Why is Climate Change a Dirty Word?

Let’s be honest – the words “climate change” tend to make people tense up.

You can see it in a boardroom, at a family barbecue, or scrolling through your feed. Somewhere along the line, a conversation that should unite us all turned into one that divides us. And that’s a problem – especially for business.

As someone who’s spent the better part of my career helping companies get to Net Zero, I’ve seen firsthand how politicised and misunderstood this topic has become. But I’ve also seen what happens when businesses stop viewing climate action as a burden – and start seeing it as an opportunity.

How We Got Here

The science is clear – the planet is warming, and human activity is driving it. But somewhere between the data and the debate, climate change became a political identity issue. In some circles, even acknowledging the science feels like “picking a side.”

That didn’t happen by accident. Let’s be blunt: industries with deep ties to fossil fuels have spent decades protecting their interests. Billions have gone into lobbying, marketing, and misinformation campaigns designed to delay change and keep the status quo intact. And it worked – for a while.

The result? Polarisation. Confusion. Inaction.

The Human Side of the Story

Beyond politics, there’s the emotional reality. Climate change is overwhelming. It’s complex. And for many, it’s terrifying. So people shut down. We’d all rather focus on things we feel we can control.

But here’s the truth: we can control this – at least the part that matters most now. We can shift the way we do business, invest, innovate, and think about growth. That’s where the real leverage lies.

Turning a Problem into a Business Advantage

When I talk to business leaders about Net Zero, I start with one question: Do you want to be ahead of change, or behind it? Because this transition is already underway. The companies that act now will define the future – the ones that don’t will be defined by it.

The most progressive organisations I’ve worked with aren’t acting out of fear; they’re acting out of ambition. They see sustainability as strategy. Reducing emissions isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a way to increase efficiency, attract investors, retain talent, and drive innovation.

The shift to clean energy, smarter supply chains, and circular models is already paying off for those who’ve embraced it. It’s not about ESG reports; it’s about long-term value creation.

Speaking to What People Care About

If we want to break the climate conversation out of its political cage, we need to talk about what really matters to people:

• Health and safety: Clean air, clean water, and safer communities.

• Economic growth: New jobs, resilient industries, and energy independence.

• Innovation: Leading the next wave of global competitiveness.

• Purpose: Building something that lasts and leaves a legacy.

These are universal values. Climate action speaks to all of them – if we frame it the right way.

Moving Forward

So where do we go from here? A few simple shifts can make a world of difference:

1. Lead with optimism. Fear paralyses, but opportunity motivates.

2. Invest in innovation. Every step toward Net Zero is a step toward long-term resilience.

3. Bring people along. Culture beats compliance every time.

4. Stay authentic. People can tell when sustainability is a tick-box exercise.

Final Thoughts

“Climate change” doesn’t have to be a dirty word. It can be a rallying cry for progress, innovation, and unity – if we let it. Business has an incredible opportunity to lead that transformation.

At Notch, we help organisations turn climate strategy into competitive advantage. Because this isn’t just about cutting carbon; it’s about building better businesses for the future.

And that’s something worth talking about.

James Napier is the Founder and CEO of Notch, helping businesses accelerate their journey to Net Zero through insight, innovation, and impact.