Climate leadership and evidence-based decisions

70% of companies have maintained or increased climate-related investments 🌎 At first glance, corporate climate action appears to be losing momentum. Reporting rates are declining, fewer companies are setting full scope targets, and climate issues are less visible in CEO discussions. Beneath the surface, companies are steadily increasing investments in mitigation and adaptation, guided by the tangible value at stake. The 2025 BCG CO2 AI Climate Survey indicates that 70% of companies have maintained or increased climate-related investments, with a projected 16% rise in capital allocation over the next five years. 82% of surveyed companies report financial benefits from decarbonization. In some cases, the net value captured exceeds 10% of annual revenue, averaging 221 million dollars per company. Value creation stems from revenue growth in sustainable products, operational efficiency gains, and reduced exposure to regulatory and physical climate risks. Companies assessing risks estimate an average financial exposure of 790 million dollars by 2030. Those advancing resilience and adaptation measures are already securing gains equivalent to 1% of revenue. Leaders distinguish themselves by integrating comprehensive measurement, internal carbon pricing, and transition plans that align climate goals with corporate strategy. Digital tools represent the strongest differentiator. Organizations deploying AI, IoT, drones, satellite monitoring, and advanced computing are 2x more likely to capture significant climate value. Digital maturity enables forecasting of emissions, supply chain traceability, climate risk simulations, and automated reporting. This integration converts sustainability into a driver of competitiveness. 7% of companies are currently achieving significant value from climate initiatives, highlighting the scale of opportunity for those willing to act with urgency. Companies embedding climate within strategy, supported by advanced digital solutions, are advancing faster and achieving stronger business outcomes. The path forward lies in targeted investment where sustainability and value creation intersect. Those making these commitments today are shaping the leadership profile of tomorrow. #sustainability #business #sustainable #esg

For too long, we have applied a narrow lens to our policy decisions, often overlooking nature's vital role in our economies, societies, and very survival. This approach has led to unintended costs, missed opportunities, and an inaccurate representation of our true national wealth. As a paradigm shift, we must embed the consideration of nature throughout our policy processes, from economic planning to national security strategies and all sector development initiatives. Why is this so crucial? Our sectors, national security, and economies all depend on nature. Yet, we continue to develop policies in these spheres independently, rarely considering nature's roles. This siloed approach is no longer sustainable or sensible in our interconnected world. Mainstreaming nature-based solutions or echo-system adaptation in our decision-making has the potential to create greater gains across economic, social, and environmental outcomes. It will provide us with a more accurate picture of our choices' true costs and benefits, allowing for more informed and sustainable decisions. To achieve this, we need to adopt what we call the "CASE" approach: Cross-sectoral: We must craft policies that make relevant and aligned changes across multiple sectors rather than addressing them one at a time. Appropriate: Nature should be considered at all appropriate points in the decision-making process, even in sectors where it has not been historically accounted for. Strategic: We must focus on decisions that influence impactful pathways, ensuring that our mainstreaming efforts achieve the pace of change needed to improve wellbeing and reverse nature loss. Evidence-based: Our efforts must be grounded in robust scientific evidence, drawing on multiple sources of knowledge and understanding. Implementing this approach will require changes in how we account for our assets, consider our options, evaluate those options, and ultimately make decisions. It will mean including natural capital in our national accounts, considering nature-based solutions alongside traditional approaches, and ensuring that our cost-benefit analyses fully account for environmental impacts and ecosystem services. This is not an easy task. It will require investment in new capacities, the development of new methodologies, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. But the potential benefits are immense. As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring that our governance systems evolve to meet these challenges. By mainstreaming nature in our decision-making processes, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all. #naturemainstreaming, #natureinpolicy, #naturebased, #ecosystemservices, #naturalcapital, #sustainabledecisions, #holisticpolicy, #naturepositive, #biodiversityeconomy, #greenaccounting, #natureinclusive, #ecosystemvalue, #naturefirst, #integratedpolicy, #naturesmartdecisions, Green Climate Fund

#Climatechange presents both risks and opportunities for businesses. For decision makers, knowing where and how to start is the first step. This brand new guide, written by Deloitte in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, explores the role that Chairs, Non-Executive Directors and Boards must play to guide their organisations toward #sustainable practices. It’s a comprehensive framework designed to help business leaders to navigate the complexities of climate change response, and emphasises the importance of integrating climate considerations into Board discussions, setting clear targets and ensuring accountability. The guide is full of useful insights, case studies and considered guidance that’s applicable for all organisations – a must read for Chairs and NEDs! #decarbonisation #boards #climatetransition #Deloitte #WEF Rebekah Cheney John O'Brien Tom Imbesi Junko Watanabe Dennis Chow

Picture this. 🤳 You’re a sustainability professional in your monthly leadership meeting. The Finance Director turns to you. "Can you show me the data that justifies installing solar panels by location A (next to a river) than location B?" ☀️ You know full well that only finance-grade data will justify your decision. For a moment, you flick through your notes, searching for the details. Then it hits you. You don’t need your notes. You calmly open EarthScan, the advanced climate risk tool from Mitiga Solutions and dive straight into your exposure analysis. 📊 There it is: clear, precise data showing exactly how your decision reduces climate-related risks to your assets, from extreme weather events to regulatory shifts. ⚖️ 💡 You even see how this step fits into your broader risk mitigation strategy, future-proofing your business in an increasingly volatile climate. With confidence, you explain why this investment isn’t just a sustainability initiative—it’s a strategic move to protect long-term asset value. 🏃♂️➡️ The room falls silent. Then, heads start nodding, even the Finance Director looks impressed. 😉 Wouldn’t that be something? This is what data-driven climate risk management looks like.

