Amy Merrill’s Post

Congratulations, Amy Merrill, on your appointment as CEO of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)! As you embark on this new journey, it is crucial to consider the offer side of the carbon markets. High-integrity carbon markets are pivotal in meeting the Paris Agreement goals and empowering the global south. Ensuring that carbon markets foster global #equity is essential for achieving sustainable development and resilience in communities worldwide. At ALLCOT, we share your commitment to scaling the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket and driving meaningful climate finance solutions. Together, let's create a carbon market that not only drives climate finance but also brings equity and empowerment to all regions, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change. Best wishes for continued success in your leadership at ICVCM. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future. #ClimateAction #CarbonMarkets #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalEquity #ParisAgreement #ALLCOT

New analysis of ASX 200 board charters, undertaken by Herbert Smith Freehills in January and commissioned by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, reveals a 10% increase in the number of dedicated Sustainability Committees within the governance structures of Australia’s largest listed companies. The increase indicates that environmental and sustainability-related issues are becoming core governance priorities among more ASX-listed companies, and across industries. The analysis will be published as part of the AICD’s second Climate Governance Study, scheduled for release in March 2024. For further guidance, Herbert Smith Freehills and AICD have jointly prepared a guide ‘Bringing together ESG: Board structures and sustainability’ to help directors and management elevate #ESG matters to the board: https://lnkd.in/giGrXavr

We have a new ESG blog covering emerging trends and insights in ESG, including key things to watch in the real estate sector for COP28 (link below).

ESG Coordination and Marriage: What’s the Common Thread? 🤔 Britain is helping us answer that question… 💕   Some may answer “faith”, but I’d highlight today “coordination”… Recently, the TPT (Transition Plan Taskforce) unveiled a promising disclosure framework for the UK, helping standardise Environmental reporting. Yet, the focus solely on climate performance overlooked Social and Governance aspects. This missed opportunity could have allowed us all to join forces with the EU's CS3D and CSRD, and make global ESG efforts stronger. 💪   Thankfully, the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority, or UK’s favourite financial regulator) stepped in, recognizing this gap by releasing anti-greenwashing rules encompassing Environment AND Social, albeit lacking Governance criteria. 🤠 Here's the link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gn8AQ5Gr   What does it concretely mean for UK corporates? 1. Relying solely on the TPT framework won’t suffice; they must incorporate extensive Social disclosures to attract ESG investors. 2. Given EU investors’ substantial stake in the UK stock market (19% in 2021), compliance with SFDR will likely prompt demands for broader disclosures way beyond climate-related aspects. 3. CSRD/CS3D may then appear as useful inspiration across the Channel. 😱 Would I go as far as saying that CSRD may then find unexpected corporate followers in the UK too? God saves the King! #tpt #esg #csrd #cs3d Financial Conduct Authority ESG Today Arnaud Blandin Philippe HENRY Karima Bouaiss Patrice Hiddinga Fabien Herelle Sabine Lochmann Beaujour Xaviere Farrer Hutchison Valérie Raoul-Desprez Salim M. Anna GUILLAUME Ruxandra Ionescu Susan Urkevich Béatrice Collot André Casterman Anne-Catherine Husson-Traore

The basis of this report is to highlight some of the key actions taken by the BCLC in meeting the goals set out in its environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, underlining how on top of generating $1.6bn in net income to the province of British Columbia, it has continued to expand on its social and environmental commitments.  https://lnkd.in/ejBqiT_N

🌱 The SEC recently announced updates to ESG reporting requirements, and at 4Cs Environmental Consulting, we're ready to help your company navigate these changes seamlessly. We'll ensure your sustainability efforts are accurately communicated to stakeholders and avoid you getting on the wrong side of the SEC. #ESG 📈 #SustainabilityReporting 🌍 #4CsConsulting

🌐 “The work we are doing at the Integrity Council will build trust in the market and enable it to scale. We aim to help create a high-integrity scalable VCM that can access capital by applying familiar principles from regulated capital markets. We are doing this to unlock private climate and carbon finance that would not otherwise be deployed to maximize the potential of the voluntary carbon market to finance climate solutions, channeling much needed investment to the Global South.”    “This is a challenging process, but we are reaping the benefits as we see widespread support for our CCP framework.”    Global demand for high-integrity carbon credits is significant. However, current voluntary carbon markets lack transparency, consistency, and high-quality standards, hindering their potential contribution and impact on #climatechange.   Today in the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, ICVCM Chair Annette Nazareth speaks to Emily A. Chien about accelerating a just transition to 1.5ºC and mobilising climate finance through high-integrity carbon markets.   Read the full article for insights about the work of the Integrity Council and what’s on the horizon for the VCM ⬇️   https://lnkd.in/e4_P4KU2 

Today's Environment, Social & Governance Meeting ESG Goals In today’s ever-changing business landscape, the imperative to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into... Read More: https://lnkd.in/dGqrYxiV

Are you preparing for your next AGM? Our latest AGMs Update highlights key issues for UK-listed companies to consider, including in relation to “say on climate” and other environmental issues, diversity, and remuneration. #climatechange #esg #agm

Defendable, auditable decision making is a real challenge. Since 2016, we've known that directors not thinking about climate change risks could be found liable for breaching their duty of care in the future. Mark Joiner, CFO of NAB has long recognised that "Companies today must earn their "social licence" ". I'm thrilled to see the companies I work with, embedding climate change risk and social benefits in their decisions. Holding themselves to account, evolving their models and asset management/capital planning practice so they can drive value and defend their actions confidently. Now and in the future #GAICD #directors #climaterisk #ESG #capitalplanning #governance https://lnkd.in/gfbgRwZ3