Grant Reid is president and CEO of Mars. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own.

The harrowing scenes of bushfires and extreme weather in Australia in recent weeks are a stark reminder of the stakes of the climate crisis. If the scientific data compelling us to take urgent climate action in this new decade isn't motivation enough, then the threat to human life, the loss of biodiversity and the economic impact of extreme weather and natural catastrophes should surely make the case.

This is a make-or-break year. Global emissions have risen for three consecutive years when they should be dropping sharply, especially if the world is to meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement.

I'm an optimist, and I believe we can respond with material action. But we are running out of time.

It's true that we need to see a change in action from governments around the world, but global businesses also have a critical role to play in fighting the climate crisis.

Based on our own journey at Mars, I believe there are three fundamentals that business needs to tackle to drive climate action.

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