Dr Paul Sahota

Sustainable business models rely on the quality of relationships between a company and its key stakeholders. Our latest release, co-created with WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, outlines a simple way to gauge the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement at board level and how companies can improve it.

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I was thinking ahead to COP26 – UN Climate Change Conference and the agenda on 3rd November, on Climate Finance. My article from some months ago, came to mind. Climate Change – should we panic?

Welcome to the team Paul Sahota! Paul joins the UK Team as Head of Sustainability & ESG Services, bringing with him over 25 years’ experience within the Financial Services sector. His sector experience and expertise in strategy, risk, governance and business transformation will be a great contribution to the team, and we are excited to have him on board!

What this clearly demonstrates, is just how much our dependence on fossil fuels, and failure to future-proof, is leaving our systems vulnerable. It underlines once more, the urgent need to move towards a zero carbon future. To implement sustainable strategies in all sectors, to mitigate risk, and to avoid future shocks.

Climate change is a huge global threat – and agriculture is at the forefront when it comes to both the causes and the potential solutions to this crisis. As things stand, agriculture is responsible for around 9% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. In total, food production accounts for around 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural crop production accounts for around 27% of overall food emissions and land use associated with food production for another 24%. My take on things in this article.

Offsetting is a method used by many firms to meet sustainability targets and move towards net zero carbon emissions. Fortunately, stakeholder groups are increasingly conscious of the limitations of carbon offsetting, and are no longer blinkered to the truth that carbon offsetting alone will not tackle the climate crisis we face. My take on things in this article.

Decarbonisation of industrial infrastructure could require an investment of around $21tln between now and 2050. Widely available low cost, zero-carbon electricity today, could reduce investment required by 50%.

In both fiscal value and in environmental terms, gold may not be quite as good an investment as many people imagine. Long term, it is important to remember that this is a finite resource, pegged to fickle demand, with huge costs to people and planet. My take on it in this short read.

My latest short read introduces the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal number 8. SDG8 provides the framework, and outlines targets for achieving Decent Work and a Sustainable Economy for all. The targets are difficult to argue against, in the current climate however, they can easily be ignored by firms seeking to first and foremost, secure their futures. Skilled management, those with the ability to challenge boards, regulators and shareholders alike, will embrace SDG8 and create a more sustainable business, one that is stronger to absorb future shocks. Link below.

Breaking News: delighted to have been inducted today as a Fellow of ICRS | The Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability. Very much looking forward to working through the Institute to effect the change needed towards meeting Agenda 2030. I have been so fortunate, over many years, to have worked with so many talented people. People with passion, values, and a desire to do the right thing. Would love to have you alongside in the effort over the next 10 years. Please get in touch, or follow the link to learn more about joining us.