Despite the world’s shift in focus to COVID-19 over the past year, the urgent nature of the climate emergency has not lessened – and with reports that 2020 was the hottest year on record, it seems the global slowdown engendered from the pandemic has not had the beneficial impact on the planet that we might have hoped.
Globally, the environmental race is on, with the US back at the table following Biden’s inauguration and recent commitments from China to hit net zero emissions by 2060. The impact of this has sent waves across the corporate world, with the likes of Larry Fink’s 2021 Blackrock letter to CEOs re-confirming the importance of ESG and cementing the idea of climate risk as financial risk, whilst the EU maps out the European Green Deal.
And it’s an issue for brands and businesses that’s not going away. Four in five companies are already seeing an increase in ESG-related questions from investors, who are now mobilising capital for the low carbon transition to ensure resilience to the impacts of climate change.
COP26, taking place in Glasgow in November 2021, is the next major international milestone in this race.
The COP26 summit will bring heads of state, climate experts and campaigners together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. With the UN’s ‘Decade of Action’ underway, are you prepared for your record on climate change to take centre stage?
We’ve been in Scotland for over 30 years – we’ve got boots on the ground, and the ear of those driving forward the COP26 agenda. Our Glasgow office has specialist teams for any situation: political strategy, community relations, reputation management, influencer engagement, consumer and corporate comms – while living and breathing the creative Glasgow life.
Meanwhile, our communication experts and partners across the globe – whether that’s UK, Europe or further afield – can help you define your sustainability story, anticipate the themes and trends to come, and ensure you aren’t left behind.
Our services include:
• Climate change corporate strategic counsel
• Corporate risk forecasting and mapping
• ESG audit, analysis and strategy
• ESG and sustainability reporting
• ESG employee engagement, media support and training
Contact us for more details at info@grayling.com.
