Happy World Earth Day: Insights from our Global ESG Manager Regan Callendar

This World Earth Day, we’re handing the mic to our Global ESG Manager, Regan Callender. Regan shares his thoughts on the evolving role of renewable energy and why now, more than ever, the power to shape a sustainable future is in our hands.

🌍 World Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

This World Earth Day, the spotlight is firmly on the global energy transition. As demand for renewables continues to rise across developed economies, clean energy is no longer a challenge; It’s fast becoming the frontrunner in shaping how we power our world.

While questions around the long-term capabilities of wind and hydro persist, solar energy has already made history — overtaking coal in the first half of 2024 to meet rising global energy demand. From sun-rich Australia, where one in three homes are now solar-powered, to Uruguay, which now generates 98% of its energy from renewables, the shift is undeniable. The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, couldn’t be more fitting.

There are two ways to look at the relationship between people, power, and the planet.

The first is traditional: focused on how we fuel growth, power homes, and secure economies — a model that has, without question, delivered industrial progress and improved global living standards. Fossil fuels have historically driven this growth, playing a major role in reducing poverty and boosting life expectancy across the world. Whether it’s a delivery driver in sub-Saharan Africa or a tech entrepreneur sailing the Mediterranean, energy access has been a cornerstone of economic opportunity.

But the second approach, and the one we believe in, is to consider the power we have over our planet.

How do we ensure today’s energy choices secure a better tomorrow? How can we balance energy security with environmental responsibility?

These aren’t just philosophical questions; They’re critical to shaping a future that works for everyone. While the debate over fossil fuels continues, there’s a clear consensus: we must urgently reduce global reliance on carbon-intensive energy. Since 1980, CO₂ concentrations have increased by 24%, with emissions reaching 40 billion metric tonnes in 2023. Temperatures have already risen by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, putting the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement at risk.

Tripling renewable energy supply by 2030, as this year’s Earth Day campaign advocates, is an ambitious target, but it’s also essential. Renewable energy is no longer an emerging technology, it’s a mature, scalable solution that can power progress, improve lives, and protect the planet.

⚡ How We're Contributing at Spencer Ogden

At Spencer Ogden, we know sustainability doesn’t stop at placing talent — it’s embedded in how we operate. We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact across every global office.

Our ESG committee plays a vital role in shaping our sustainability strategy, bringing together voices from across the business to ensure our decisions reflect the needs of our people and our planet. From senior leaders to new starters, from Denver to Perth, we’re united in our commitment to building a better, cleaner future.

Some of the actions we’re proud to have taken so far:

Switching to renewable electricity globally — saving over 126 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024.

Prioritising organic, locally sourced energy where possible and sustainable alternatives where local contracts restrict.

Identifying high-impact offices and implementing energy-saving measures for greater efficiency.

Whether the world can triple renewable energy supply by 2030 remains to be seen — but at Spencer Ogden, we’re doing everything we can to make it happen.

Together, we have the power to shape a more sustainable world. 🌱

For additional reading, take a look at the below resources