Board Oversight of Climate Risks and Opportunities & Case Studies | Governance for Stakeholders and Sustainable Finance Institute Asia {A} Key Salient Points 1. Governance: Establish board roles for climate oversight and dedicated sustainability committees. Enhance expertise in climate and ESG issues. 2. Climate Strategy: Use scenario planning for climate resilience and identify opportunities in decarbonization. Invest in climate-friendly innovations. 3. Integrated Risk Management: Conduct assessments to identify climate-related risks and opportunities. Develop strategies for GHG reduction and climate adaptation. 4. Metrics, Targets, and Incentives: Align climate metrics with business goals and set science-based targets linked to incentives. Regularly review climate performance. 5. Disclosure and Transparency: Adopt TCFD, GRI, and IFRS frameworks for climate reporting. Ensure 3rd-party assurance and avoid greenwashing. 6. Regulatory Compliance and Preparedness: Monitor and comply with changing climate regulations. Address potential legal liabilities. 7. Leadership and Culture: Commit to climate action and educate stakeholders. Promote collaboration to integrate sustainability into the organization. . . . {B} Cases 1. Xcel Energy: Issued $4.7 billion in green bonds for fourteen wind projects. a. Impact: Developed over 3 GW of renewable energy. Reduced carbon emissions by over 5 million tons annually. Decreased energy costs for customers. b. Insight: Green financing aligns financial goals with sustainability, promoting leadership in clean energy. .. 2. AET Tankers (MISC): Transitioned to dual-fuel and ammonia-powered ships. Invested in digital initiatives for fleet efficiency. a. Impact: Short-term energy efficiency gains. Progress towards zero-carbon shipping. b. Insight: Innovative technologies can reduce carbon footprints. .. 3. Panama Canal. Climate-induced water scarcity affects shipping. a. Impact: Increased pressure on global trade routes. b. Insight: Climate resilience is crucial for operational continuity in infrastructure. .. 4. Climate Impact on Supply Chains. Weather disruptions strain supplier relationships. a. Impact: Increased supplier replacement rates due to extreme weather. b. Insight: Assess climate risk for geographic diversification and supply chain resilience. .. 5. Banking Sector's Response to Climate Risks: U.S. banks limit lending in high-risk areas; banks in China and Poland adapt to regulatory pressures. a. Impact: Loan pricing reflects environmental risks. b. Insight: Integrating climate risks into lending practices protects against financial risks. .. 6. EU Electric Utilities: Scenario: Evaluated under EU net-zero regulations a. Impact: Early action mitigated asset impairment risks; delays led to financial losses b. Insight: Aligning with regulatory frameworks to manage financial risks .. More (68 pgs)👇 Credits: Guan Seng Khoo, PhD; Prof Yuen Teen Mak (PhD, FCPA)

🌱 Are we walking the talk on corporate climate action? A new study by Colesanti Senni et al. (Environmental Research Communications, 2024) examines how corporations disclose their climate transition plans. Using a Large Language Model-based tool, the research assessed the disclosures of Climate Action 100+ companies—the largest global emitters. The findings reveal critical gaps and opportunities in how companies communicate their climate commitments. 📊 What the study found: ✔️ Most companies are adept at outlining ambitious targets (the “talk”), such as net-zero goals and interim milestones. However, they often fall short on the actionable steps needed to achieve them (the “walk”). ✔️ The companies that disclose more tend to show lower emissions, suggesting that transparency might signal a stronger alignment between planning and progress. ⚠️ A lack of standardization in reporting frameworks remains a major barrier. Without clear, consistent benchmarks, stakeholders are left questioning whether disclosures reflect genuine efforts or greenwashing. 🧩 My reflections: When I think about corporate climate responsibility, I see three interconnected layers: intentions, actions, and outcomes. Each is critical, but the gaps between them are where trust and progress falter. ✨ Intentions: Bold commitments are often a sign of leadership, but when they remain vague or unsupported by detail, they risk being seen as little more than a marketing exercise. 🔨 Actions: This is the most critical layer—and often the weakest link. Without concrete, measurable steps, even the best intentions lack credibility. Actions should demonstrate not just a plan but a willingness to take tough, sometimes unpopular, decisions. 📊 Outcomes: While outcomes are the ultimate goal, they’re also where the evidence lies. The study’s findings suggest that detailed disclosures might correlate with lower emissions, but is this because these companies are more transparent—or simply more prepared? This cycle of intentions, actions, and outcomes is not just a corporate issue—it’s a systemic one. How can we better connect these layers to create a climate response that is both transparent and transformative? 🌍 What are your thoughts? 💡 How can companies ensure their actions truly bridge the gap between intentions and outcomes? 💡 Are current disclosure frameworks helping stakeholders distinguish between real progress and polished promises—or are they creating more confusion? You can read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/exEDwzaK #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Greenwashing #CorporateResponsibility #NetZero

