Making Net Zero Positive

At convenings like the annual U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP) global political leaders and CEOs are fast reaching consensus about the need for swift action on climate and the expanding scope of corporate responsibility on delivering a more sustainable future for everyone. But what happens when the C-suite and executive leaders leave the conferences and summits? How are these intentions and aspirations playing out on the ground?

To answer this, WE Communications surveyed business leaders from around the globe, including some of Australia’s leading brands and minds to understand how brands are moving to a more climate-friendly economy that is fair and equitable to all people and communities—a principle known as “just transition.”

A Just Transition is the process of creating a more sustainable world that benefits all by recognising that the communities most impacted by climate change are often the ones without adequate resources to mitigate or adapt. For wealthier nations and the private sector this can be achieved by investing in sustainable infrastructure, green technology and reskilling programs.

Our 2022 global report - "Making Net Zero Net Positive for Everyone" - finds that 61% of executives say their company is implementing or planning to implement a "just transition" strategy. However, there is a gap on c-suite aspirations and companywide action as only 40% of senior and middle managers are aware of such a strategy.

Moving from lofty sustainability commitments to strong and equitable impacts takes hard work and decisive action, and a sustainability plan is no longer a “nice to have.” Those days are over. As both a business driver and a strategic imperative, a brand’s ability to tell their sustainability story effectively to all stakeholders is increasingly linked to their reputational and commercial success.

WE Communications 2022 research outlines the key challenges and opportunities in the Australian market and the most urgent next steps.

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