Handling Climate Change in Industry: From Mitigation to Adaptation

Climate change is a global crisis whose effects are becoming increasingly felt in our daily lives. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and more frequent natural disasters are clear signals that our planet is in distress. That is why every individual needs to understand how to respond effectively to climate change.

Addressing climate change is a critical step that must be taken collectively, not only by governments, but also by companies and society at large. Read this article to the end to learn practical ways to tackle climate change.

ALSO READ: Climate Change Mitigation: From Policy to Action on the Ground

What Is Climate Change Handling?

Climate change handling refers to all efforts aimed at reducing the negative impacts of climate change and adapting to the new conditions it creates. In general, this involves two main approaches:

• Mitigation: Reducing the root causes of climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions.
• Adaptation: Adjusting social, economic, and environmental systems to withstand their impacts.
  
  

Why Addressing Climate Change Matters?

Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is happening right now, and its devastating effects are already altering every aspect of life:

• Environment: Global temperatures are rising, polar ice is melting, and biodiversity is under threat.
• Economy: Natural disasters are disrupting supply chains and reducing agricultural productivity.
• Society: Environmental degradation is driving rising poverty and displacement.

Without serious action to address climate change, future generations will face far greater challenges to their way of life.

Climate Change Handling as One of the SDG Goals

SDG Goal 13 focuses on Climate Action, comprising five targets measured through eight indicators. These targets cover disaster risk reduction (DRR), reducing disaster-related casualties, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Various efforts to achieve these targets are outlined in policies, programs, and activities carried out by both government and non-government actors. The key targets for realizing SDG 13 on Climate Action are as follows:

1. Strengthen the capacity for resilience and adaptation to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

2. Integrate climate change response measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Improve education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning systems.

4. Promote mechanisms to build effective climate change planning and management capacity in least-developed countries and small island developing states, with particular attention to women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.

Ways to Address Climate Change

There are many steps individuals can take to help address climate change, both through mitigation and adaptation. Here are several key approaches.

1. Conserve Energy

Most electricity and heat are generated from coal, oil, and gas. One practical way to address climate change is to use less energy by reducing heating and cooling use.

Switching to LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances is a simple step that can make a real difference.

2. Walk, Cycle, or Use Public Transportation

Thousands of vehicles on the roads not only cause traffic jams but also emit exhaust that contributes to pollution and climate change. This is especially true for vehicles that run on diesel or gasoline.

To address this issue, you can try walking or riding a bike instead of driving a private vehicle. This approach will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also promoting good health.

3. Switch to Electric Vehicles

If you are planning to buy a personal vehicle, consider an electric car. Electric vehicles help reduce air pollution and produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to petrol or diesel-powered alternatives.

4. Apply the 3R Principle

Another way to address climate change is to apply the 3R principle: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. You can help protect the climate by buying secondhand items, repairing items that can be fixed, recycling, and so on.

This way, the amount of waste sent to landfills can be significantly reduced. In addition, this principle allows you to create products from used items with high economic value.

5. Plant Trees and Care for Plants

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. So, you can try planting trees or ornamental plants in your backyard.

In addition, you can also participate in tree-planting activities in your local community and care for plants as part of a green lifestyle.

6. Reduce Single-Use Items

Single-use products add to the growing pile of waste that is difficult to decompose. Instead, use reusable bottles and food containers. Ditch plastic straws in favor of stainless steel or bamboo alternatives.

7. Shop Mindfully

When it comes to shopping, you also need to be smart about the products you choose. Opt for eco-friendly and durable products. You can buy locally made products to reduce your carbon footprint from transportation.

Don't forget to choose items that are produced sustainably. Not only that, but you should also curb impulse buying and only purchase items you actually need.

8. Shift to Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy is one of the most impactful steps you can take. Where available, install solar panels to meet your household electricity needs. Supporting clean energy policies in your community is another meaningful contribution to the cause.

PT Astra International Tbk's Commitment and Concrete Role in Addressing Climate Change

Aligned with its "Prosper with the Nation" philosophy, PT Astra International Tbk addresses climate change through comprehensive mitigation, adaptation, and community empowerment initiatives.

1. Reducing Emissions from Business Operations

Under the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations, the Astra Group aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, with a long-term goal of achieving Net Zero for Scope 1 & 2 by 2050.

In 2024, PT Astra International Tbk reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 17.41% and achieved a renewable energy mix representing 44% of total operational energy consumption, supported by biomass, solar panels, biofuels, and Renewable Energy Certificates (REC/I-REC).

Electrifying operational equipment, including hybrid tower lamps and electric buses, is part of this strategy. In agribusiness, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk implemented regenerative agriculture by replacing inorganic fertilizers with microorganism-based biofertilizers on over 51,000 hectares, reducing emissions by up to 20,888 metric tons of CO₂-eq per year.

2. Empowering Community Resilience

PT Astra International Tbk also operates the Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) program, which empowers communities by leveraging local potential and strengthening their capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts.

As of 2024, PT Astra International Tbk has supported 1,515 DSA and KBA initiatives, including 145 designated as "Kampung Iklim" (PROKLIM), a Ministry of Environment and Forestry program to enhance village resilience in adapting to and mitigating climate change impacts.

Through the Climate Village program, PT Astra International Tbk achieved a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 4.16, with a social impact valued at IDR 3.16 billion.

3. Strengthening Climate Governance

PT Astra International Tbk supports its commitment with climate scenario analysis using the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) framework to identify business risks and opportunities. The company also provides internal climate training through the Astra Sustainability Academy, offering ESG Master Classes for the board of directors and technical training on GHG emissions calculation and decarbonization strategies for employees.

ALSO READ: The Long-Term Business Impact of Carbon Emission Reduction

Together, Let Us Protect the Earth and Minimize the Future Impact of Climate Change

Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility for everyone. Every small action you take can create a significant impact when multiplied across communities acting together.

PT Astra International Tbk has demonstrated how a company can play an active role in handling this global challenge, from energy-efficiency initiatives to the development of electric vehicles. Each of these steps contributes to a real and sustained response to climate change.

To learn more about PT Astra International Tbk's sustainability commitments and strategies, visit the Astra Sustainability Report. Together, let us support the journey toward a greener, lower-emission, and more sustainable future.