In this episode, our speakers share why PE is in a unique position to lead our transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
As private equity (PE) firms focus on ESG, they must also pivot to a long-term, forward-thinking mindset.
For an industry accustomed to using historical data to project the next four to five years, this is no simple task; however, it is an existential one. Climate change will mean our world looks very different in a decade regardless of the action we take (or don’t take), and PE firms are uniquely equipped to lead this mission, should they choose to accept it.
ESG topics have both financial and commercial relevance, and PE must define and track KPIs that are specific to each portfolio company. It is no longer optional to engage in the ESG conversation, as a lack of awareness is an inherent business risk.
Two overarching climate scenarios are possible, both of which require comprehensive adaptation and imagination:
- A warming scenario in which rising temperatures impact access to raw materials, stoke political stability and disrupt value chains
- A transition scenario characterized by increasing regulation, bans and changes in technology and consumer preferences
Six ways PE firms can shift their mindset to increase their climate competence and confidence:
- Champion a long-term, forward-looking perspective
- Cross-pollinate climate data across workstreams
- Incorporate climate scenarios as core data points
- Engage diverse perspectives
- Embrace complexity and curiosity
- Verify competence on climate and environmental risks in investment teams
For your convenience, full text transcript of this podcast is also available. Read the transcript.
Presenters
Hanne Thornam
EY Norway Head of Climate Change and Sustainability ServicesWinna Brown
EY Americas ESG Private Equity Leader; Partner, Private Equity Client Service, Ernst & Young LLPPodcast
Episode 36
Duration 19m 29s
In this series
series overviewHow PE can plan for climate risk with confidence
Episode 36
Presenters
EY Norway Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Services
EY Americas ESG Private Equity Leader; Partner, Private Equity Client Service, Ernst & Young LLP
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Episode 35
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