CONFERENCE of the Parties (Cop 26) in Glasgow was the COP that business showed up to, reinforcing private sector’s commitment to climate action, and a significant milestone in the global climate change discourse.
As I reflect on the outcomes of COP28 one key message stands out — private sector mobilisation.
The private sector's pledges at COP28 were set to mobilise significant finance towards climate initiatives, this highlights the transformative potential of the sector to the climate challenge.
At the 2024 Sustainability Summit we stock take on how COP28's outcomes have so far impacted business operations, strategy, and sustainability goals as we track the road to COP29.
In order to reach a carbon neutral world, we need detailed transition planning across all sectors.
The 2024 Annual Sustainability Summit highlights how the different business sectors are doing with their transition planning, adapting to ambitious climate action plans and contributing to a sustainable future.
Some of the business sectors expected to speak and showcase are agriculture, banking, energy, urban councils, construction and real estate, retail, manufacturing, and investment management.
The Zimbabwe Independent issue of June 28 to July 4, 2024, I made a case for the financial sector being central to the transition to a low carbon future in an article titled Financial sector: More than just banking”.
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We continue the discussion with the summit taking a deep dive into the pivotal role of retail banks in driving the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Financial institutions are actively promoting eco-friendly choices through their innovative ‘green’ banking initiatives. Banks, critical to our economy, can drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world.
Recently, ‘green’ banking has grown, powered by policy changes, market forces, and evolving consumer attitudes. This new phase of retail banking, while advantageous for banks and customers, significantly contributes to a more sustainable world.
To attain net zero, almost every economic sector must decarbonise, necessitating the significant role of wholesale banks in shifting capital from high to low-carbon activities.
Post the Paris Agreement, banks have initiated 'green loans' to aid low-carbon transition and designed to incentivise and finance eco-friendly activities.
The summit will further delve into the importance of aligning with the Principles for Responsible Banking to drive sustainable finance.
The world of traditional investing is undergoing a major change with the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.
The 2024 Sustainability Summit will explore the rise of stewardship and shareholder activism, ESG portfolio integration, ESG data analysis and showcase the significance of ESG investing in today's global financial landscape.
Climate change is an example of market failure, and policy intervention is evident in order to achieve socially optimal levels.
The 2024 Sustainability Summit will deliberate government’s intervention in tackling the climate change crisis.
Policymakers will delve into how policy intervention and new regulation can support transition to low carbon economy and how the financial market plays a role in the intervention.
Construction value chains account for a significant amount of energy and industrial-related CO2 emissions globally emanating from the production of materials such as steel and cement, the operation of buildings as well as construction.
The summit will delve into how the construction and real estate sectors can design, construct, and operate buildings in such a way that minimises their environmental impact, conserves resources, and creates healthy, comfortable spaces for occupants to live and work.
Delegates will learn how operators are integrating sustainability and risk management throughout the building and construction value chain to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, urbanisation, resource scarcity and demographic shifts.
The summit will provide insights on Real Estate ESG frameworks and certification schemes that have emerged as critical tools for assessing the sustainability of properties.
Agriculture is significantly exposed to, and a significant contributor to, climate change impacts. Likewise, it is both a contributor to and responsible for a large portion of the biodiversity losses we have faced over recent decades.
From farm to fork, the global food system as a whole is estimated to produce a significant amount of global emissions. The 2024 Sustainability Summit will explore the challenges and solutions in achieving sustainable agriculture.
We will explore how Zimbabwe is reconciling the growing demand for food with the equally urgent need for environmental stewardship.
As a leading emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), the manufacturing sector and the power it consumes is a crucial focus of decarbonisation efforts to limit rising temperatures.
Globally, manufacturing would need to reduce its emissions as part of the international effort to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
However, there are concerns that decarbonisation cannot come at the expense of manufacturing growth and job creation.
The summit will discuss how the manufacturing sector is achieving its industrial development goals and sustainability goals simultaneously. The summit will showcase manufacturers that are designing, producing, and distributing goods in a way that minimises environmental impact, conserves resources, and promotes social equity using renewable energy, reducing waste and emissions, and ensuring fair labour practices, contributing to a more sustainable economy.
Cities are major contributors of global CO2 emissions. This comes mostly from industrial and motorised transport systems that use fossil fuels and rely on infrastructure built with carbon-intensive materials.
How could cities be designed in more sustainable and resilient ways? The summit will illuminate how some cities are prioritising more equitable urban development to improve life for millions while generating environmental and economic benefits. Hear how some cities are promoting public transport, walking, cycling, and the use of low-emission vehicles, the aim being to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce cleaner air, and enhance the overall quality of life in urban areas.
As renewable energy and other clean technologies become increasingly prioritised, the demand for critical minerals is rising, putting added strain on natural resources and biodiversity.
How can the government and businesses weigh up these real ecological and social costs against the pursuit of net zero goals?
The summit will highlight how the mining sector seeks to balance the needs of present and future generations while also preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
With a confirmed diverse pool of speakers possessing global experience ranging from Sovereign Advisory, Sustainability Standards and Reporting, E-mobility, Renewable Energy, Construction and Real Estate, Finance and Banking, the summit presents a forward-looking collaborative platform for business, finance, government, and society to partner to accelerate sustainable action.
The summit is designed for C- suite executives, board members, sustainability consultants, managers, and individuals seeking to understand the practical applications of sustainability.
Whether you are looking to implement sustainability in your organisation's supply chain, explore circular economies, or understand ESG financial markets, this summit provides valuable insights and knowledge.
It caters to individuals seeking to navigate the practical side of sustainability and make informed decisions aligned with environmental, societal and economic benefit.
Broadcast to millions via the global Zimbabwe Independent network, there is no other meeting that puts partnership right at the centre of tackling the triple planetary crisis. Opportunities to discuss solutions include:
Exclusive editorial interviews: Get first-hand insights from other leading C-Executives on sustainability trends and developments that will impact your business.
Expert-led panels: Get your 360-degree view of climate, biodiversity and energy challenges as key voices from varied sectors debate critical issues.
Executive roundtables: Build relationships with fellow leaders committed to sustainable action and dive into burning issues behind closed doors.
Climate change, biodiversity loss and the energy crises are some of the defining stories of our age. The Zimbabwe Independent is committed to reporting on our planet with integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.
The 2024 Annual Sustainability Summit is an opportunity to explore together all aspects of the pressing global trilemma of our time for a sustainable future.
- Tapera is a certified expert in ESG and impact investing. She is also a sustainable business leader. — cynthia@pivot-africa.com
