Simone Potter’s Post

🌎 With climate campaigners raising a judicial review at the Court of Session on the creation of the UK’s largest untapped oil field and pictures of devastating floods in Spain filling our newsfeeds, climate issues are becoming increasingly relevant to the legal sector. So, as COP29 kicked off last week, our Member Engagement Manager and Secretary to the Sustainability Committee, Sara Czarny shares five reasons why every solicitor should tackle climate change 👉 https://bit.ly/3OciOKQ

What does climate justice mean? Our very own Kenza Essalama and Karen Larbi recently took to the stage at the #BCorpFestivalUK in Oxford to deliver a powerful talk on climate justice and its strategic relevance to businesses. All three of their sessions sold out and it was fantastic to see so many business leaders engaging with this challenging but essential piece of the climate puzzle. Simply put, climate justice recognises the fact that the people and countries who are the least responsible for climate change are the ones who are suffering its worst impacts today. As Kenza and Karen explained, the operational risks of not addressing climate justice in your corporate strategy are critical - from exposing yourself to supply chain disruptions to harming your talent pipeline, you can't afford to ignore climate justice. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to climate justice and your business, our Climate Counsel service is the place to go. Find out more and get in touch with us here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eRVP_64Y #ClimateJustice #Climate #LouderThanWords #Sustainability

As corporate sustainability moves from targets and plans to action and outcomes, companies are being called on to align their political influence with the goals of the Paris Agreement.   Engaging in climate advocacy not only allows businesses to strengthen their position on climate, but is also key to preventing the financial, physical, and systemic risks posed by a delayed economy-wide transition to net zero.   Join us in two weeks for a webinar on ‘Developing an Advocacy Strategy’, as we kick off our four-part ‘Engaging in Corporate Climate Advocacy’ webinar series, kindly supported by Clyde & Co.   Find out more and register here: https://bit.ly/4bfl91W   #ClimateAdvocacy #Policy #ClimateAction

Climate justice is a fundamental principle that seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, income, geographic location or other characteristics, has the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. This concept goes beyond mitigating climate change, also addressing social and economic inequalities exacerbated by environmental impacts. At the heart of climate justice is the recognition that the most vulnerable communities are often those most affected by the impacts of climate change, such as natural disasters, resource scarcity and pollution. This includes ethnic minorities, low-income populations and those living in disaster-prone areas. To advance climate justice, it is essential to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an equitable and inclusive way, while building resilience in the most affected communities. This involves public policies that protect these communities, investments in clean energy and affordable sustainable technologies, as well as the promotion of sustainable agricultural and industrial practices. In practice, climate justice seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future and that everyone has equal access to the benefits of a green economy. Join us on this journey towards a fairer and more resilient planet!

The Imperative of Climate Justice: A Call for Equitable Solutions Understanding Climate Justice Climate justice represents a crucial dimension of the broader climate change dialogue. It emphasizes that the impacts of climate change are not distributed equally and that the solutions must address these disparities to be effective and fair. While climate change affects everyone, its burdens fall disproportionately on marginalized communities, particularly those in low-income countries and underserved areas. The Unequal Burden Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities. Vulnerable communities often face the brunt of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. These communities typically have fewer resources to prepare for or recover from such events. Additionally, their lower socioeconomic status often correlates with higher exposure to environmental hazards and less access to healthcare, making the impacts of climate change more severe. For example, small island nations are facing rising sea levels that threaten their very existence, yet these nations contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, Indigenous communities around the world often experience significant disruptions to their traditional lands and ways of life due to climate-related changes. The Need for Equitable Solutions Addressing climate justice means ensuring that those who are least responsible for climate change are not disproportionately affected by its consequences. Here are key principles that should guide climate justice initiatives: Equitable Distribution of Resources: Wealthier nations and individuals have historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions and thus have a moral responsibility to support those who are most impacted. Financial and technological resources should be allocated to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change and transition to sustainable practices. Inclusion of Marginalized Voices: Policy-making processes must include the voices of those who are most affected by climate change. This includes Indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and people of color. Their experiences and knowledge are vital for crafting effective and equitable climate solutions.

"By having a legally binding target within its clauses, the act shapes government policy, the National Planning Policy Framework, and local plan and sustainability policies, whether it’s housing, agriculture or manufacturing – all affecting how we work, rest, eat and play." The Climate Change Act is celebrating its 16th birthday. But is it a sweet 16 for a piece of legislation that many would consider has failed to deliver on its promise? Claire Petricca-Riding argues that it's time to revisit the act to shepherd it into adulthood in a rapidly changing world. https://lnkd.in/ezXGBgri Click the link to read. #climatechange #climatechangeact

In our recent webinar on climate change and sustainability regulation and litigation, Kenneth S Lee outlined four key considerations for directors and C-suite executives regarding the new mandatory climate reporting requirements. To receive a replay link, please email us at hello.australia@wtwco.com with 'Climate Change Webinar' in the subject line. #ClimateChange #ASmarterWayToRisk #Sustainability #Litigation #WTWRisk

Watch my top tips for directors and C-suite below. The demand for businesses to operate sustainably is only increasing and I trust these insights will help on your journeys. #esg #corporatelaw #sustainability HWL Ebsworth Lawyers WTW

Comment: Why the SBTi’s proposal to include carbon credits is on the right side of climate history. María Mendiluce of and Mandy Rambharos say the evolution of the Science Based Targets initiative will give companies the tools they need to navigate complex landscapes and drive meaningful change. We Mean Business Coalition, Environmental Defense Fund, #carboncredits #sustainableaviationfuel #renewableenergy #scope3emissions #ghgemissions #esgreporting #esginvesting #climatechange. Terry Slavin Ed Long Liam Dowd https://lnkd.in/dkUuy5ck