The surprising climate progress blindspot no team can overlook
Sep 12, 2023
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Discover insights from a special survey on sustainability goals, including worries and blindspots. Learn about involving the General Counsel in sustainability plans. Explore how the speaker's background as a pianist influences problem solving. Find out about traits of excellence for public leaders and recommended books.
Setting sustainability goals is not enough; companies must address data challenges to meet their objectives.
Involving legal teams in sustainability planning is crucial for navigating regulatory requirements and managing reputational risk.
Deep dives
The Importance of Setting and Meeting Sustainability Goals
Setting sustainability goals is crucial for organizations, but it's not enough to just have them. The speaker highlights that although nearly two-thirds of the revenue from the world's largest companies is covered by net-zero targets, many companies struggle to meet their objectives. The key to making progress is getting a handle on data, specifically in areas like scope three emissions. Understanding the barriers and challenges that hold companies back from achieving their goals is essential.
The Role of Legal in Sustainability Planning
The conversation emphasizes the importance of involving legal teams in sustainability planning. The speaker explains that legal professionals play a crucial role in navigating regulatory requirements, understanding penalties and disclosures, and managing reputational risk. It is essential to pull legal into sustainability conversations from the start in order to address these new realities of progress effectively.
The Journey to Chief Sustainability Officer and the Influence of Background
The podcast explores the unique journey of Alyssa Auperge, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Mackenzie. She shares her transition from being a pianist to becoming a lawyer and ultimately taking on the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. Her background in music has influenced her approach to problem-solving, fostering creativity and resilience. Auperge emphasizes the importance of trust in one's gut instincts and the need for leaders to prioritize their values and lead with empathy.
More companies have set sustainability goals than ever. But many will struggle to meet those goals. Baker McKenzie's Alyssa Auberger shares insights from a special survey that reveals business leader worries and the blindspots that some might overlook. As the global law firm's first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, she also shares her unique journey to the role -- from pianist to lawyer to her current position -- and how the discipline and creativity required in music shapes how she works even today.
To learn more about Baker McKenzie's approach to navigating risks, check out its podcast Solutions for a Connected World sharing advice on driving growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/expertise/solutions-connected-world