🌍 There are no silver bullets for climate action. 🌍 We waste a HUGE amount of time in either/or debates: reductions or removals, nature or tech, conservation or restoration, regulation or markets. But the climate crisis demands all of the above—and it demands it fast. As the wonderful Ashley N. P. Allen and I discuss on the latest episode of Navigating Net Zero, companies like Mars and Oatly show us what’s possible when we take a portfolio approach and keep all the options on the table. ✅ Rapid emissions cuts where they’re most feasible ✅ Strategic investments in supply-chain transformation ✅ Partnerships with farmers, policymakers, and local communities ✅ Exploration of market-based tools that de-risk and accelerate change There are lessons in this for policy leaders and decisionmakers ahead of #ClimateWeekNYC and #COP30: ⤵️ Pair deep near-term reductions with high-integrity market-based investments, durable removals, and enabling policies. ⚒️ Diversify tools and timelines, report transparently, and adapt as evidence evolves. ⏳ Above all—ACT NOW. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of real and meaningful action today. The cost of continued delay is unacceptable, and these either/or debates are fiddling while the world burns. A portfolio approach is how we deliver impact now and build resilience for tomorrow. It was a pleasure to speak with my longtime colleague and friend, Ashley, who has pioneered high-ambition climate action portfolios at name-brand companies with footprints larger than many countries. 🎧 Listen to our conversation and if you enjoy it please give us a like and subscribe! https://lnkd.in/dn2VHKf5 #NavigatingNetZero #ClimateAction #NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateWeekNYC

Our new Science article shows how climate-smart practices can help farmers lower the carbon intensity (CI) score of corn for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and beyond. Using a multi-model ensemble, we can now quantify the benefits of practices like no-till and cover crops on soil carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring long-term adopters are recognized. Delaying action while waiting for perfect solutions will be costly. We need evidence-based policies that evolve as knowledge advances. This science-based framework provides policymakers and industry with the tools to reward farmers, support rural prosperity, and drive broader agricultural transformation across food, feed, fiber, and fuel. Khanna, M., Basso, B., O’Hara, J., Zilberman, D., Hochman, G., 2025. Climate-smart biofuel policy as a pathway to decarbonize agriculture. Science 389, 687–689. https://lnkd.in/er_KvXbA #ClimateSmartPractices, #RegenerativeAgriculture, #SustainableAviationFuels, #CarbonIntensityScore https://lnkd.in/eEz4QKjG

🌍 From Data to Action: Climate Solutions at Our Fingertips At the World Meteorological Organization, we spend every day measuring and reporting the state of our climate system. 2024 was the warmest year on record and the science is unequivocal: we must accelerate solutions. But the good news is that many solutions are already within reach. Project Drawdown’s Explorer reminds us that climate action is not about waiting for future technologies. It is about deploying evidence-based, ready-to-scale solutions today. 🔹 Highly recommended solutions, from renewable energy to ecosystem restoration, are already proven to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience. 🔹 These solutions are not one-size-fits-all as we know the importance of tailoring climate action to regional contexts and vulnerabilities. 🔹 Every solution comes with co-benefits for jobs, health, equity, and ecosystems. At WMO, we are committed to ensuring that the best climate science guides the world’s investments and policies. Science tells us where risks are rising, but also where solutions can deliver the greatest impact. The path to a safer, more sustainable future is mapped by science. What we need is the will to act, the partnerships to scale, and the courage to align decisions with evidence. Check the Climate Solutions Explorer here 👇 https://lnkd.in/epTFRfUK

🚀 We often debate climate governance in the boardroom and among C-suite leaders. But what does effective climate governance actually look like in practice? Over my next few posts, I’ll unpack it step by step: 🔎0️⃣ What does robust board-level climate governance look like? ✅ Strategic integration & capital allocation: Climate is embedded into core business strategy, capital planning, and enterprise risk — not treated as a standalone sustainability initiative. ✅ Board oversight with credible intelligence: Boards ensure they receive decision-grade climate and ESG insights — tailored, material, and forward-looking — to steer strategic priorities and disclosures (think IFRS S2, double materiality, transition plans). ✅ Proactive stakeholder engagement: Boards and leadership teams actively engage investors, regulators, customers, and supply chain partners on climate — shaping the narrative, managing risks, and building trust. 🌍 Next: How can UAE boards and executive teams accelerate this capability and turn climate risks into opportunities? #BoardLeadership #C-Suite #ClimateGovernance #ESGStrategy #ResilientGrowth #PurposeDriven #RiskOversight #ValueCreation