How Ketan Dattani of Buckingham Futures Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice

An Interview With Monica Sanders

Collaboration is Key — addressing climate change and promoting sustainability requires collective efforts. Seek out partnerships with like-minded organisations, communities, and individuals. Collaboration amplifies impact, facilitates knowledge exchange, and fosters innovation. Working together enables the pooling of resources and expertise, making it more feasible to tackle complex environmental challenges effectively.

According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ketan Dattani.

Ketan Dattani is a multi-award-winning environmental entrepreneur. He holds 25 years of environmental recruitment experience and has a high profile within the sector.

Academically Ketan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biotechnology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management.

He is the Founding Owner and CEO of Buckingham Futures, a specialist award-winning Environmental Health consultancy that provides bespoke permanent and temporary talent acquisition and consultancy solutions to public and private sector employers.

Ketan’s corporate policies and actions are designed to reduce carbon footprint, give back to the community and encourage the protection of the environment.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

Of course. Going right back to the beginning, I am the eldest of two siblings from a first generation East African Asian immigrant family. I was born in Leicester in the early 1970s after my parents were forcefully expelled from their birthplace of Uganda by a military dictatorship.

My early memories are of growing up in a small house with lots of uncles and aunts and tons of cousins. With the loss of much of Leicester’s industry during the mid-1970s my parents moved to London to seek employment, which is where I grew up.

In London, our economic situation wasn’t the best. Sadly, there were few prospects in Thatcher’s London. She had declared that there was no such thing as society and no one understood that more than Council Estate residents. We were bearing the brunt of a broken country.

I was raised with a strong sense of values — respect, hard work, integrity, humility, and a duty to help those less fortunate than me.

Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?

Most of us now live very busy lives in the frantic world we now find ourselves in, and as such we are often subject to constant distractions.

Our attention can often feel pulled in many different directions as a result of living lives in the ‘fast lane’, and as such we can often lose sight of our why — why we’re actually doing the thing we’re doing!

In doing so I live a life where my actions are more in line with my core values and a lot richer and more pleasurable to live enabling me to be a better son, husband, father, business owner, and friend.

You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?

It is all about making a difference to our planet. Me and my team are constantly making changes in the recruitment and environmental health sectors. Our campaigns currently include

1. Environmental Education and Awareness — We strongly believe that knowledge is the foundation for change. Through educational programs, workshops, and campaigns, we empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
2. Waste Reduction and Recycling — We actively support initiatives that reduce waste generation, encourage recycling, and promote circular economy principles. By minimising waste, we aim to decrease the strain on landfills and natural ecosystems.
3. Clean Water and Air Initiatives — Access to clean water and air is a fundamental right for all living beings. We work to improve water quality, combat water pollution, and promote clean air initiatives to safeguard human health and ecological balance.
4. Diverse Workforce — We actively seek to build a diverse workforce, recognising that a variety of perspectives, experiences, and talents are crucial for driving innovation and problem-solving. We strive to attract and retain individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, and socio-economic statuses.
5. Inclusive Workplace Culture — We foster an inclusive workplace culture where every team member feels valued, respected, and heard. We promote open communication, encourage feedback, and ensure that all voices are given equal weight in decision-making processes.
6. Equal Opportunities — We are committed to providing equal opportunities for career growth and advancement. Our hiring and promotion practices are based on merit, skills, and qualifications, without discrimination based on identity factors.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?

Given the urgency of the climate crisis, Buckingham Futures are actively working on several fronts to contribute to meaningful and impactful solutions. These are the three key actions we are taking to help address climate change:

1. Renewable Energy Adoption — We are focusing on promoting the transition to renewable energy sources as a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our organisation is involved in projects that promote solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies. We work closely with governments and businesses to advocate for policies that incentivise renewable energy investments and remove barriers to their adoption. By promoting sustainable energy alternatives, we aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.
2. Climate Education and Advocacy — Recognising the importance of knowledge and awareness in driving change, we have intensified our efforts in climate education and advocacy. Our organisation runs extensive awareness campaigns, workshops, events and educational programs targeting communities, policy-makers, and the general public.

We strive to foster a better understanding of climate change, its impacts, and the urgency of taking action. Through advocacy initiatives, we mobilise support for ambitious climate policies at local, national, and global levels, pushing for effective and immediate action on climate change.

