What’s New this Month:
A Note on Earth Day
Like many others, I’m reflecting on what Earth Day means this year. What’s the responsible path forward for business amid recent changes? How can markets drive cleaner air, a safer climate and good jobs? This marks the 55th celebration of Earth Day, and there’s no doubt it comes at a difficult time. But in over half a century of observance, it’s far from the first challenge we’ve had to overcome. Great businesses and environmentalists
rise to the challenge. We always have.
The business case for acting on climate gets clearer every day. And Earth Day is an important moment to underscore the irrefutable evidence that climate progress is good for business: Companies found that their climate investments were 6x more likely to boost revenue than reduce it, and there’s been a 40%+ rise in 1.5°C-aligned climate transition plans since 2022.
There are so many more proof-points of action thanks to the hard work of sustainability professionals like yourself. Thank you for joining us in this important work to create a vital Earth — for all.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Sturcken
Managing Director, Net Zero Value Chains
Past Challenges, Future Success:
Business in an Uncertain Economy
With the IMF predicting a downturn in U.S. growth, it’s no secret that it’s a tumultuous time for the economy. Yet this is not the first period of uncertainty that business and sustainability professionals have navigated. CSOs have learned that during uncertain times, the most strategic move is to demonstrate the strong return on investment of climate projects. The past offers lessons for navigating volatility:
In 2008, venture capital for solar manufacturing dried up, and companies started to scale down sustainability efforts. Those that stuck to sustainable business practices financially outperformed their “low sustainability firms” even during those times.
During COVID-19, public concern shifted away from climate. Yet sustainability teams reported budget increases and more CEOs reported thinking about climate. In 2021, ESG even rose to the top of investment.
Staying committed to climate action during uncertainty isn’t just resilient—it’s a smart long-term business strategy. Build your business case for action today.
How Leading Companies Navigate Climate Risk and Opportunities Now
Preparing for a warming world is crucial for the bottom line. We outline key steps for companies to navigate competitiveness and resilience in her new article for Supply Chain Dive.
That’s all for this month. See you next time!
Start Your Journey to Net Zero: Find a Pathway
How do you get buy-in to set a net zero goal? What happens after you’ve made a climate commitment? How do you start tackling emissions in your operations or supply chain? Follow our pathways to access actionable guidance on accelerating your company’s net zero journey.
