The NPR Politics Podcast Businesses, Governments Clash Over How To Tackle Climate Change
Jul 10, 2023
Michael Copley, NPR's climate and corporations correspondent, dives into the contentious relationship between businesses and politics regarding climate change. He discusses how companies are increasingly embracing ESG factors, but face pushback from Republican leaders wary of these environmental initiatives. Copley also highlights a steel mill's journey towards sustainable practices and the delicate balance between fulfilling production demands and environmental responsibilities. The conversation reveals the complexities of corporate lobbying and the evolving definition of corporate accountability in today's climate crisis.
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Corporate Environmental Focus
- Corporations prioritize the environment due to customer demand and investor pressure.
- They also aim for cost reduction, efficiency, and minimizing climate change risks.
ESG Framework
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a framework investors use.
- It helps evaluate companies' sustainability efforts for better long-term outcomes.
ESG Politics
- Republicans and some Senate Democrats opposed ESG-based investments.
- President Biden vetoed their attempt to restrict such practices.