3. Community-Based Climate Resilience — to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, we have implemented community-based climate resilience projects. By engaging directly with communities, we identify their specific climate challenges and co-create adaptive solutions.

These projects aim to enhance community resilience through measures such as sustainable agriculture practices, water resource management, and disaster preparedness.

By empowering communities to adapt to climate change, we strive to reduce their vulnerability and enhance their ability to withstand future climate-related shocks.

In addition to these three primary actions, our organisation works collaboratively with other environmental groups, research institutions, and governmental bodies to amplify our impact and create a united front in tackling the climate crisis. We believe that a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is essential to making critical decisions about climate change within the limited time frame.

None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?

I credit my mother for some of the most valuable life advice over the years. I would not be the person I am today without her unconditional love.

Throughout the years, I have witnessed her endure many hardships and overcome many life-changing obstacles.

She has always been there through all of the ups and downs of my life. During my tempestuous times, she was the only person that believed in me!

She has instilled in me a hard work ethic, and a moral compass always points in the direction of compassion.

She is one of my best friends and confidante, I rely on her judgement and approval to keep me grounded and maintain my self-esteem.

Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?

Climate justice is a fundamental concept that acknowledges the unequal distribution of the impacts of climate change and aims to address the disproportionate burdens faced by vulnerable and marginalised communities.

It recognises that those who have contributed the least to climate change are often the ones suffering the most from its consequences, while also considering historical and current social injustices that exacerbate vulnerability to climate impacts. Climate justice seeks to ensure that climate action and policies are fair, inclusive, and take into account the needs and rights of all people, regardless of their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location.

In order for us to operationalise climate justice, key principles and strategies need to be implemented:

1. Climate Finance and Aid — Ensure adequate and accessible climate finance to assist developing countries in their climate efforts. This includes contributions from developed nations as part of their historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Access to Clean Energy and Technology — make clean and sustainable energy technologies accessible to all communities, including those in remote or marginalised areas, to address energy poverty and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Increasing Green Jobs — encourage the development of green and sustainable industries, ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy provides equitable job opportunities for all.
4. Human Rights and Climate Change: recognise that climate change is intrinsically linked to human rights and ensure that climate policies uphold and protect the rights of all individuals.
5. Global Cooperation: foster international collaboration to tackle climate change, recognising that it is a global challenge requiring collective efforts and cooperation

By operationalising climate justice through these principles and strategies, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate action. This will not only increase the effectiveness of our responses but also ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind in the fight against climate change.

Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?

Given the urgency of the climate crisis, Buckingham Futures are actively working on several fronts to contribute to meaningful and impactful solutions. These are the three key actions we are taking to help address climate change:

1. Renewable Energy Adoption — We are focusing on promoting the transition to renewable energy sources as a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our organisation is involved in projects that promote solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies. We work closely with governments and businesses to advocate for policies that incentivise renewable energy investments and remove barriers to their adoption. By promoting sustainable energy alternatives, we aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.
2. Climate Education and Advocacy — Recognising the importance of knowledge and awareness in driving change, we have intensified our efforts in climate education and advocacy. Our organisation runs extensive awareness campaigns, workshops, events and educational programs targeting communities, policymakers, and the general public. We strive to foster a better understanding of climate change, its impacts, and the urgency of taking action. Through advocacy initiatives, we mobilise support for ambitious climate policies at local, national, and global levels, pushing for effective and immediate action on climate change.
3. Community-Based Climate Resilience — To address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, we have implemented community-based climate resilience projects. By engaging directly with communities, we identify their specific climate challenges and co-create adaptive solutions. These projects aim to enhance community resilience through measures such as sustainable agriculture practices, water resource management, and disaster preparedness. By empowering communities to adapt to climate change, we strive to reduce their vulnerability and enhance their ability to withstand future climate-related shocks.

In addition to these three primary actions, our organisation works collaboratively with other environmental groups, research institutions, and governmental bodies to amplify our impact and create a united front in tackling the climate crisis. We believe that a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is essential to making critical decisions about climate change within the limited timeframe.

Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?

