Rethinking The “S” In ESG

Wildfires are raging across the globe, with devastating consequences. In 2023, nearly 400 million hectares were scorched by wildfires worldwide, with this year’s toll already surpassing 167 million hectares. While advances in technology are aiding in the mitigation and response to wildfires, the threat is also  growing as the climate becomes more extreme. In this episode we delve into the critical lessons learned from California, a state on the front line of the battle against wildfire. Our expert guests share their strategies for  risk management and explain how to build resilience. Listen now to discover how advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, are transforming wildfire management and response, and building a more resilient future. Key learnings from this podcast:Explore the role of climate change in fueling these devastating firesUncover innovative strategies for wildfire mitigation and preventionDiscover how advanced technologies are being leveraged to enhance risk assessment and response strategies.Learn actionable steps to protect communities and ecosystems from this growing threat.Host:David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuestsAndrew Abranches, Senior Director, Wildfire Preparedness and Operations at PG&EMark S. Ghilarducci, Former Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; President and CEO at Emergent Global Solutions.Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

Water scarcity isn't just an environmental issue, it's a business risk. From droughts in India to delays on the Rhine and disruptions in France's nuclear plants, the requirement for comprehensive water strategies has never been clearer.In this episode we explore the necessity of aligning sustainability with business continuity planning, the drivers and challenges of water stewardship, and how companies can thrive in a water-stressed world. Our expert guests share their insights on the intricacies of implementing robust corporate water strategies and reveal how these efforts not only bolster economic growth but also enhance social well-being and ecosystem health.Key learnings from this podcast:The importance of integrated water risk management and aligning sustainability efforts with business continuity planning.How companies like PepsiCo are working to improve water efficiency, replenish supplies, and increase access for millions.Innovative approaches and future expectations for corporate water stewardship.Host:David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuests:David Grant - Senior Director: Global Climate & Water Solutions at PepsiCoWill Sarni - CEO at Water FoundryEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

The finance sector is at a critical crossroads, facing pressure from regulators and stakeholders to take action on climate change, yet significant challenges hinder its effectiveness. Wielding considerable influence as a catalyst for change, can banks lead the charge on climate action?In this episode, we delve into the complex world of financed emissions and explore how measuring and managing these emissions is crucial for reaching net-zero goals. Our expert guests shed light on the influence of the financial sector on climate change and reveal the cutting-edge tools and initiatives driving transformative change.Key learnings from this podcast:Discover the innovative approaches to measuring financed emissions and the importance of standardized reporting. Explore the challenges faced by smaller clients in sustainability-linked lending and data quality, and how they are being addressed.  Learn how banks are leveraging AI, data analytics, and innovative tools to equip clients in their transition to sustainable practices. Host:David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuests:Linda-Eling Lee - Founding Director and Head of the MSCI Sustainability Institute at MSCI Inc.Saad Malik - Sustainability Director, Business & Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking GroupEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

Translating ambitious corporate sustainability goals into tangible results can be a complex challenge that requires transformative leadership.  In this episode we explore the multifaceted and fast-evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Our expert guests share their perspectives on contending with financial pressures, untangling supply chain complexity, forging relationships across organizations and economic eco-systems, and the gargantuan task of aligning corporate ambitions with achievable realities.Key learnings from this podcast: ·       Learn how businesses can resiliently adapt to climate change through stress testing and scenario planning.·       Discover the importance of upskilling your workforce to seamlessly transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. ·       Explore the role of innovation in driving sustainable progress.·       Get expert views on navigating the regulatory landscape, managing investor expectations, and planning ahead in an era of polarized politics.  Host: David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuests:Amy Brachio - Global Vice Chair, Sustainability at EYSandy Nessing – VP & Chief Sustainability Officer at American Electric Power (AEP)Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, the call for businesses to adopt circular practices resonates louder than ever. In this episode we navigate the challenges that businesses face in their quest for sustainability and integrating circularity into business operations. Our expert guests discuss how the concept of circularity is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of how products are conceptualized and requires a collaborative journey that demands a holistic approach across business functions and sustainability initiatives. Key learnings from this podcast:Understand the integral role circular economy strategies play as a catalyst for industry-wide transformation. Explore how companies are overcoming challenges related to product design and supply chains in the pursuit of circularity.Discover the importance of policy and collaboration in shaping industry-wide adoption of circular practices. Host:David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuests:Ramon Arratia  - Chief Sustainability Officer at Ball CorporationMark Bamber - Head of Circularity & Remanufacturing at Volvo Group Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

