Sustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 1: 2024 Outlook
Hosts:
- Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S
- Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO at ED4S
- Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S
Episode Focus:
In this inaugural episode, the ED4S team dives into their sustainability predictions for 2024, exploring regulatory impacts, the future of sustainability roles, the rise of biodiversity investments, and the evolving landscape of climate commitments.
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Key Takeaways:
1. Regulatory Push Intensifies
- As California and European regulations, including the CSRD, come into effect, companies will focus on implementation, impacting departments like finance and consulting. The move toward board accountability in Europe could drive deeper organizational change.
2. Rise in Biodiversity and Natural Capital Investments
- Following the TNFD’s release, interest in biodiversity-focused funds is expected to grow, similar to climate-focused funds in recent years. This shift highlights the need for comprehensive biodiversity data and thoughtful investment structures.
3. Evolving Role of CSOs
- The role of Chief Sustainability Officers may shift in 2024, with sustainability responsibilities diffusing across departments, such as finance. This could alleviate the overwhelming expectations on CSOs and embed sustainability more deeply within organizations.
4. AI’s Role in ESG Data Management
- AI could play a crucial role in managing ESG data bottlenecks, automating data analysis, and providing actionable insights for sustainability professionals, ultimately enhancing workflow and reducing workload.
5. COP 29 Expectations and the Future of Climate Summits
- The team predicts that COP 29 may face challenges, with possible economic downturns and political shifts potentially dampening progress. There is also speculation about whether COP events will continue to hold significance in the climate conversation.
Conclusion:
This episode sets the stage for a year of change in sustainability, with regulatory advancements, innovations in ESG data management, and evolving corporate structures shaping the field.
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