Oliver Bleeker

The new corporate questionnaire from CDP for 2024 reporting is just out. It is now integrating climate change, water security, and forests. I can't wait to see how the new portal (which will soon be released) looks.

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A super useful document to understand how the various pieces of new and upcoming EU ESG regulation (#CSRD, #CSDDD, Green Claims Directive, etc) relate to each other. Thanks Andreas Rasche for sharing this - and for all the other thought-provoking corporate sustainability content too!

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Nature-based solutions are key to deliver cost-effective large-scale emission reductions and needs much more attention 💡✅   One of the central figures from the IPCC6 report is the overview the global mitigation options and their estimated CO2e reduction potential and costs (see below). Here, it becomes evident that nature-based solutions are absolutely central to reduce net emissions by 2030:   1. Nature-based solutions holds an unparalleled mitigation potential 🍀 Nature-based solutions (NbS) have an incredible potential contribution to net emission reductions with up to ~4 Gt Co2e p.a. for reduced conversion of forests and other ecosystems and ~3.5 Gt CO2e p.a. for carbon sequestration in agriculture. Only wind and solar energy is on par with ~4 Gt CO2e p.a. each. In fact, estimates in the latest IPBES report suggest that NbS can provide up ~40% of the mitigation needed in 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement. This is a fantastic potential, which we should utilize.    2. Nature-based solutions are cost effective 💲 Above highlighted NbS options cost less than 100 USD t CO2e with ~50% of net emission reductions achievable at a price tag of <50 USD making NbS cost efficient. Hence, if we want to optimize spend per t CO2e we should look to NbS.   3. Nature-based Solutions have significant co-benefits to biodiversity 🌍 The potential of NbS is not restricted to the climate crisis, but can be extended to biodiversity, if done right. Although the climate crisis deserves much attention, we have a bad habit of neglecting the nature crisis, which deserves just as much attention. NbS can be our way of addressing the climate and biodiversity crises in a synergetic and cost-effective manner. #parisagreement #climateaction #biodiversity #naturebasedsolutions #BCG #Nature

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Interested in finding out more about indicator 15.1 - Measuring how many companies disclose their biodiversity-related risks, dependencies, and impacts? Then sign up to listen to the guidance from the ad hoc technical expert group (AHTEG) on indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. #CBD #GlobalBiodiversityFramework

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Climate targets on durable CDR are essential to accelerate the demand and grow the market. Now, the EU is starting to establish its post-2030 climate policy framework and it is important that the role of permanent carbon removals in achieving net-zero is clarified. A legislative proposal for the amendment of the Climate Law is expected in 2025, followed by subsequent proposals that will operationalise the 2040 target within key EU climate policies. Carbon Market Watch and the CO2ol Down Project have done a great work on drafting: ✅ Proposal for a revision of the Climate Law  ✅ Policy recommendations for instruments for permanent removal This is an opportunity to put durable CDR on the agenda, increasing certainty over the long-term and unlocking funding opportunities. Endorse CO2ol Down Project’s proposals 👉 https://lnkd.in/dEkFZ7-9 https://lnkd.in/dCid2DZU #cdr #eu #climatelaw

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GRI publishes new paper to address concerns about the relationship between GRI standards and EU sustainability reporting. Alignment, Interoperability, collaboration and engagement, pivotal qualities to make both systems work together and useful for organizations. https://lnkd.in/ekay8bGV

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While climate scenario analysis has become a widely used tool, there's a notable dearth of short-term scenarios that address immediate risks, economic fluctuations, and potential systemic vulnerabilities. The demand for these short-term analyses has surged in recent years as financial institutions recognize the need to integrate climate commitments into their immediate planning and mitigate near-term climate risks. However, most existing climate scenarios focus on long-term projections, with limited emphasis on short-term implications. To address this gap United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) FI and the renowned National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) released the “Scenarios for Assessing Climate-Related Risks: New Short-Term Scenario Narratives.” The report is accompanied with the short-term climate scenarios tool.  Download the report and tool free here: https://lnkd.in/dC2aJij8 #climatescenario #climaterisk #climate #UN #UNEP #NISER

