This final episode of The Week in Sustainability reflects on two impactful years of insights, from groundbreaking regulations like the EU’s CSRD and ISSB standards to climate science milestones and natural disasters reshaping the corporate sustainability landscape. We explore key moments, including advancements in climate disclosure, state-level policies, and global energy transitions, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing our shared climate reality.

Looking ahead, sustainability efforts will likely expand through regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and collective adaptation to climate impacts. Although this marks the end of the podcast, listeners can continue engaging with sustainability discussions on:

– ESG Talk

– Off the Books

The Week in Sustainability

November 18–22, 2024

This week:

We dive into the highlights, controversies, and challenges of COP29 in Azerbaijan. While ambitious climate commitments were announced, such as the UN's 81% emissions reduction target by 2035 and Indonesia’s plans for net zero by 2060, skepticism remains about how these goals will be achieved. The conference also saw significant milestones, including the establishment of global carbon market standards under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which could dramatically reduce the cost of implementing NDCs. However, criticism marred the summit, with allegations of fossil fuel deals overshadowing its mission. As global negotiations continue, the podcast underscores the necessity of these forums despite their imperfections, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing climate action.

The Week in Sustainability

November 11–15, 2024

This week:

After the 2024 U.S. election, several states took significant climate action despite federal uncertainties. Washington voters upheld the Climate Commitment Act, ensuring funding for carbon reduction projects, while California approved a $10 billion resilience fund targeting wildfire prevention, water conservation, and clean energy. Hawaii launched a Climate Resiliency Fund, and Louisiana allocated renewable energy revenue for coastal restoration. In South Dakota, voters repealed a law favoring pipeline development, prioritizing landowner rights. Meanwhile, Texas reinforced fossil fuel policies, leaving climate action to local efforts. These state-level initiatives reflect growing public support for policies that enhance safety and resilience.

This week:

Covers the potential impacts of the 2024 U.S. presidential election on climate policy, with anticipated rollbacks under a second Trump administration, including possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and increased fossil fuel production. However, strong state-level policies, investor demands, and market dynamics are likely to sustain sustainability progress.

In addition, we recap Workiva’s recent Amplify Conference in EMEA, where industry leaders discussed the complexity of financial and ESG reporting under regulations like the EU's CSRD. Keynotes emphasized the importance of cross-functional collaboration, digital transformation, and assured integrated reporting to meet stakeholder expectations in an evolving regulatory landscape.

This week:

Dives into two major reports spotlighting the urgency of climate action as COP29 approaches. Despite national pledges, current trajectories fall significantly short of the 43% emissions reduction scientists say is needed by 2030—an alarming gap with drastic implications.

Additionally, COP29, known as the “finance COP,” will see countries renegotiate climate finance goals, aiming to replace the original $100 billion annual target with a more ambitious funding framework. With new commitments on the table, major emitters and financial contributors face increasing pressure to bring stronger, actionable pledges to the summit.

This week:

Covers two major climate-related developments in California. The University of California, San Diego has introduced a mandatory climate-focused course for all students, signaling the growing importance of climate education across all fields of study. The episode also explores California’s leadership in climate policy, particularly as it faces political challenges, including potential rollbacks of environmental regulations and court battles over stricter emissions standards. Both stories emphasize California's ongoing efforts to integrate climate resilience into education and policy.

The Week in Sustainability

October 14–18, 2024

This week:

We focused on the Climate Commitment Act in Washington State and the push to repeal it during this upcoming election. Launched in 2023 this legislation targets major business emitters, aiming to significantly reduce emissions and align with IPCC and SBTI targets. It has already generated $2 billion for various mitigation projects, including retrofitting buildings and electrifying transportation. Despite its successes, critics, notably the political action committee Let's Go Washington, attribute rising gas prices to the Act, though evidence contradicts this claim. Repealing the Act would not only undermine climate action but also prioritize business interests over community needs, potentially increasing the long-term costs of climate change.

The Week in Sustainability

October 7–11, 2024

This week:

This episode explores the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, focusing on recent storms Helene and Milton– examining how climate change is fueling stronger storms through warmer ocean temperatures and rising sea levels, leading to widespread damage and displacement. There is an urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, stronger climate policies, and a balanced approach to both climate adaptation and mitigation to protect vulnerable regions and reduce future risks.