Boardroom responses – opportunities and risks in a zero carbon, sustainable world.

Navigating the complexity and scale of moving towards zero carbon is a key focus for boards and directors while the momentum for sustainability is not abating.

Expectations are increasing. Scrutiny from many directions and varied stakeholders is adding to the urgency of meaningful change. The includes not only how organisations manage their climate and ESG risks and opportunities, but how they disclose and report on them.

ASIC Commissioner Cathie Armour has encouraged boards to “look out for greenwashing and to ask whether their company’s disclosure around environmental risks and opportunities … accurately reflects their practices in this area”. Former Australian High Court judge and financial services royal commissioner Hon Kenneth Hayne, has stated: “a director acting in the best interests of the company must take account of, and the board must report publicly on, climate-related risks and issues relevant to the entity.”

‘Boardroom responses – opportunities and risks in a zero carbon, sustainable world’ will be guided by two Melbourne Forum members Stan Krpan, CEO of Solar Victoria and Dianne Jacobs, a Melbourne Forum board member and chair of the interest groups committee. They will help us explore:

> Are Australian boards taking the necessary action on climate change and sustainability?

> What are the industries and jobs of the future in a zero-carbon world?

> How are businesses and senior leaders seizing the opportunities presented in decarbonisation as well as managing their risks?

> How do Australian businesses, NFPs and institutions move to a net zero carbon future given the transition risks and physical risks?

> Will potential shareholder activism or litigation focus Board directors and leaders?

> How should companies report their sustainability performance?

> Can boards and organisations be the drivers of systemic change?

> Which boards and organisations are doing this well? What can we learn from them?

> What are some of the challenges which may constrain action e.g. short-term market pressures?

> Can boards build trust with the future generation leaders?

Come with an open mind and definitely be prepared for a stimulating and challenging discussion as part of Melbourne Forum’s Sustainability Leadership interest group.

_____________________________________________

This Melbourne Forum Sustainability Leadership Interest Group will bring together those interested in sharing perspectives and exploring key issues with fellow members about sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance). The intimacy of the experience is enhanced when everyone who attends gets to comment and exchange ideas. The hosts are members whose role is to gently guide the group’s conversation.

________________________________________________

Save the dates and note the themes of the upcoming conversations in the series:

August 15th: AI and ESG – what are the synergies?

September 12th: 20-minute neighbourhoods – what is to be gained?

October 24th: COP 27 – can the UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh bring about change?

November 7th: Economic growth and the right metrics – what is success?

By the way, these Book Group discussions will also explore the environment and sustainability. August 9 – Landscapes of Our Hearts: Reconciling People and Environment by Matthew Colloff