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Tomorrow morning, Fighting Dirty goes face-to-face with the Environment Agency in the Royal Courts of Justice. Wish us luck! 🤞🤞 Last year, the EA dropped its pledge to introduce testing of the 3.5 million tonnes of sewage sludge that is spread as fertiliser on British farmland each year. The commitment was made by the EA after a 2017 report found dangerous dioxins, furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in English crops. Toxic sludge spread on land not only poisons soil year after year, but leaches into groundwater, streams and rivers. So, we stepped up, challenging them to stick to their promises and protect our environment and our health by introducing testing to ensure only sludge that is free from dangerous pollutants gets onto the land. We'll post updates on our website 👉https://fightingdirty.org/ Today, our friends at Fidra and the Environmental Investigation Agency alongside 16 NGOs including RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts and Surfers Against Sewage published a statement calling for urgent regulation on agricultural sewage sludge to prevent microplastics and 'forever chemicals' poisoning our land and water. Read here 👉https://t.co/nCDHGVSjP2 I hope that with a new government comes new ambition to fix the broken promises and start working on meaningful action to protect people and planet. In the meantime, we'll keep fighting to stop pollution at source. #pollution #pfas #sewage #environmentalprotection #environmentaljustice #legalaction

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🌍 Reflecting on the Climate and Nature Risk Symposium Last week, Jos Baars and I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Climate and Nature Risk Symposium organized by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). This two-day event delved into the critical interconnections between climate change and nature risk, with a particular focus on the tipping points that impact our climate, environment, economy, and society. Here are my key takeaways from the symposium: ⚖Negative and positive tipping points in Climate Change We find ourselves at a tipping point in the fight against climate change. Our systems are approaching critical thresholds, and exceeding them could trigger significant changes with cascading effects. Consider the delicate balance: rising global temperatures lead to ice cap melting, lower albedo effects, and increased heat absorption. However, positive tipping points—such as the widespread adoption of renewable energy—offer hope in limiting global warming. Reinforcing feedback loops play a pivotal role in both scenarios. 🌐 Beware of Nature Risks and Systemic Risks While climate risks often dominate discussions, we must not overlook the risks arising from nature. These nature-related risks can be equally or even more detrimental to our environment and society. Understanding our dependence on nature is crucial. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) defines nature-related risks as threats posed to organizations due to their dependencies and impacts on nature. These risks fall into physical and transition categories, but systemic risks—those affecting the entire system—also demand attention. 💬 Effective Communication of Risks and Opportunities Communication on and over climate risks goes beyond mere compliance and reporting, presenting risks and opportunities is about forward-looking analysis. It’s like examining our balance sheet for potential risks and bets. How do we manage our risks, or are we willing to take the bets? For example, removing expensive equipment on ground floors due to increased flood risk or willing to take the bet because of the low exposure to flood risk. Are our assets at risk of becoming stranded? Referring back to the renewable energy transition, lots of fossil fuels and related infrastructure might become redundant must faster than expected due to reinforcing feedback loops. Lastly, I want to thank the sustainability consulting colleagues from Mazars in the UK . It was great meeting and catching up with you! You’ve won the virtual clay pigeon shooting award this year, happy to have a rematch soon…. #climaterisk #climateandnaturerisk #sustainability #tippingpoints Figure: Lenton TM, Benson S, Smith T, et al. Operationalising positive tipping points towards global sustainability. Global Sustainability. 2022;5:e1. doi:10.1017/sus.2021.30

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Carbon Brief have performed an analysis of the 'state of the climate' for the first half of 2024. The main headline is that there is a 95% probability that this year will surpass 2023 as the warmest year on record. This projection is in line with the increasing levels of extreme weather events globally in 2024.   There are some other startling conclusions from this report:   - On July 22nd the world experienced its highest absolute global temperature. - 63 countries experienced their warmest June on record. - Over the last 12 months 138 countries recorded their hottest temperatures ever. - July 2024 is expected to be slightly cooler than July 2023, however, it will still be warmer than any other July prior to 2023. - The sea ice level in the Antarctic has fallen to record lows in recent weeks.   People, governments and businesses need to adapt how they operate to deal with this crisis. #esg #sustainability #climatechange

