In the month the organization celebrates its 13th anniversary, Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of MOVE.BG, has given an interview to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
Did you know?
2019 was the second warmest year in human history, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
What are the solutions?
MOVE.BG`s program “Urban Jungle” has published a special brochure presenting 7 Bulgarian entrepreneurs who develop innovative solutions to global environmental challenges from Bulgaria. The project is part of our initiative for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy after the coronavirus.
Today, we meet you with an innovative project through the eyes of its creator - the Berlin-based startup Plan A which develops innovative solutions on how companies can reduce their carbon footprint successfully. Lubomila Yordanova, a Bulgarian entrepreneur and co-founder of the project, tells us more about Plan A.
Lubomila and Plan A are the special part of our brochure as they create a bridge between startup founders in the country and those abroad, building together the modern image of innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs.
What are the main challenges of fighting climate change?
The main issue is climate change. Climate change affects significant determinants of health, such as access to drinking water, ecosystems, food, and agriculture. Climate change also increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (e.g. rainstorms, heatwaves). Even, the constant increase in carbon emissions and combustion of fossil fuels, lead to severe air pollution and direct human health damage. Thus, with increased temperatures, a rise of vector-borne diseases has been reported.
What is the impact of this challenge in Bulgaria/Europe?
According to current projections, climate change is projected to increase the occurrence and frequency of flood events in large areas of Europe. Without adaptation, the number of people potentially affected by flooding every year by 2085 could increase from 775,000 to 5.5 million. Also, increased carbon emissions are exposing over 80% of Europeans to particulate matter (PM) concentrations exceeding the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, reducing the life expectancy of each citizen by an average of nearly 9 months.
What are the solutions?
We, Plan A, believe that what gets measured, gets managed. Global businesses have the power to pave the way to a more sustainable future for our world. Companies must build carbon-neutral business models and contribute to a sustainable economy. This is for this reason that Plan A was created to take businesses beyond carbon neutrality, by monitoring their carbon footprint and enabling them to significantly reduce it.
What does your product offer?
Plan A helps businesses to measure, reduce, offset, and report on their carbon footprint while creating an employee culture of sustainability. Our software generates tailored action plans, facilitating sustainable action that involves every stakeholder in the company. We offset remaining emissions through selected gold standard certified projects. We engage businesses in fighting climate change.
What is your motivation to develop an innovative business with a social impact?
Climate change will have drastic impacts on humanity, creating a global catastrophe. I believe that we still have a chance of tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. I want to be part of the solution, rather than the issue.
Who are the other innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs and why they have decided to develop green businesses? Download our free brochure "Green Innovators of Bulgaria" here.
For a green restart of the Bulgarian economy
It is time for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy and its transition from resource-intensive industries to green business models. Funds from the EU post-COVID-19 recovery mechanism - “Next Generation EU” as well as those from the Green Deal can help make this transition a successful journey. Therefore, MOVE.BG has initiated a coalition “For a Green Restart” that includes “Greenpeace-Bulgaria”, WWF Bulgaria, “Institute Circular Economy”, and MOVE.BG.
The coalition has brought together over 50 of Bulgaria's leading experts in the fields of green startups and innovation, climate, the circular economy, energy as well as biodiversity, and agriculture. They have generated more than 130 ideas for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy. Read the recommendations here.
