It is well-established science that human influence has warmed the earth’s climate more than 1.2°C since pre-industrial times—and global emissions continue to rise today.
Governments and business have responded with a wave of commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. But even if all long-term and net-zero targets are met, we still are on a trajectory to reach 2.1°C of warming by the end of the century.
The resulting changes to the ocean, melting ice sheets, and rising global sea levels are irreversible, and every fraction of a degree escalates climate risks. Billions of people around the world are potentially vulnerable to the resulting impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, threatening livelihoods, health, and access to food and water.
Sustained, meaningful climate action from businesses, governments, and other global stakeholders is a critical part of the global response, which includes:
- Support for nature-positive solutions that mitigate climate impacts
- Mobilize suppliers, consumers, and employees to take action
- Address climate injustice and co-create resilient solutions for affected communities.
- Reduce carbon emissions and transform business to achieve net-zero
Climate action also creates opportunity and has become a mainstream business. Stakeholder pressure is mounting for businesses to act now. Net-zero commitments are here to stay, and mandatory climate disclosure will soon arrive for companies in many countries.
3B
More than 3 billion people around the world are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
1,238
As of September 15, there are 1,238 companies with validated targets following a 1.5°C trajectory. Of this number, 500 were validated in 2022.
13%
According to NASA, September Arctic sea ice is now shrinking at a rate of 13 percent per decade, compared to its average extent during the period of 1981 to 2010.
How We Can Help
Adding Value to Your Business and Society
To fulfill the Paris Agreement’s vision of a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050, we work with companies to deliver 1.5°C-aligned climate goals, transform their value chains, manage climate risks, and advance climate justice. We tailor our work to the specific needs of each company and industry. We’ll help your business align with the 1.5°C ambition and take credible action through a variety of offerings, including:
Case Studies
Bloomberg Philanthropies
With the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, BSR is building on top of existing work to scale company use of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) scenarios and to develop investor-facing white-label Climate Transition Action Plans (CTAPs) for companies. With high-carbon assets shifting to private capital, BSR is also engaging private capital investors—including private equity and venture capital firms—to join the existing net-zero agenda by decarbonizing both their firm-level and portfolio-level emissions. Ultimately, this work is intended to reduce climate risk to both companies and society, build resilience in the face of a changing climate, and enable private sector actors to take meaningful action towards climate goals.
Conducting a Climate Risk Assessment through Scenario Analysis
BSR worked with Mercer International Inc., a global producer of market pulp and solid wood products, to conduct a climate scenario analysis.
Sustainability Insights
Reports
Co-creating Climate Justice Interventions between Business and Communities
This issue brief shows business practitioners how to implement climate justice interventions by using a process of co-creation with affected stakeholders.
Tools and Resources
Climate Change Resources
BSR Members Only
Collaboration
Collective Solutions for Meaningful Impact
Our collaborative initiatives and Roundtables enable companies to transform their businesses while creating shared solutions to global challenges and make a meaningful systemic impact.
We Mean Business Coalition
Alliances and Partnerships
Our Experts
Depth of Experience and Knowledge
Our Climate Change team consists of global experts across multiple industries, bringing a depth of experience in developing sustainable business strategies and solutions.
Let’s talk about how BSR can help you to transform your business and achieve your sustainability goals.