How businesses can turn COP26 outcomes into future actions

In this episode of the Sustainability Matters podcast, Steve Varley, EY Global Vice Chair of Sustainability, discusses the impact, outcomes and importance of actioning key COP26 takeaways.

The eyes of the world were on the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26. With the dust settling and negotiations in place, what progress was made in adhering to the 1.5℃ goal of The Paris Agreement?

This episode of the EY Sustainability Matters podcast, features Steve Varley – EY Global Vice Chair for Sustainability. Steve was in Glasgow to attend COP26 and in this episode of the podcast, he discusses the experience of being at the conference in person, the likely impact of the discussions, the actions that should be taken to reduce emissions globally and the part everyone – including business – can play.

The coming together of nations was a cause for great optimism, but the reality is that there is still more work to be done to keep the 1.5oC dream alive. This means that commitment and collaboration between nations, governments and business will likely be critical, and could need further progress on trust and transparency as a priority.

Some businesses are actively and enthusiastically addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) by innovating and adapting their business model, and providing customers with a more sustainable offering. Other businesses view ESG as less of a priority, so finding a way to demonstrate the value of sustainability and moving climate change to the top of the agenda could be crucial.

For Steve, COP26 is a cause for optimism, creating an atmosphere of ambition and providing an opportunity to take meaningful action.

Key takeaways include:

  • The target of 1.5oC is still viable, but once nationally determined contributions (NDCs) have been considered, that number could change.
  • A greater corporate presence at COP26 could indicate a greater corporate influence on turning ambitions into actions.
  • A collaboration between nations, governments and business is seen as paramount to achieving the 1.5oC goal.
  • Government regulations and stakeholder demands could have significant impact on future business operating models and the ability to access capital markets.
  • Providing further education on the language of climate change could help to enhance the conversation, and inspire ideas and innovations that can make change possible.
For your convenience, full text transcript of this podcast is also available.  Read the transcript.

Podcast

Season 4, Episode 2

Duration 28m 28s

In this series

Series overview
(Event List - Manual)

How redefining the circular economy could reshape a sustainable planet

Chris Hagler welcomes Antonis Mavropoulos and Mark Weick to discuss how a circular economy may lead to a more sustainable planet.
Podcast

Season 4, Episode 1

Duration
34m 45s

Presenters

Mark Weick

Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young LLP

How plastics can play a role in contributing to the circular economy

In this episode of the Sustainability Matters Podcast, Jeff Wooster, Global Sustainability Director for Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, discusses actions that businesses can take to enhance the plastics value chain.
Podcast

Season 3, Episode 5

Duration
40m 29s

Presenters

EY Global

Ernst & Young Global Ltd.

How to use products and packaging to advance the circular economy

This episode discusses how product design and manufacturing can advance the circular economy by reducing the impacts of consumer products.
Podcast

Season 3, Episode 4

Duration
38m 05s

Presenters

Mark Weick

Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young LLP

How to engage employees for ESG goals

In this episode of Sustainability Matters podcast, WeSpire Founder Susan Hunt Stevens shares best practices in achieving a company’s ESG goals.
Podcast

Season 3, Episode 3

Duration
39m 20s

Presenters

EY Global

Ernst & Young Global Ltd.

How companies are inspiring change through climate commitments

In this episode of Sustainability Matters podcast, EY market leaders and Chris Hagler discuss how businesses slow down the climate crisis.
Podcast

Season 3, Episode 2

Duration
35m 33s

Presenters

Stephen J. Auton-Smith

Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC, Senior Managing Director

How to use sustainability to build an enterprise

In this episode, EY’s Chris Hagler and Cox Cleantech Vice President Steve Bradley discuss the importance of sustainability in a business.
Podcast

Season 3, Episode 1

Duration
40m 56s

Presenters

EY Global

Ernst & Young Global Ltd.

How to integrate natural capital into business decision making

EY’s Chris Hagler welcomes Mark Gough and Carter Ingram to discuss the integration of natural capital into corporate decision making.
Podcast

Season 2, Episode 6

Duration
36m 27s

Presenters

EY Global

Ernst & Young Global Ltd.

How data and technology can drive clean energy

In this episode, EY’s Chris Hagler welcomes back Jules Kortenhorst and Klair White to continue their discussion on clean energy technology.
Podcast

Season 2, Episode 5

Duration
23m 56s

Presenters

EY Global

Ernst & Young Global Ltd.