This is the key finding of an extensive survey conducted by trade body the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The report suggests that the number of managers who plan to make climate change a priority in 2010 is just shy of one in six (16%).

The findings reflect statistics published earlier in the year by the CMI and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) showed that more than two thirds of managers (69%) recognise that the low carbon agenda is a key business issue, but just 26% of organisations were taking any action.

The CMI findings also confirm what most will have expected – as a group the young, junior managers are more enthusiastic about tackling climate change while those at the top are less anxious to embrace the opportunities and challenges in this area, with just over half (54%) of directors identified as ‘climate change cynics’.

The institute is calling for all UK organisations to have a green management team in place and active, by 5 June 2010 – World Environment Day.

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of CMI, said: “We are shocked to find that such a meagre number of business leaders are committed to addressing their organisation’s environmental impact in 2010. This should be a new year’s resolution for us all – both in our professional and personal lives.

“It’s frustrating that despite widespread recognition that green management is so important, so few people have resolved to do more.

“With the Copenhagen summit imminent, we are determined, as the voice of the UK’s managers and leaders, to encourage and support them in ensuring their businesses are doing all they can to minimise the environmental impact of their operations.

“What some organisations fail to realise is that the cost savings associated with going green can be immense. The clock is ticking and there are now only six months left before World Environment Day.

“I urge all UK businesses to get involved and ensure your green team is in place before then.”

Sam Bond

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