COP29: Our Subject Matter Experts Share their Perspectives

Recent floods and extreme weather events across the globe have made it clear that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today. We need a strong commitment to build a fair and sustainable low-carbon future.This year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29 in Azerbaijan will be a vital chance to rethink and reshape our approach to the climate agenda.

We asked our team of expert consultants to share their unique perspectives on the key issues around COP29 and what actions organisations can take to tackle climate change. Read on to discover what they each had to say.

Dr James Cadman, Head of Consultancy and Carbon:

“Despite the moderate reduction in GHG emissions last year from some developed nations, emissions overall are still rising, predominantly from developing nations and those whose economies rely on fossil fuels. To really tackle the impacts of climate change we need to not only accelerate our own mitigation actions, but also invest in those of our supply chain. Addressing Scope 3 PGS is the key to achieving this.”

Emma-Jane (EJ) Allen, Senior Consultant:

“As COP29 approaches, it’s clear that climate risks and human rights risks are interconnected, with climate change driving an increase in vulnerable people worldwide. Businesses must proactively address both these risks. By doing so they can build more resilient supply chains and reduce exposure to legal, reputational, and operational risks such as sanctions, seizures, and fines.”

Mellita D’silva, Lead Consultant

“Including Sustainable Procurement commitments and actions in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and using the Golden Thread methodology, to flow down the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs, into the supply and value chains via procurement will prove to be a real game changer. It’s a no-brainer, we need to act now.”

Vaishali Baid, Senior Consultant

“From Pledges to Action – Advancing our climate agenda requires prioritising investment in people. Investing in people isn’t secondary; it’s essential. When we invest in individuals, we empower them to drive the green transition more effectively. This year let’s harness human potential to power the green economy, ensuring no one is left behind.”

Stefania Chica-Jacome, Sustainability Consultant

“2024 stands as the hottest year in 130,000 years, with climate impacts everywhere we look. COP29’s focus on climate finance for vulnerable areas is crucial, reminding us that climate change is a social crisis as much as an environmental one. Now is the time for organisations to step up: prioritize renewable energy, set science-based targets and reduce supply chain emissions to protect both people and the planet.”

Lucy Picken, Consultant

“Collaboration is key to ensuring we reduce our emissions. Whether this is individually, or as an organisation, we can all be making changes and taking steps to reduce emissions. Talk with your senior leaders, your supply chain, your clients and everyone in between. Taking just one small step to reduce your impact, can make a difference ”

Hattie Webb, Consultant

“Climate inequality is just as pressing an issue now as it’s ever been. According to recent statistics published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, over 376 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced by floods, windstorms, earthquakes or droughts since 2008, with a record 32.6 million in 2022 alone. It’s often the most vulnerable people across the world that suffer the most from the impacts of climate change. I’d like to see this being a priority at COP29 – the western world has a huge part to play and a responsibility to make up for historical emissions.”

For more information or to explore how Action Sustainability can support your organisation, please contact our team.