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The new BNG regime can be confusing - we have been helping projects navigate these requirements #BNG #naturepositive

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"Companies must work with multiple truths to navigate the sustainability transformation successfully." The challenges of pivoting to a more sustainable future also present opportunities to creatively address this transformation. I'm excited about this new report! #sustainablefuture #innovation #justtransformation

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If you are active, or considering being active, in the VCM check out our AlliedOffsets dashboard to gain: 🌲 a better understanding the quality of carbon credits 🌵 the risks associated with a project 💲 prices (historical, current and future) 📈 general market themes

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I am looking forwards to speaking about #Greenhousegas emissions under #conservation_grazing – Evidence gaps and research needs Date: 20th June 2023 10:00-11:30, Natural England have recently published a report (Manning et al., 2023) they commissioned from ADAS on greenhouse gas emissions under conservation grazing. The aim of the report was to review existing data and develop a calculator tool to predict net greenhouse gas emissions from semi-natural grazed habitats, taking into account habitat fluxes and emissions from livestock grazing the sites. Data on #habitat fluxes were found to be sparce, uncertain and highly variable and it was decided not to include these data in the calculator. A calculator was developed to try and predict livestock derived emissions from different species/ size categories of livestock using standard IPCC equations. However, there was a lack of empirical data from appropriate semi-natural habitats e.g. on forage quality / activity level to input into the equations. A lack of direct GHG emissions measurements from livestock in semi natural systems means there is also uncertainty as to whether the standard equations, even with improved input data, are suitable for predicting emissions from semi-natural systems, which contrast substantially from the more intensive systems from which most measurements are made. This work has identified a vital knowledge gap that Natural England are keen to address through further research. One approach to addressing data gaps would be to undertake direct measurements of livestock derived greenhouse gas emissions from semi-natural grazed systems, alongside other measurements e.g. of forage quality, and livestock activity level to compare output from the IPCC equations with measured emissions. This research could utilise the extensive National Nature Reserve Network, managed by Natural England. The findings from the report and opportunities for collaboration to address evidence needs will be discussed further at a virtual webinar to be held on 20th June 2023 10:00-11:30, If you are interested in attending the webinar or discussing collaborations in this research area please contact Claire Horrocks at: [email protected] Frances Manning

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The growth in CDR purchases is misleading - here’s why CDR.fyi's latest quarterly update indeed shows a concerning trend: that although the volume of tonnes of CDR purchased is going up, they represent fewer deals concentrated in fewer unique buyers. 🔝 The analysis shows that purchases are very top-heavy, with the top-3 deals, buyers and supplier representing a majority of all the action 📈 To be confirmed, but the number of deals/buyers/first-time buyers could represent more leading indicators of the future deal flow 🚚 New for this quarter is the reporting on the CDR deliveries, unsurprisingly dominated by biochar, but still a fraction of the tonnes of CDR sold One could argue that we are still only seeing the beginnings of a market, with few players dominating both supply and demand, and deliveries lagging behind the purchases. More than growth in total volume, a growth in players would improve the market base. #carbonremoval #climatetech #advancemarketcommitment #decarbonization

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Climate transition plans are coming to a jurisdiction near you. Regulators are broadly moving beyond mandatory disclosures of emissions and climate targets toward disclosure of the actions companies are planning to take to achieve those targets. Within a few years, most large companies will be required to specify precisely that in a transition plan as part of their disclosure requirements. As is often the case, Europe leads the way, but other jurisdictions in Asia will soon follow. Read more on the insights from ERM climate change and sustainability experts Max Crawford and Paul Simpson OBE on how to effectively move from a static transition plan to dynamic transition planning. #transitionplan #netzero

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