Climate Change

In case you missed the most recent "GGKP webinar: Greening SMEs towards a Just Transition from Policies to Practice" from 11 April 2024, please find the recording below!

Jointly hosted by DCED and supported by ILO, this fourth webinar in the webinar series, "Expert insights to support effective green private sector development" discussed key policies and support services that promote both environmental sustainability and decent work among MSMEs.

The webinar set the scene by introducing the key principles of Just Transition, as outlined by ILO's Just Transition guidelines. They include a wide spectrum of considerations from mental health to gender equality; as well as inclusion of all, including workers, communities, women, indigenous communities, youth and so on.

Noting how SMEs are crucial for just transition to environmentally sustainable economies with decent work opportunities, the webinar then turned to practical examples from Mauritius, Kenya, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan. For instance, they addressed some practical circularity measures such as enhancing resource efficiency and waste management practices which can lead to higher business productivity; insurance strategies that businesses can consider which proof them against climate change-induced events such as floods; and some product regulations as well as different eco-labels that manufacturing SMEs can keep close eyes onto.

To listen to the full webinar and retrieve further details about these hands-on examples of green and inclusive SME practices, click on the webinar recording link below.

At its core, ESG encompasses several factors - environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and comprehensive governance practices. By engaging efforts from teams at every level of the organization in ESG initiatives, organizations can achieve more meaningful change and continue to embed sustainability into its business structure. As a result, companies who successfully harness the collective power of their employees, advance their sustainability objectives, and provide increased opportunity to foster innovation, reduce costs, enhance reputation, and prepare for long-term growth and resilience.

EnerSys Embraces AI to Elevate ESG Reporting and Compliance

In an environment where sustainability efforts are increasingly scrutinized and regulated, the collaboration between EnerSys and ESG Flo exemplifies the power of partnership, innovation, and shared commitment to a sustainable future. For companies embarking on their sustainability journeys, EnerSys and ESG Flo's success offers valuable lessons and inspiration, demonstrating that ambitious environmental goals are achievable with the right tools and partnerships.

Key ESG Frameworks:

1. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP):
CDP collects environmental data from companies worldwide, including carbon emissions, climate risks, and water management practices, and provides insights to investors, companies, and policymakers. By disclosing climate-related information through CDP's platform, companies demonstrate transparency and accountability in managing climate risks and opportunities. CDP's data and insights enable investors to assess companies' climate performance and integrate climate considerations into investment decisions.

2. Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD):
TCFD provides recommendations for voluntary climate-related financial disclosures, helping companies assess and disclose climate-related risks and opportunities. By integrating climate-related considerations into financial reporting, TCFD enables investors to make more informed decisions and encourages companies to mitigate climate risks and capitalize on opportunities. Its focus on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets enhances transparency and resilience in the face of climate change.

In a world where the interconnection between businesses and the broader environment is undeniable, adopting a double materiality approach is a strategic imperative. By embracing both internal and external materiality considerations, organizations can navigate the complexities of sustainability more effectively, ensuring they not only minimize their negative impacts but also thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Today I bought a coupon with which I will neutralize 4 tons a year for the next four years... I am wondering if anyone has already thought in this direction, and if you have ever heard anything about it???
It cost me 500€,
I mean I wanted to at least neutralize my footprint a little and help the planet.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is coming back in about a month's time! Are you excited?

GGKP will be co-organising / supporting TWO accelerator sessions at WCEF 2024.

First is co-organising the session on, 'the EU in the Global Circular Economy Transition: Inspiration, incentives and market leverage' alongside the European Commission, Green Economy Coalition, and PAGE among our partners.

Did you ever wonder what actual ground-level impacts the EU Circular Economy policies and initiatives are making? Or how similar/different the EU CE action plan is from other regions, let's say Africa's? This is your chance to hear from & speak to the EU Circular Economy practitioners, as well as its global collaborators on the detailed ins and outs of the CE efforts so far. REGISTER here: https://thegreenforum.org/event/eu-global-circular-economy-transition-i…

The second accelerator session we're supporting is titled, 'Driving the Circular Economy Transition with Private Sector Initiatives'.

The global circular economy transition will not only bring behavioural changes to our consumption and waste management, but also the global value chains imposing substantial changes to how SMEs, entrepreneurs, and the entire private sector works. Join the session to learn more about experiences from the field, and how we can address the value chain-wide challenges come the global circular economy transition. REGISTER here: https://thegreenforum.org/event/driving-circular-economy-transition-pri…

Both events can be joined ONLINE.

When will the SEC Climate disclosure rule be applicable?

The intention behind this proposed rule is to establish a uniform framework for climate-related disclosures, enabling investors to gain a clearer understanding of the risks and potential impacts on the business operations and financial health of the companies in which they invest.

The SEC's climate disclosure rule remains under consideration, with the commission now anticipating the release of its finalized regulation in April 2024. This rule mandates companies to disclose climate-related risks, including scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions, alongside their practices for managing these risks.

Google's "Climate-Conscious" Data Center Cooling Initiative

Google has been on a journey to make its data centers some of the most efficient in the world for over a decade by optimizing the use of energy, water, and materials. Now, they're turning heads with new cooling technology that could dramatically cut down water use in their data centers. This is all part of their "climate-conscious" data center cooling initiative to reduce its impact on water in the communities where it operates.