Facing an increasingly complex matrix of fluctuating and escalating carbon prices across global markets, businesses are reassessing their investment strategies and overhauling risk management approaches as they transition towards a more sustainable future. In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of carbon pricing. We examine the impact of rising carbon prices on businesses, discuss the increasing need for carbon dioxide removal, and explore the future implications of supply and demand dynamics on the carbon credits market. This podcast is a must-listen for organizations that are intensifying their efforts to achieve their climate goals. Key learnings from this podcast:Insights into how companies are employing internal carbon pricing as a tool to guide investment decisions and achieve their climate targets.The future growth of the carbon removal market and the pivotal role it plays driving meaningful and sustainable change.The factors influencing carbon prices and their impact on market stability.Host:David Metcalfe – CEO, VerdantixGuests:Ingo Ramming - Head of Carbon Markets, BBVALouis Uzor - Climate Policy Manager, ClimeworksEditor's Note: In this episode, Louis Uzor states that SwissRe is implementing an internal carbon price of 200$/t. This is only partially correct, as SwissRe introduced an internal carbon price of 100$/t in 2021 that will gradually increase towards USD200/t by 2030. Find out more here.Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

The convergence of risk and sustainability teams is now of boardroom importance as they unite on their common purpose: building climate resilience within their organizations. In this episode, our expert guests delve into the critical intersection of sustainability and risk management. They reveal their collaborative strategies, offer an understanding of how processes are coordinated and responsibilities assigned, and explain how complementary skill-sets and toolkits can help organizations deal with a challenge that has gone from emerging to immediate in less than five years.Host:David Metcalfe - CEO at VerdantixGuest speakers:Linda Freiner - Group Head of Sustainability at Zurich Insurance Group LtdLars Henneberg - Vice President, Head of Global Risk Management at A.P. Moller-Maersk Key learnings from this podcast: Explore the benefits of merging sustainability risks into the broader enterprise risk management framework.Understand the importance of adaptability in risk assessments, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.Learn about the necessity of forward-looking strategies that go beyond traditional risk models.Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

This year's New York Climate Week was bigger than ever, highlighting the corporate world's growing commitment to climate action. With the theme "we can, we will" for 2023, the event emphasized immediate action and innovation in the face of climate risks, resource shortages, and the need for advancements. In this episode, guest hosted by Verdantix senior analyst Joy Trinquet, our expert team review the highs and lows of New York Climate Week 2023, exploring collaboration but also the gap between words and actions. We'll also explore the pressing questions for the next 12 months leading up to New York Climate Week 2024 and how we can turn promises into real actions.  Join us as we reflect on the lessons from New York Climate Week 2023 and chart a course toward addressing the urgent challenges of climate change. Guest Host: Joy Trinquet - Senior Analyst, Verdantix  Guest Speakers: David Metcalfe – CEO, Verdantix Adam Barnard - Principal Analyst, Verdantix Katelyn Johnson - Principal Analyst, Verdantix Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

Innovative solutions are crucial to making a meaningful impact in the ongoing battle against climate change. In this episode our expert guests explain the complexities of the Carbon Dioxide Removal market, including demand drivers, supply-side constraints and the pace and direction of technological change.Covering the broader context of voluntary emissions, the economics of Direct Air Capture and the challenges facing corporate buyers, this podcast is a comprehensive guide to the latest developments in a fast-changing landscape.Host:David Metcalfe - CEO at VerdantixGuest speakers:Kash Burchett - Global Head of Carbon Removal Technologies at HSBCTim Christophersen - Vice President, Climate Action at SalesforceKey learnings from this podcast:Gain insights into the significance of high-quality CDR credits for achieving net-zero goals and sustainability targets.Discover the pivotal role that businesses play in driving impactful change and the limitations of relying solely on voluntary actions.Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and lead your organization toward more effective climate action.Find out more and listen to all episodes at verdantix.com/podcast Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently announced that there is a 66% chance of average global land surface temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius for at least one year between 2023 and 2027. This prediction, arriving at the same time as a series of extreme global climate events, is focusing minds on an accelerated trajectory for global warming. In this podcast, we explore the implications of this prediction for climate scenarios, climate risk and policy, and the need for intensified efforts to design solutions for the immediate future.Host: David MetcalfeSpeakers: David Carlin & Katelyn JohnsonEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.