Transition from risk to reporting: corporate disclosures for a low-carbon future

Climate change and its impact is a profoundly important global issue. The climate crisis continues unabated. It affects Australia. Much can be done to tackle the problem.

Some of this work is the province of state actors. Non-state actors like the business community can also contribute by joining collective efforts to transition to a low-carbon future. Companies have an important and influential role to play. Corporate leadership can supplement global and national efforts. Companies are well placed to translate nation-state targets into meaningful action towards climate resilience and carbon neutrality.

This presentation will examine the latest trends, issues and opportunities for Australian companies in how they can enhance their governance and risk management to meet the emergent risk of climate change. It explores a critical tenet of contemporary, better-practice governance - that company directors be well prepared for climate risk and disclose their risk actions to meet evolving obligations and community expectations.

Dealing with climate change is fast becoming an established corporate practice and community expectation. As a result, an optional, 'take it or leave it' approach to disclosures will neither be viable or appropriate. The webinar will explore the case for making non-financial disclosure mandatory for Australian companies and why this is an important contribution to global efforts towards a low-carbon future.

About the Speaker

Paul O'Connor is a Visiting Fellow at the ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance and is an experienced strategist, senior executive and non-executive director. Paul is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow if the Governance Institute of Australia and a national Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia. He holds masters degrees in law and corporate governance.

Image credit: Photo taken by Paul O'Connor of wall mural portrait of Greta Thunberg by Amanda Newman Art.

This event will be delivered online via Zoom.