All Things Sustainable

Sue Jenny Ehr, the interim CEO of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), discusses the organization’s evolution and its mission to help companies set actionable net-zero targets. She shares insights on transitioning towards independence while ensuring the climate community's needs are met. The conversation highlights the crucial role of sector-specific guidelines and corporate governance during leadership changes. Ehr emphasizes an optimistic future for climate goals as SBTi works to refine its standards amid a rapidly changing environmental landscape.

One theme emerging from Climate Week NYC 2024 is the link between nature loss and climate change. In this episode of the ESG Insider podcast, National Audubon Society CEO Dr. Elizabeth Gray explains how nature can provide solutions to climate change. Audubon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. The North American bird population has declined by about 3 billion since 1970 and climate change is putting the remaining bird population at risk, Elizabeth tells us on the sidelines of Climate Week NYC. "Birds are the proverbial canary in the coal mine. They are basically telling us about the health of the planet," Elizabeth says. "Audubon has been listening to birds for over a century and what the birds are telling us right now is that the planet is really in crisis." Listen to all our Climate Week NYC 2024 coverage: CDP CEO talks climate, nature and the future of sustainability disclosure: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cdp-ceo-talks-climate-nature-and-the/id1475521006?i=1000670602329 Kicking off Climate Week NYC with an urgent to-do list: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kicking-off-climate-week-nyc-with-an-urgent-to-do-list/id1475521006?i=1000670460020 Learn more about our podcast presence at Climate Week NYC: https://spgi-mkto.spglobal.com/ESG-Insider-at-Climate-Week.html Read the latest thought leadership from S&P Global Sustainable1 here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/featured/sustainability-journal/fall-2024-special-edition This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global. Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

In the latest episode of the ESG Insider podcast we sit down with CDP CEO Sherry Madera on the sidelines of Climate Week NYC. CDP is a not-for-profit charity that runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. Sherry talks to us about how the organization has evolved since she took the reins nearly a year ago. She explains how CDP fits into the broader landscape of standard setters like the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and rules like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). She also explains how nature plays an increasingly prominent role in CDP's approach to disclosure. "This year, CDP created a combined questionnaire, which included forests [and] water in our base climate questionnaire because we saw that these things were not separate," Sherry says. "If we are not protecting nature, we are not protecting overall climate either." Tune in to all our special podcast coverage from Climate Week NYC: https://spgi-mkto.spglobal.com/ESG-Insider-at-Climate-Week.html S&P Global Sustainable1 is hosting a co-located event at The Nest Climate Campus on Sept. 25. Learn more and register your interest here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/events/climate-week-nyc-2024?utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=esginsider%C2%A Read the latest thought leadership from S&P Global Sustainable1 here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/featured/sustainability-journal/fall-2024-special-edition This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global. Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Helen Clarkson, the CEO of Climate Group, leads a nonprofit that orchestrates Climate Week NYC. In this discussion, she reveals a critical global action plan targeting emissions, urging governments and businesses to step up. Helen also emphasizes the significance of climate finance as COP29 approaches and the need for diverse engagement during events. Local leaders are stepping up against fossil fuels, while strategies to reach broader audiences are explored, aiming to create impactful dialogues around climate action.

Carine Smith Ihenacho, Chief Governance and Compliance Officer at Norges Bank Investment Management, shares insights from the world's largest sovereign wealth fund. She discusses the fund's commitment to ESG principles and its comprehensive climate action plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Carine tackles the complex balance of engagement versus divestment to influence companies towards sustainable practices. Amidst the ESG backlash, she emphasizes the critical importance of long-term value creation and strategic investment in renewable infrastructure to combat climate change.

This discussion delves into the critical link between biodiversity and carbon markets. Experts highlight the advantages of using native species over monocultures for sequestering carbon. Engaging local communities is crucial for successful environmental projects, as showcased in a Ghana mangrove restoration case. The conversation also addresses the evolving voluntary carbon market and the financial challenges companies face. Ultimately, there's a golden opportunity to enhance both climate solutions and global biodiversity.

With Climate Week NYC just around the corner, this episode of the ESG Insider podcast explores what to expect from a week that will convene thousands of stakeholders for hundreds of events across New York City Sept. 22-29. The ESG Insider podcast will be on the ground covering many of these events, starting with the Opening Ceremony hosted by Climate Group. This is the nonprofit that organizes Climate Week in partnership with the UN General Assembly and the City of New York. The theme of Climate Week this year is "It's Time," which speaks to the sense of urgency to address climate change as more people globally feel the effects of a warming world. During Climate Week, ESG Insider will be an official podcast partner of The Nest Climate Campus, a three-day event taking place Sept. 24-26 at New York City's Javits Center. The campus brings together companies, nonprofits, government, academia and the community at large. In today's episode, we talk with Britton Jones, the Founder and CEO of Next Events Media Group, a purpose-driven events organization that produces the Nest Climate Campus. Britton discusses what to expect from Climate Week, what the topics of focus will be and what it will take to make the week a success. He also talks about how to prevent Climate Week conversations from becoming an echo chamber where sustainability professionals are preaching to the choir. "We want to make sure that we can meet people no matter where they are in their climate journey," Britton says. "This is most definitely an all-hands-on-deck type of situation." S&P Global Sustainable1 is hosting a co-located event at The Nest Climate Campus on Sept. 25. To learn more and register your interest, click here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/events/climate-week-nyc-2024?utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=esginsider This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global. Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

The US is heading into Labor Day weekend, and at the ESG Insider podcast we're turning our focus to the topic of jobs. Specifically — how is the talent landscape changing for ESG and sustainability professionals? To learn more we speak to Ellen Weinreb, founder of Weinreb Group, a boutique recruiting firm focused on ESG and sustainability candidates. Ellen points to an increasing focus on compliance, data governance and regulation, which she says is leading to a "big rise" in ESG controller roles. "Right now the latest shift is around regulatory and then also around the nonfinancial reporting and the roles that the regulators are playing in terms of getting the data that's auditable and verified and assured. And so, there are more roles popping up in the controller's office," she tells us. Ellen also talks about why companies are seeking sustainability leaders who can be "corporate chameleons" — and what these candidates are seeking in potential employers. She shares her advice for candidates earlier in their careers considering a sustainability role. And she talks about what's next for sustainability recruiting. Listen to our previous episode on how the hunt for ESG talent is evolving here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-the-global-esg-recruiting-landscape-is-changing Learn more about the event S&P Global Sustainable1 is hosting during Climate Week NYC here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/events/climate-week-nyc-2024 Read research from S&P Global Sustainable1: Prioritizing employee wellbeing may help stem the tide of rising turnover: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/featured/special-editorial/prioritizing-employee-wellbeing-may-help-stem-the-tide-of-rising-turnover This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global. Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Dive into the evolving world of voluntary carbon markets, where challenges and innovations intersect. Discover the different types of carbon credits and their vital role in reducing emissions. Experts share insights on improving market integrity and overcoming risks associated with nature-based projects. Explore the potential economic boom, with projections of up to $100 billion in market value and millions of new jobs. Learn how these markets align with global climate goals and why strong regulations are essential for transparency in emissions trading.

Roman Kramarchuk, Head of Climate Strategies at a leading environmental solutions firm, dives into the world of carbon markets. He discusses the significant growth of these markets, now covering a quarter of global emissions. The conversation highlights the differences between voluntary and compliance markets and their roles in achieving decarbonization targets. Kramarchuk also tackles the political dynamics affecting carbon trading and emphasizes the importance of high-quality credits for sustainable practices in both developed and developing economies.