Absolutely, the support and involvement of the community, society, and politicians are critical in achieving our mission and making a positive impact on the planet. Here are three things they can do to help us in our mission:

1. Advocate for Strong Climate Policies — Community members and society at large can actively advocate for strong and ambitious climate policies at the local, national, and international levels. This includes supporting policies that promote renewable energy adoption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritise climate resilience and adaptation. By expressing their concerns and demands to policy-makers, citizens can influence the decision-making process and drive the necessary changes to address climate change effectively.
2. Engage in Sustainable Practices — Individuals and communities can play a significant role by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. This includes reducing energy consumption, minimising waste generation, supporting environmentally-friendly products and services, and adopting sustainable transportation options. Simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing meat consumption and opting for public transportation or biking, can collectively have a positive impact on reducing emissions and conserving resources.
3. Support and Collaborate with Environmental Organizations: Engaging with and supporting environmental organisations, like ours, can provide crucial assistance in achieving our mission. Community members can volunteer their time, skills, or resources to help with our projects and initiatives. Society can also contribute through donations, fundraising, or spreading awareness about our work. Collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments is vital for implementing effective and locally relevant solutions to environmental challenges.

How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?

A business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and environmentally conscious through various strategies that not only reduce costs but also enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. Implementing sustainability measures can lead to long-term benefits that positively impact the bottom line. Businesses should take these important factors into account to stay environmentally conscious and sustainable:

1. Cost Savings in the Supply Chain — collaborating with suppliers and partners to implement sustainable practices by optimising transportation, reducing packaging materials, and adopting sustainable sourcing practices, businesses can reduce expenses and improve profitability.
2. Cost Reduction through Efficiency — implementing sustainable practices often leads to increased operational efficiency. By minimising waste, optimising energy and water usage, and improving production processes, businesses can reduce their resource consumption, thereby lowering costs associated with raw materials, utilities, and waste management.
3. Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty — demonstrating a commitment to sustainability enhances a business’s brand reputation. Customers tend to favour companies that prioritise environmental responsibility, leading to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals, which can boost sales and revenue.
4. Employee Engagement and Retention: a sustainable and socially responsible business culture can attract and retain top talent. Employees often seek purpose-driven workplaces, and being part of a company that is actively contributing to a sustainable future can boost employee morale and productivity.
5. Regulatory Compliance — environmental regulations are becoming more stringent in many regions. By proactively adopting sustainable practices, businesses can ensure compliance with current and future environmental laws, avoiding potential fines and penalties that could impact their profitability.

Becoming more sustainable and environmentally conscious can be a pathway to increased profitability for businesses. By integrating sustainability into their operations, products, and culture, businesses can achieve cost savings, attract customers and investors, enhance brand reputation, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly environmentally-aware market.

This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why?

When first starting to promote sustainability and climate justice, there are several important insights that can be incredibly valuable. Here are five things I wish someone had told me, along with the reasons why they are crucial:

1. It’s a Journey, Not a Sprint — promoting sustainability and climate justice is a complex and long-term endeavour. It’s essential to understand that meaningful change takes time and persistence. Patience and dedication are necessary to overcome challenges and setbacks that may arise along the way. Recognizing that it’s a journey allows you to pace yourself, maintain focus, and sustain motivation despite the inherent difficulties.
2. Collaboration is Key — addressing climate change and promoting sustainability requires collective efforts. Seek out partnerships with like-minded organisations, communities, and individuals. Collaboration amplifies impact, facilitates knowledge exchange, and fosters innovation. Working together enables the pooling of resources and expertise, making it more feasible to tackle complex environmental challenges effectively.
3. Storytelling Drives Connection — communicating the urgency and importance of sustainability and climate justice through compelling storytelling is crucial. Facts and data alone might not resonate with everyone, but personal stories and experiences can create a deeper emotional connection and inspire action. Sharing stories of affected communities, successful sustainability initiatives, or personal experiences can drive empathy and engagement in your cause.
4. Embrace Continuous Learning — the fields of sustainability and climate justice are ever-evolving. Stay open to learning and be willing to adapt your strategies based on new information and insights. Continuous learning enables you to remain up-to-date with the latest developments, trends, and best practices, allowing you to refine your approach and maximise your impact.
5. Self-Care is Essential — advocating for sustainability and climate justice can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming at times. It’s crucial to prioritise self-care and well-being. Take breaks, seek support from colleagues or networks, and engage in activities that recharge your energy. Maintaining your own well-being enables you to sustain your advocacy efforts in the long run and avoid burnout.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

I would love to have a private lunch with Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson.

I share his love for entrepreneurialism and adventure. His entrepreneurial spirit is so inspiring, along with his energy and love for life.

How can our readers continue to follow your work online?

I am most active on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org

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How Ketan Dattani of Buckingham Futures Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.