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Assessing performance on the climate crisis

How should we assess organisations and individuals regarding their performance on the climate crisis?

We need to be assessing performance so that we ensure that everyone in a position of responsibility is acting appropriately.

Any shortfall in performance should be challenged, and if necessary publicized. This is not the same as "naming and shaming" as long as it is done respectfully - it is simply the counterpart of the tax authorities notifying a citizen of a shortfall in tax paid, or of a politician or official notifying the HR department of a shortfall in salary or expenses paid.

Performance can be assessed under the following three headings.

Are they telling the truth?

Statements must be truthful, and this must also apply to any assessment of past performance of the organisation.

In the UK, honesty is a requirement under the Seven principles of public life [1].

Are they acting appropriately?

Decisions and actions must be based on the best evidence available.

In the UK, objectivity is a requirement under the Seven principles of public life [1], which specifies that "Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias."

Is there democratic engagement?

To ensure that the organisation is telling the truth and acting appropriately, it must

In the UK, openness and accountability are requirements under the Seven principles of public life [1].

References

[1]Committee on standards in public life (1995 and 2016) Seven principles of public life https://www.carbonindependent.org/41.html.

First published: 15 Feb 2021
Last updated: 1 Dec 2022