hazards, project teams can significantly reduce the overall risk profile. This, in turn, lowers the likelihood of costly delays, disruptions, and legal liabilities.
3. Reputation and Stakeholder Confidence: A company that prioritizes health and safety gains a positive reputation in the industry and among stakeholders. Clients, investors, and partners are more likely to trust and engage with a company that demonstrates a commitment to worker safety.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with health and safety laws and regulations is not optional; it is a legal requirement. Failure to adhere to these standards can lead to severe consequences, including fines, legal penalties, and damaged brand reputation.

In our P5 Standard we prescribe the following practices:

The project team should:

• Identify and comply with relevant health and safety laws and regulations.
• Identify and evaluate options for controlling hazards.
• Develop plans to protect workers during emergencies and other non-routine activities.
• Ensure that workers are given the necessary equipment, clothing, and training to carry out their work safely.
• Establish clear procedures for reporting incidents and near-misses.
• Investigate the causes of incidents and near-misses.
• Promptly inform workers about any changes to health and safety practices.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and inspections of the work environment to ensure it is safe at all times.
• Provide workers with appropriate training on health and safety procedures to ensure that they are aware of risks associated with any activities they are involved in. 

Examples of the Impact of Project Health and Safety Here are a few examples of how project health and safety can make a significant difference:

1. Construction Projects: In the construction industry, there are numerous hazards, such as working at heights, heavy machinery operation, and exposure to hazardous materials. Companies that prioritize health and safety implement measures like proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and rigorous safety protocols. This results in fewer accidents and injuries on construction sites.
2. Oil and Gas Operations: In the oil and gas sector, projects often involve working with volatile substances and complex machinery. Companies that excel in health and safety develop comprehensive risk management strategies, emergency response plans, and regular safety drills. Such efforts have been known to prevent major accidents and protect both workers and the environment.
3. Manufacturing Projects: Manufacturing facilities can be rife with potential hazards, from operating heavy machinery to handling chemicals. Companies that invest in health and safety training and equipment reduce the number of workplace accidents, leading to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.

Companies Setting the Bar High in Project Health and Safety Several companies have earned recognition for their outstanding commitment to health and safety in their projects:

1. Balfour Beatty: This UK-based construction company has implemented a robust safety culture and provides extensive training and resources to its workforce. Balfour Beatty's safety programs have led to a significant reduction in accidents and injuries.
2. Petronas: As a prominent player in the oil and gas industry, Petronas places a high priority on health and safety. The company has a strong safety culture that permeates all levels of its operations. Petronas invests significantly in safety training, state-of-the-art technology, and modern safety equipment to protect its workforce and the environment. By consistently enforcing safety protocols and fostering a proactive approach to risk management, Petronas has achieved a commendable safety record, resulting in a decrease in workplace incidents and accidents. The company's commitment to project health and safety serves as a model for the industry, highlighting the importance of safeguarding employees' well-being while achieving operational excellence.
3. Toyota: The automobile manufacturer Toyota is renowned for its focus on employee safety. The company's proactive approach to safety measures has resulted in a decrease in workplace incidents and increased employee satisfaction.

Project health and safety should never be underestimated or treated as an afterthought. By prioritizing worker well-being and implementing comprehensive safety measures, companies can protect their most valuable asset—their employees—and ensure the successful execution of projects. Not only does this lead to better project outcomes, but it also fosters a positive corporate culture and builds trust with stakeholders. Companies like Balfour Beatty, Petronas, and Toyota serve as shining examples of how investing in health and safety yields tremendous dividends for both workers and businesses alike. As the GPM P5 Standard rightly emphasizes, project health and safety is not just a checkbox; it is a vital pillar of project management excellence.

Perspectives · Project Management

What Project Managers Need to Know About Planetary Boundaries and Biodiversity Regeneration

As project managers, it’s essential to understand the broader context of our projects—including the environment and its associated ecosystems. You may have heard of planetary boundaries, nine specific thresholds that must not be crossed for humanity to continue on a safe trajectory. Of those nine boundaries, biodiversity regeneration is one of the most critical. Let’s dive into what this means and how it affects project management.

What Are Planetary Boundaries?

The concept of planetary boundaries was introduced in 2009 by a group of scientists who wanted to identify limits to human activity based on environmental factors. The researchers identified nine thresholds that should not be exceeded if humanity is to remain on a safe path. These include climate change, ocean acidification, land-system change, freshwater use, ozone depletion, chemical pollution (such as fertilizers), aerosol loading (tiny particles suspended in air), and nitrogen/phosphorus cycles (which govern nutrient availability). In addition to these physical factors, what’s often referred to as “the tenth boundary” is biodiversity—or the diversity of species within an ecosystem.

Why is Biodiversity Regeneration So Important?

Biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems; when species disappear or become threatened due to human activity such as overfishing or deforestation, entire food webs can collapse. This has devastating consequences both for the environment itself and for humanity’s ability to rely on natural resources like fish populations or clean drinking water. That’s why biodiversity regeneration is so critical; we need to be actively restoring species populations in order to maintain balance within our ecosystems and ensure that they will continue supporting us into the future.

What is a simple example? the Atlantic Ocean Current that has been in the news the last few weeks is a great one.

A system of ocean currents known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation that transports heat northward across the North Atlantic could collapse by mid-century! In the latest research, Peter and Susanne Ditlevsen, Danish researchers, examined North Atlantic sea surface temperatures from 1870 to 2020 as a proxy for assessing circulation patterns. Their findings indicate that the system's potential collapse could take place between 2025 and 2095, depending on current global greenhouse gas emissions. This contrasts with the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change's 2021 prediction, which suggested that such a collapse was not probable during this century. The degradation of the AMOC is particularly relevant to the first and second planetary boundaries, i.e., Climate Change and Loss of Biodiversity.

1. Loss of Biodiversity: The AMOC influences the distribution of marine species and the productivity of marine ecosystems, particularly in the North Atlantic region. If the AMOC weakens significantly, it can disrupt marine habitats, migration patterns, and food chains, potentially leading to a loss of biodiversity and threatening numerous species that rely on the stability of these ecosystems.
2. Climate Change: The AMOC plays a crucial role in redistributing heat around the globe, helping to regulate regional and global climates. As it weakens or collapses, the redistribution of heat can be altered, leading to potential disruptions in weather patterns and more extreme climate events. The AMOC's degradation can contribute to accelerated climate change and an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, pushing us closer to exceeding the safe boundary for CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.

Here is an image of the current.  As you can see without the red North Atlantic Current, Europe would be thrown into an ice age.

How Does This Affect our Profession?

As project managers responsible for implementing initiatives of all shapes and sizes, it’s important that you understand how your projects interact with the environment around them. If you are managing a project that impacts local flora or fauna—for example, developing a new factory complex near a sensitive wetland habitat—you need to take steps to ensure that these species remain protected throughout your construction process and afterwards. This could involve conducting ecological surveys before beginning work or setting up an ongoing monitoring program after completion of your project in order to identify any changes that might occur as a result of your work. By taking proactive steps like these, you can help ensure that local biodiversity remains healthy during and after your projects. When it comes down it, respecting the nine planetary boundaries is critical if humanity is going to remain on a safe trajectory; this includes taking steps towards biodiversity regeneration whenever possible. As project managers responsible for large-scale operations with potential impacts on local ecosystems, it’s important to be aware of this responsibility and take action accordingly. By understanding how our activities affect wildlife populations and making sure we take steps towards restoring them wherever possible, we can help ensure sustainable development for years into the future!