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Twenty years ago, every gas station had a bucket with water and a squeegee to remove the bugs from your windshield and headlights. That ‘problem’ is solved: in their Living Planet Report 2024, WWF recently reported a loss of 73% of all animal life since 1970. Three out of every four animals vanished. Gone. Wiped out. If climate change is the hurricane of the fifth category entering your village, loss of biodiversity is the all-destroying meteor wiping out our planet. The way we deal with it is best described in the film ‘Don’t Look Up’ (check the link below). We ‘sit tight and assess’. On 19 November 2024, I had the privilege of opening the annual CETAF - Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities meeting in Madrid, and my speech kind of spoiled the atmosphere. I wrote a column for Management Scope about it; you can read it here: https://lnkd.in/eMium4Cn #biodiversity #CETAF #Naturalis #futureproof #ftrprf Links: 2 minutes of ‘Don’t Look Up’: https://lnkd.in/ecd9DG5F WWF 2024 Living Planet Report: https://lnkd.in/ep6tqdWF

With 52 strikes in 2023—the highest in over 50 years—workers across the Netherlands are demanding fair wages, better working conditions, and accountability from employers. From pharmacy assistants to auto workers at Volkswagen. But beyond the disruptions lies an opportunity: how can strikes drive better governance, foster accountability, and reshape the future of work? Dive into the roots of this unrest, the outcomes of collective action, and the lessons employers must learn to build a fairer, more equitable workplace.

COP29: a $300 billion commitment: is it enough? At COP29 in Baku, a historic agreement was reached: developed nations committed to providing $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in combating climate change. While this marks significant progress, the pledge has sparked widespread debate. Climate experts question the feasibility and impact of these commitments, and the growing costs of adaptation and mitigation loom large. So, how do we bridge the gap between promises and action? The private sector could hold the key. From sustainable bonds to the untapped potential of local banks, innovative financial tools and partnerships are essential to scaling solutions. Want to explore how local banks and private-sector partnerships can transform climate finance? Read the full article to learn more about how the private sector can drive meaningful action against climate change.

Since 1970, 100 companies have been responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Shell, a major player in this statistic, emits more CO2 annually than most countries. Legal battles like the one with Milieudefensie, where Shell was ordered to cut its emissions by 45%, spotlight the debate over accountability. Should companies focus on cleaning up their historical footprint, or does the responsibility lie with governments to set policies for the future? Shell argues that governments should lead the charge, claiming companies are bound by the frameworks politicians create. Yet, their stance downplays the transformative role businesses can play. Companies like Stegra show what's possible, investing in green hydrogen and reducing emissions by 95%. They prove that corporate innovation, combined with government policies, can create scalable climate solutions. The truth is, tackling the climate crisis demands collective effort. Governments must create frameworks, businesses must act decisively, and society must push for change. Waiting for one party to take the lead is no longer an option. Together, we have the power to forge a sustainable future. Shall we? 🌍

To what extent do companies create and destroy value for society? What will be the integrated value of a listed company if you consider the financial, social, and environmental value? We are taking these questions to the test. With the help of over 300 master students in finance, eight analysts, two project managers, 2 strategists, three designers, and professors Willem Schramade & Dirk Schoenmaker, we are developing the AEX futureproof Index. The project is insane. Undoable. Too big. Too complex. All true. And yet, we are doing it. “If you want to change things, follow the money”. We learned this lesson from Wim Leereveld, the founder of the Access to Medicine Index and The World Benchmark Alliance. He is a great inspiration in our work: make change happen. So stay tuned. In Q1 2025, we will share the outcomes with you. #AEXfutureproofindex #integratedvalue #longtermvalue #listed #AEX #transparancy #change #futureproof #ftrprf 

Have you ever wondered how societal trends are shaping the future of organizations? That is what we love to investigate. For organizations, it’s pivotal to thoroughly understand what is happening in society. We help companies generate comprehensive insights into societal change and its potential effects on their strategy and operations, both positive and negative. With actionable societal insights, courageous plans, and a can-do mentality, we connect the outside world to your company's strategy. Curious to learn more? Read more in this article and feel free to reach out to schedule an introductory meeting—we’d love to share more with you. #SocialAntenna #SocietalPerspective #SocietalTrends #PositiveImpact #ftrprf

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The 2024 US elections revealed the powerful and sometimes dangerous role of AI and algorithms in shaping public opinion. From deepfakes to algorithm-driven echo chambers, these tools have changed the way campaigns are run and how voters engage with information. However, does this mean AI only divides us? Or could it be used to encourage balanced, open discussions and restore trust in the democratic process? How can media platforms and tech companies reduce polarization while ensuring transparency? Is it possible to design algorithms that prioritize diversity and accuracy over sensationalism? In this article, we dive deeper into these questions.

Can economic growth and biodiversity conservation go hand in hand? With only 28% of Dutch Natura 2000 sites meeting safe nitrogen levels, the call for action is louder than ever. Balancing ecological health with industrial demands is not just a government responsibility. Businesses can play a powerful role too. In our latest article, we dive into how companies can drive meaningful change through innovation and proactive risk management, creating a sustainable future where nature and economic development can coexist. Together, we can redefine sustainability standards. Shall we?

In an interview with Follow This | Shareholders change the world, we explored their unwavering mission to compel oil and gas companies to adopt ambitious climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement. Despite the daunting challenge posed by ExxonMobil's lawsuit against them, Follow This remains resolute. "A lawsuit is intimidating, but climate change is more intimidating," says CEO Mark van Baal. ExxonMobil's legal action, he believes, underscores the impact of climate resolutions and is an attempt to sideline critical shareholders. Communication & Media Chief Karel Kuipéri adds, "Exxon strengthens the fossil-free and divestment movement by labeling us activists. They're investing in infrastructure that will be obsolete in 30 years, risking future bankruptcy in a much warmer world." Why not divest completely? Mark explains, "Divesting means losing influence, letting less responsible shareholders take over, and allowing oil companies to continue unchallenged. Staying invested ensures continued pressure for change." Impact, for Follow This, is about more than just reducing CO2 emissions. Mark notes, "When we started, oil companies denied responsibility for customer emissions. Now, it's standard to discuss overall impact, including scope 3 emissions." Karel emphasizes the power of shareholder influence, "Citizens can invest in fossil fuel companies through our organization, gaining a vote in shareholders' meetings. This empowers individuals to directly impact the oil giants and gives people a sense of reassurance." Read the entire interview on how Follow This is driving meaningful change.