Talking ESG: Building trust in climate commitments

At the recent annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, PwC and the WEF jointly released a report about critical moves businesses can take to prepare for risks and take advantage of opportunities in climate change adaptation (the process of preparing for, preventing, and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change).

Heather Horn was joined by Emma Cox, PwC’s Global Climate Leader, to discuss some of the key themes that came out of both our white paper as well as the 2023 annual WEF meeting, which Emma attended alongside world leaders.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 4:50 - How climate commitments – and progress toward them – have evolved since the 2015 Paris Agreement
• 12:17 - Managing competing sustainability agendas
• 20:50 - Climate adaptation: definitions and key actions businesses can take
• 31:06 - Who will pay for adaptation
• 31:39 - How measurement and disclosure of sustainability progress has evolved
• 50:13 - Final advice for companies working to optimize their climate agenda

Looking for more information on climate adaptation? Check out our white paper on Accelerating business action on climate change adaptation.

Emma Cox is PwC’s Global Climate Leader, driving the delivery of our client-focused global climate strategy. In addition to previously serving as PwC UK’s Head of Purpose, Emma also led its Sustainability and Climate Change practice, with a team of sustainability and climate change specialists advising public and private sector clients in the UK and internationally on sustainability, development, urbanization, and climate change-related issues.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.