UK Researchers Form Climate Action Group

British insight professionals Dr Nick Baker, Jem Fawcus, Denise Hicks, Louise McLaren & Russ Wilson have launched the Insight Climate Collective, a group calling on the industry to come together and play its part in tackling the environmental crisis and promoting sustainability.

'The human effect on our planet is out of control and threatens global quality of life and our, and other species', very survival' say the founders, who are seeking members, feedback and LinkedIn sign-ups as the group gathers momentum. In a draft manifesto published online, the group says the Insight Industry 'has played a role in the creation of the problem' and has 'a strong role, and responsibility to play in the solution'.

Initiatives planned include developing an industry charter with the MRS; providing a cross-agency resource to aggregate and 'benchmark' climate data; providing a forum for people to discuss ideas and launch activism; and providing training and education resources for agencies and clients.

McLaren, a Board Director at Truth Consulting, comments: 'We strongly believe that insight can play an important role in helping companies shape their strategies, to address arguably the biggest challenge of our generation. We want to shine a light on how insight - the tools and skills of our industry - can help'. Wilson, an independent consultant, says the industry has 'all the experience and skills required to help shape these changes' and adds: 'it's no longer possible to just sit back and carry on with business as usual, we all have a role to play'. Hicks, aDirector at C Space, comments: 'It's time we applied these skills to the toughest brief of all: preventing extinction. However, it will only work if we work together'.

Fawcus is CEO of Firefish Group and Baker Chief Research Officer at Savanta.

The LinkedIn group, already with 221 members, is at www.linkedin.com/groups/8984800 .