Lori Bongiorno | 2021 MAKERS Conference Finale
Lori Bongiorno, General Manager of Yahoo News, Lifestyle, Entertainment and MAKERS, explains why the climate justice movement is important to her and what leaders can do today to shape positive, lasting change.
Video Transcript
LORI BONGIORNO: It's safe to say that if you're here, you're dedicated to making change related to the most important issues of our time. So let's talk about climate justice. It's something that I have been passionate about for a long time. It's actually what brought me to Yahoo over a decade ago.
I had just published a book on green living. It was aimed at educating consumers about the challenges that lie ahead and also how they could build a more sustainable life. Yahoo was a great opportunity to reach a large, diverse mass audience with clear, concise, actionable information. I am deeply sad about the fact that we did not make more progress while we still had a little room to maneuver.
The one thing, though, that makes me optimistic about the future is the voice of this new generation. They truly get what's at stake. They are raising their voices loud and clear. They're willing and able to do whatever it takes to save our planet, because they know our future depends on it.
This is beyond one person at a time being able to make change. So let's stop pointing to consumers and distracting from the issues at large. Namely, institutions and systems need to make change at a much more accelerated rate-- that's government, that's business. That's where you all come in. You're all in a position of power in your companies.
You have the ability to influence, if not control, making sustainability a priority. I personally believe in the power of business to make positive change. It's imperative for society, but also for the longevity of your companies. We're excited to have a very forward-thinking young climate activist joining us today, the founder of the Eco Justice Project and co-host of the podcast "The Black Girl Blueprint," Lauren Ritchie.
A leader in climate justice, Lauren draws attention to the very important issue of intersectional, environmental activism. Say hello to the Eco Girl. Welcome Lauren.
