With severe weather events causing economic losses across the country, local business leaders joined Mayor Andy Berke and Heather McTeer Toney, southeast regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for a roundtable Monday to discuss the impact of climate change on Tennessee businesses. The event was organized by Business Forward and took place at 212 Market Restaurant.
“Cities and communities like ours are already taking action,” said Mayor Berke. “Local businesses and local government are busy crafting innovative solution to increase sustainability and cut carbon pollution – all while growing the local economy and creating new jobs.”
Local business and community leaders talked about the impact of climate change on Chattanooga and the actions they are taking to address or mitigate the problem.
“Restaurants use more electricity and emit more greenhouse gases than any other type of retail business. 212 Market is committed to doing the right thing by buying local foods, reducing waste, and using solar energy,” said Sally Moses, owner and manager of 212 Market, a locally owned restaurant, and host of the roundtable. “Once known for having the dirtiest air in the country, Chattanooga now hosts a variety of environmentally responsible projects, and 212 Market is proud to be part of that.”
In addition to adopting more sustainable practices, local business leaders discussed how climate change is affecting their businesses and the local economy.
“As an Internet retailer, timing is critical for SmartFurniture.com in terms of managing our supply chain and distribution,” said T. J. Gentle, president and CEO of SmartFurniture.com. “Recent increases in weather volatility and storm severity have brought to light just how vulnerable we are to climate change. There were several days during the first quarter of this year when severe weather caused huge disruptions to our logistics networks. These disruptions are particularly concerning because there are very few ways for us to mitigate the risks.”
During the session, the EPA Southeast Regional Administrator took questions and gathered input from business leaders on the best policies to curb climate change while helping businesses. Other participants include Elizabeth Hammitt of EPB, Cindy Todd of The Tennessee Aquarium, and Michael Walton of green|spaces.
Source: Some material from Business Forward