The Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter

Yesterday (16 Apr), our Steering Committee member, Mr. Hendrik Rosenthal, delivered a keynote speech at “The Green Way Forward for a Sustainable Future Seminar Series - Seminar 1: Getting Ready for the Carbon Market,” organized by Business Environment Council, Sustainability Professional Association and sponsored by Invest Hong Kong. He spoke about “carbon market development after #COP29.” He highlighted that COP29 was a finance COP and emphasized the importance of #Article_6, particularly Article 6.2, which operationalizes the carbon market since the #Paris_Agreement, and Article 6.4, the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (#PACM). However, no further guidelines on Articles 6.2 and 6.4 will be developed until 2028. He also stressed the need to internationalize China’s #carbon_market and Hong Kong’s role in it, updating the progress of carbon market development in the APAC region from a regulatory perspective. 🌍💼 Following his speech, a panel discussion was moderated by Grace Kwok, General Council Member of HKIQEP (Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals). Ms. Miranda Kwan, Director of Business Assurance at SGS Hong Kong Limited, shared the role of independent verification bodies in ensuring credibility. She noted that while there are few carbon projects in Hong Kong, there are more ways than SBTi to reduce carbon emissions, but Hong Kong needs to build the necessary mechanisms. 🌱🔍 Ir Dr. Ivan LI, Executive Director of CGS International Holdings Limited, discussed the role of #financial_institutions in bridging different carbon markets to increase carbon price liquidity. He mentioned the challenge of missing standards as financial tools to push the carbon market, noting that the abundance of standards makes it difficult for financial institutions to participate and convert between different markets. 💰📈 Hendrik Rosenthal, compared the #GHG_protocol, which is not accountable for the net-zero target, to Science Based Targets initiative (#SBTi), which has high standards and does not allow carbon offsetting. He also shared that purchasing carbon credits is not a long-term strategy while electrification is the way forward, and carbon credits could play a wider role in the market. ⚡🌍 Ir Raymond FONG, Director of RIE Sustainability Limited, shared that the pressure of carbon emissions will transfer to the supply chain. Once a client commits to #SBTi, it will soon ask its suppliers to commit as well. He also mentioned that the hurdles in corporate carbon reduction are that carbon reduction does not equate to carbon credits, which will be the most accessible way in the future. 🔄🏭 As we move forward, collaboration and innovation will be key to overcoming challenges and achieving our climate goals. We look forward to continued progress and engagement in the carbon market development. 🌍💚 #CarbonMarket #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK #SBTi #GHGProtocol

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We're very proud to see The Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter Steering Committee member, Prof. Agnes K Y Tai, PhD 戴洁莹, along with a host of board members, ambassadors, and associates from our global Chapter network of Climate Governance Initiative, as part of this impactful new initiative from the World Economic Forum. 🌍👏 📌 About the Global Future Council on Climate and Nature Governance #Board_members and #senior_executives are navigating an increasingly complex #regulatory landscape, along with legal risks and opportunities related to #climate_change 🌡️ and the emerging connections between the climate and #nature agenda 🌿. To build resilient and profitable companies 💼, decision-makers must integrate climate and nature-related considerations into their governance structures, business strategies, and processes 📊. ▶️ Explore All of the Councils The network convenes over 700 experts 👩🏫👨💼 from academia, business, government, civil society, and international organizations 🌐, operating as a time-bound think-tank. These experts are grouped in expertise-based thematic councils to identify and disseminate transformative ideas 💡 with the potential for positive global #impact 🌟. A warm congratulations to all involved and looking forward to the year ahead! 👏🎉 🔗 Find more: https://lnkd.in/eamUmCqA #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK #WorldEconomicForum #Climate #Nature

🌍 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 🌍 The pace of change in the regulatory environment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for #boards to navigate compliance effectively while leveraging #regulation as a catalyst for long-term #value_creation, argues Chapter Zero Fellow David Carlin in this first of a two-part insights series on sustainability regulation for the financial sector and beyond. 📈💡 One important focus area is the 𝐄𝐔 𝐎𝐦𝐧𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬, which has attracted much debate. The table below is a useful reference guide of the key proposed changes, currently under consideration. 📊🔍 Stay tuned for more insights! 🌟 #ChapterZero #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK #regulation #omnibus

