CLIMATE RISK GRAY RHINOS: STRATEGIC RESPONSES
The wildfires and multiple new record high temperatures set in 2023 are a clear reminder that climate change is a global, obvious, impactful “gray rhino” risk for boards of directors. Climate risk and the net-zero transition affect strategy and operations involving issues that range from supply chains to agriculture, property values, energy, finance, insurance, regulatory changes, reputational risk, and even recruiting and retaining employees. Companies now face not just the challenge of tracking, reporting, and reducing their own climate impact and risk exposure –but also hyper-politicized calls from groups that want them to ignore environment, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. How should boards and management teams approach and respond to the climate risk imperative?
Recommended format: 30-45 minute keynote with Q&A
The audience will leave with:
- A dynamic systems understanding of climate risks including their impact on the financial system
- Tools for analyzing key stakeholders and motivating them to move from denial or muddling to action
- An understanding of the rising debate over climate risk pricing
- Actionable ideas for employee and customer engagement
- Analysis of the ESF backlash
- Insights into the dangers of greenwashing
This program is perfect for:
- Policy makers
- Boards
- Risk managers and business continuity professionals
- Investors
I’ve lost count of the number of questions from reporters about the climate change gray rhino: charging right at us, but only some people are responding. Through my industry connections, I have an inside track into some of the latest developments in environmental, social, and governance risk screening trends -both positive and pitfalls. I’ve spoken to governments, companies, trade groups, and other non-governmental organizations about climate change and ESG trends that your organization cannot afford to ignore.
Watch and Listen to some of Michele’s insights on Climate Gray Rhinos:
“Can Humans Adapt to Climate Change?” Richmond Forum/Intelligence Squared debate, with partner Kahveh Madani versus Bjorn Lomborg and Matthew Kahn, April 2022
“Climate Scenarios for Assessing Long Term Economic Impacts” Chapter Zero webinar, Italy, July 2023 VIDEO
Heightening Ambitions, (Video), Forética ESG Summit, Spain, (virtual), September 2021
Getting to a Zero Carbon Future, (Video), Sina Finance ESG Leaders Summit, China, August 2021
New Climate podcast, October 2021
Two Experts Offer Personal Solution Paths Amid Complexity and Inevitability on Sustain What? with Andrew Revkin
Electric Ladies podcast with Joan Michelson
This program is based on insights developed in THE GRAY RHINO and in YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK Enquire about bulk book sales as part of a speaking package.