The Investment Association’s Post

Hot off the press and a must-read: European Environment Agency's report on 'governance in complexity', an approach designed to respond to sustainability challenges by appreciating their uncertain and complex nature. https://lnkd.in/gS4fzH74

🌍 COP16: A Defining Moment for Businesses to Lead on Biodiversity Action 🌍 In December 2022, 196 countries united to adopt the #GlobalBiodiversityFramework (GBF), marking a turning point in efforts to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. But nearly two years on, the urgency for action has never been greater. Progress on implementing the GBF has been slow, and the upcoming #COP16 in #Colombia is our best opportunity to reverse these trends. 🌱 Business Leadership is Critical 🌱 As Eva Zabey Business for Nature argues businesses must take centre stage in delivering the GBF targets, not only through voluntary actions but by advocating for stronger government policies. To date, only 44% of governments have updated their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), while environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS) continue to total $2.6 trillion annually, undermining progress. For forward-thinking companies, this is a pivotal moment to step up. Leading businesses, such as GSK, Kering, and Ørsted, have published credible nature strategies as part of the It’s Now for Nature campaign. But more needs to be done to align investments with nature-positive outcomes and reduce the $5 trillion in private finance that still harms ecosystems. 🔑 What Should Businesses Do? - Transform Operations: Embed nature-positive practices into every part of your business model. Tools like the Nature Strategy Handbook offer guidance on how to align with Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) standards. - Advocate for Policy: Push for ambitious nature-related disclosures and the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies to incentivize corporate action. Engage at COP16: Participate in negotiations, workshops, and bilateral meetings to showcase your company’s nature strategy and demonstrate bold leadership. Key Policy Considerations for Australia - Mandating Nature Disclosures: Australia must align with GBF Target 15 and consider mandating nature-related disclosures, as it has done for climate-related disclosures. - Subsidy Reform: The need to phase out environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS) is critical for a nature-positive future. - Reshaping Biodiversity Strategies: Australia’s National Biodiversity Strategy should be recalibrated and updated to reflect the GBF’s goals. 💬 Join the Conversation: How is your business preparing to tackle the nature crisis? What steps are you taking to align with biodiversity goals? 👇 Let’s discuss in the comments! 🔗 Read the Nature Strategy Handbook https://lnkd.in/eK_dnyRE

Sustainable Finance 🌿 The practice of accounting for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors while making investment decisions in the financial industry is known as sustainable finance. This approach encourages longer-term investments in sustainable projects and economic activity. Environmental factors may include adaptation and mitigation of climate change as well as environmental factors more generally, such as pollution avoidance, biodiversity preservation, and the circular economy.

As the Chief Executive is preparing 2024 Policy Address and the public consultation period is open, BEC submitted its views on environmental policies and Hong Kong’s sustainability plan on Friday 30 August, incorporating its members’ opinions, for the government’s consideration.   The policy recommendations are set out in four categories: • Addressing Climate Change; • Sectoral Decarbonisation and Sustainable Living Environment; • Circular Economy; and • Biodiversity and Nature.   Read our submission here: https://lnkd.in/gpwqGXvb BEC actively participates in public consultations and submits recommendations to the Government on environment-related topics based on our research and expertise. You may read our past policy submissions here: https://lnkd.in/gNmJkRs   #BEC #environment #sustainability #business #climatechange #netzero #decarbonisation

Reservely thrilled to see this submission, which proposes to Gov't to fill an important gap: Alternative Fuels (Section 2). Hong Kong (HK) is limited by land, HK does not have alot natural resources, HK imports 100% of fuels from overseas. So looks like HK is ill-equipped to do something in decarbonization? HK Gov't is progressing in zero emission solution (H2 trial, some solar, EV promotion), phasing out coal-fired power generation... Yet, all these take time to reach the end goal, and take capital investment. In fact, there's an instant solution we are missing: renewable fuels. But what's the HK position in this? There was similar discussion among the HKSAF Coalition members and Business Environment Council. HK Gov't does not lack logistics and financial capability to support renewables, HK does not have the knowledge gap and ambition gap vs other countries. All it needs is Action. Let's not forget, the target of reducing 50% emission by 2035 (vs 2005 baseline) under Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 is still on. Let's support this BEC's submission and play our part to advocate, to educate, to communicate. #decarbonisation #renewablefuels #climateaction EcoCeres

Just finished the course “Sustainability Foundations: Core Concepts” by Amy Luers! In today's world, addressing the environmental crisis is paramount for individuals and businesses alike. The conversation surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability can often seem overwhelming with complex terminology and frameworks. But fear not, because this course provides clarity on these critical topics! Led by the insightful instructor, Amy Luers, this course delves into the core concepts of environmental sustainability. From deciphering terms like "net zero" to unraveling the intricacies of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this journey equips you with the knowledge needed to drive meaningful change. By understanding the interdependent dimensions of sustainability—environment, society, and economy—you'll be empowered to integrate sustainability into both your personal and professional endeavors. Together, let's pave the way for a more sustainable future. #environmentalsustainability #climateaction #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #netzero #carbonemissions #sustainabilityeducation #professionaldevelopment #lifelonglearning #jointhemovement #makeadifference #futureofwork #akillbuilding #onlinelearning #changemakers #sustainabilityInaction Check it out: https://lnkd.in/g5cXntbN 

This course offers an insightful exploration of the critical concepts around sustainability, from the climate and biodiversity crisis to the meaning of net zero and sustainable development goals. Instructor Amy Luers does a great job of breaking down complex frameworks and connecting the environmental, social, and economic dimensions essential for driving meaningful change. It’s a valuable foundation for anyone looking to incorporate sustainability into their work and personal life. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dD92vT5v #environmentalsustainability #Sustainability #NetZero #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #CarbonReduction #EnvironmentalCrisis #Biodiversity #FutureOfWork #SDGs #GreenEconomy #AmyLuers #TransformBusiness

Our latest “A World in Balance 2024” study shows that regulation has been – and will continue to be – a key sustainability driver for organisations. More than three-quarters of Australian executives surveyed stated sustainability regulation is key to the achievement of their climate goals, and that, without regulation, their organisations would have launched fewer environmental sustainability initiatives. For more insights, grab your copy of the third edition of our annual "A World in Balance" research series 👉 https://ow.ly/FCAn30sIoZB #CorporateSustainability

🚨 Factsheet Alert! 🚨 Dive into the essentials of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its impact on global sustainability. 🌍 👉 Access the full factsheet here: bit.ly/3M3ky8h #EUDRDeadlineUG

The impending crisis of declining #biodiversity poses an increasingly challenge. #ClimateChange and biodiversity are intertwined issues that cannot be treated in isolation; they require a unified approach for effective resolution. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is set to unveil its #nature transition planning guidance at #COP16. This guidance is designed to help companies and investors better assess nature-related risks and integrate them into their strategic planning. The aim is to align with best practices from #ClimateTransition frameworks, and it emphasizes that nature resilience is critical for long-term business #sustainability. Boards must take the lead in embedding nature into their #governance, making biodiversity a core pillar of strategic decision-making. The tools, frameworks, and case studies are already available — the real task now is for companies to act. The call is clear: biodiversity is not just a boardroom issue—it’s the cornerstone of our shared future. Read more in the article 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴? by Ayman Chowdhury, MScSM, GCB.D, Director of Programs and Advisory at Competent Boards https://lnkd.in/egiWWaxk #CompetentBoardsMovement #ExecutiveEducation #BoardEducation #SustainabilityLeadership #CorporateGovernance #SustainableBusinessManagement #TheFutureBoardroom