The latest insights from CDP, the global environmental disclosure system

As we look to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, governments must recognize the interconnected crises of human and planetary health and link economic stimulus with climate ambition. There's a clear appetite from the private sector. Companies realize that environmental action cannot wait: over 150 global corporations have reaffirmed their science-based targets and are calling on governments to do the same. And 2020 has seen a 24% increase in businesses demanding supply chain transparency through CDP. Environmental disclosure is more important than ever.

Uniting business and governments to recover better

In the largest ever UN-backed CEO-led climate advocacy drive, over 150 global corporations have reaffirmed their commitments to science-based climate action and are calling on world leaders to match their ambition. The business voices have been convened by the Science Based Targets initiative - of which CDP is a core partner - with its Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.

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The Green Recovery: Europe's low-carbon investment opportunity

The COVID-19 crisis highlights the importance of resilience to future shocks and disruptions. A return to business-as-usual is not an option. In this new blog post, CDP's Mirjam Wolfrum argues that the European Green Deal offers both a vehicle and a roadmap for recovery. However, policymakers must do more to stimulate low-carbon investment.

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24% jump in companies asking their suppliers for environmental transparency

We're pleased to announce a 24% increase in large scale purchasers asking their suppliers to report environmental data through CDP in 2020, compared to 2019. Companies such as Nike, Airbus, Sainsbury's and Ørsted are among those calling on suppliers for more transparency. A net increase of 30 new companies brings the total to 150+ wielding a combined purchasing spend of more than US$4 trillion. Requests are going out to 15,000+ supplier companies to disclose through CDP.

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Unlocking nature's potential

In addressing our global societal and environmental challenges, we must remember to look to nature. This policy briefing is CDP's first look at the actions taken by companies on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) within its forests' disclosure data. There are clear opportunities to scale up NbS to support delivering a 1.5°C, deforestation-free world.

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The Investor Agenda: A sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

Economic recovery measures from the COVID-19 crisis must accelerate the transition to a more resilient, inclusive, and zero-carbon economy. CDP and the six other founding members of The Investor Agenda urge investors, regulators and policymakers to work together to ensure that investments align with the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement.

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CDP in the news

CDP CEO Paul Simpson has signed an open letter calling on governments to scale up Nature-Based Solutions in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. Read related coverage in BusinessGreen.

Eco-Business evaluates Unilever’s sustainability efforts and includes analysis from CDP’s Regional Director Pratima Divgi.

Environmental Leader, Ethical Corporation, GreenBiz and BusinessGreen discuss the 24% jump in companies demanding greater supply chain transparency through CDP. The last three articles feature CDP's Dexter Galvin, who contextualizes the increase in the light of COVID-19.

Forbes, BBC News and Bloomberg cover the Recover Better statement, signed by 155 global corporations, calling on world leaders to pair COVID-19 recovery with climate action. The Forbes article quotes CDP CEO Paul Simpson: the "coronavirus outbreak is a stark reminder of the fragility of our current economic system."

Ethical Marketing News and Eco-Business covered The Investor Agenda statement. Both quote our CEO Paul Simpson: "the world stands at a crossroads. While the current priority is rightly to save human lives, the focus on economic recovery that will follow must prioritize building the sustainable and resilient society that we need."

CDP’s Katie Walsh is quoted in a statement from the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative discussing the triple threat of climate change, COVID-19 and the economic downturn.

Events

Global Workshop Series

Join us for a series of virtual events this May and June, both global and region-specific, as we drive ambitious sustainability action worldwide. 2020 marks the first year of a decade of historic climate action. It’s more essential than ever for companies, cities, states and regions to disclose environmental data through CDP. The workshops provide valuable support, updates, thought leadership and networking opportunities, helping you take more effective environmental action. workshops.cdp.net

Cities Webinars

3 June: Join our CDP Cities Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments webinar to learn how to assess adaptive capacity and cope with uncertainty, with a particular spotlight on water security. 85% of cities reported climate hazards in 2019 but only 46% of these cities completed risk and vulnerability assessments to help them assess the real-world impact of these hazards. 13:00 BST / 08:00 EDT / 20:00 HKT Register today.

17 June: Join our CDP Cities Air Pollution & Public Health webinar addressing the impact that air pollution has on our health, resilience and skylines. We’ll be joined by the Deputy Mayor of Rennes, Charlotte Marchandise, and Dr. Nathalie Roebbel of the WHO who will discuss pragmatic and cost-effective measures to target pollutants. 13:00 BST / 08:00 EDT / 20:00 HKT Register today.