November Round-Up of ESG Monthly Newsletter
By PA Mediapoint 30/11/2023Welcome to the latest edition of our ESG Monthly Newsletter: ESG Perspectives by Mediapoint!
In November, we delved into a diverse array of topics, uncovering insights and perspectives that shed light on the ever-evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. From exploring the critical discussions at Cop28 to examining the role of Chief Diversity Officers in today’s workplaces, our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the most engaging stories from this month. Join us as we recap the highlights and gain fresh perspectives on the dynamic world of ESG.
What’s on the agenda at Cop28?
As the 28th UN Climate Conference (Cop28) kicks off in Dubai, global attention is fixed on efforts to combat climate change. Amid hopes for progress, concerns arise over the host, the UAE, a major oil exporter. Allegations of potential oil deals at the conference have been denied by Cop28’s president, Sultan al-Jaber.
The agenda encompasses vital discussions on Paris Agreement goals, with a focus on the first-ever Global Stocktake. Key issues include funding for developing nations, a call for a fossil fuel phase-out by over 200 businesses, and the urgency to rectify policies leading to a projected 3°C temperature increase.
Should every workplace have a chief diversity officer?
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) has emerged as a crucial figure in steering organisations towards inclusivity and equity. While Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs are widespread, only 53% of the largest UK and European companies have a CDO, compared to 74% in the United States.
To explore the significance of the CDO role, we spoke with two diversity experts; Wizdom Powell,PhD, MPH, chief social impact and diversity officer at Headspace, and Janice Robinson Burns, Chief People Officer at Degreed, to investigate this issue. They highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities of CDOs, emphasising their impact on authenticity, innovation, business strategy, and expansion.
What leading ESG investment experts are saying ahead of Cop28
How will upcoming climate conference Cop28 affect ESG investing? PA’s Sustainability reporter Rebecca Speare-Cole spoke with American financial services firm Morningstar to find their thoughts on the potential impact of the conference.
Key areas include the 1.5-degree Celsius target, corporate governance scrutiny, and measuring the impact of investments. Focus areas extend to assessing companies’ actions on net-zero measures and the need to measure investment impact. Post-Cop28, innovation in passive investing themes is anticipated, emphasising benchmarks. Planning for diverse climate scenarios becomes crucial, with governance playing a key role in managing risks. The net-zero path offers both risks and opportunities, with a spotlight on good fundamentals and valuations.
How employers can support men’s mental health this Movember and beyond
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Movember, the campaign promoting men’s health awareness through mustache-growing, takes on added significance this year. Russell McIver from Movember encourages companies to join by organising internal health messaging campaigns, fostering engagement, and demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being. In the evolving discourse on mental health in the workplace, experts advise regular check-ins, leading by example, and hosting in-person events for camaraderie.
Emphasising a long-term cultural shift in well-being initiatives, they stress the importance of proactive and consistent approaches. Prioritising physical activity at work is also highlighted for overall well-being. It serves as a timely reminder for companies to actively support and prioritise the mental health of their employees.
As we conclude this month’s newsletter, we invite you to explore these articles for a deeper understanding of the essential ESG topics we covered.
Stay tuned for more informative articles in our upcoming newsletters, ESG Perspectives by Mediapoint, as we continue to provide valuable insights on these ESG-related matters. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, On The Point, to stay updated on our services and initiatives.
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