An agreement at COP21 in Paris this December is likely to have profound implications for business. What actions should companies take today to prepare for the significant changes to come?

COP21 in Paris is the culmination of six years of international negotiations since Copenhagen. Most signals, including the recent Joint Presidential Statement between the United States and China, point to an agreement in Paris. This agreement would, for the first time, provide:

  • A high-level framework to drive forward national actions on climate change in all of the world’s major economies;
  • A robust process to monitor the implementation of national actions;
  • A timetable for nations to review and strengthen those actions; and
  • International mechanisms to promote climate-friendly finance, technology transfer and adaptation to climate change impacts.

As a leader in sustainability consulting, ERM is committed to playing an active role in the response to climate change. We have the scientific, technical and regulatory expertise to help clients tackle the risks and opportunities presented by a low-carbon business environment.

Among our services, we can assist you to:

  • Translate the “post-Paris” landscape of national policy commitments into an assessment of risk and opportunity across the value chain for your business.
  • Develop, measure and support the implementation of practical GHG emissions reduction plans and actions, across facilities, supply chains and product lines.
  • Help you to cost-effectively manage compliance with climate change regulation and policy measures.
  • Support your engagement with stakeholders on climate change and sustainability, including public reporting on your policies, programs, targets and performance.
  • Understand and manage physical risks from extreme weather and climate change and develop adaptation strategies and plans.

Many of the management tools already exist for business to manage the low-carbon transition. The key to success will be gauging the scope of carbon risk in each country and developing a systematic means to factor that into business planning.