On the last day of "Excellence in Green Commercial Banking Immersion Lab" by The Alliance for Green Commercial Banks, Mohit Grover, Steering Committee Member of The Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter, emphasized the importance of strategic communication and partnership building. The Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter is dedicated to promoting climate governance and climate actions among leaderships. If you hold a board-level mandate and wish to stay informed about our offerings, please join us as a free member by completing this form: 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9e3EfVW 🌏 Stay tuned for our upcoming events. #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK #leadership #boardroom #boarddirectors #StrategicCommunications #PartnershipBuilding

🌿 Directors Duties and Nature: Key Insights 🌿 A conversation about Directors Duties and nature. Missed it? Here are our top 5 insights: 1️⃣ Dependency Recognition Recognize reliance on natural systems for #identifying risks and opportunities. 2️⃣ Nature as Business Risk & Opportunity Leverage #nature_based_solutions (#NbS) for #new_revenue streams. 3️⃣ Evolving Legal Expectations Stay ahead of dynamic market and legal obligations. 4️⃣ Integration with #Climate_Strategy Combine nature and climate considerations for resilience. 5️⃣ Proactive #Engagement Use frameworks like #TNFD for better governance and reduced legal exposure. This webinar follows the recent launch of Nature for Boards: A primer, published by Pollination, Chapter Zero and Korn Ferry. You can download the report and watch the webinar recording here: https://lnkd.in/etTDPBvk #Nature #DirectorDuties #ClimateGovernance #ClimateGovernanceInitiative #CGIHK

🌿 Sustainability Reporting: A Guide for Boards and Leadership 🌿 Navigating the evolving landscape of #sustainability_reporting can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. This interactive guide is designed for directors and senior leaders across all sectors to start or strengthen their approach to reporting on #non_financial matters. 📘 Key Highlights: 🏛️ Foundations for reporting: governance, purpose, stocktake, and value 📋 Building your reporting action plan 🎯 Setting #targets and linking to #organisational_strategy 🚫 Avoiding #greenwashing, #greenhushing, and #greenwishing 💪 Tips for internal #capability_building and #external_assurance 🌏 Overview of New Zealand and #international_reporting_frameworks Produced by Chapter Zero New Zealand in collaboration with KPMG New Zealand, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to align sustainability reporting with your organisation’s strategy, stakeholder needs, and regulatory context. 💡 Remember: Sustainability reporting should create value for your organisation and stakeholders, not just be a tick-box exercise. Start small, progress at your own pace, and be honest in your reporting to present a balanced view of the challenges and actions taken. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or looking to enhance your disclosures, this resource will help you navigate evolving expectations and create meaningful, credible reports. 🌱📈 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5xWGK6X #ChapterZeroNZ #SustainabilityReporting #ClimateGovernance #ClimateGovernanceInitiative #CGIHK

🌍 Embedding Sustainability in the #Boardroom 🌍 Sustainability is crucial for long-term #value_creation and is a legal duty of directors. Yet, many boards struggle to proactively integrate it into their #governance_frameworks. As regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and societal demands intensify, boards that embrace sustainability will mitigate #risks and unlock new #opportunities for #innovation and growth. 🌱💡 🗝️ Key Points: 🌟 Sustainability is fundamental to #corporate_resilience and long-term value creation. ⚖️ Despite awareness, many boards struggle to move #beyond_compliance. 📊 Research highlights three enablers: #structure, #mindset, and #competencies. 🌐 Five key imperatives for integrating ESG: #legal, #value, #management, #investor, and #stakeholder. Considerations for Directors: 🏛️ #Structure: Review governance structures to support climate and sustainability leadership. 🧠 #Competency: Identify capability gaps to link sustainability risks and opportunities to strategy. 💬 #Mindset: Approach sustainability discussions with a strategic mindset, not just compliance. By refining their structure, adopting a strategic mindset, and building competencies, boards can move beyond awareness and into action, positioning their organizations as leaders in a sustainable, resilient economy. 🌍🚀 📖 Article by Judene Edgar CMInstD JP, Principal Governance Advisor, Institute of Directors (IoD) 🔗 Read more: #BoardRoom #ValueCreation #Governance #GovernanceFrameworks #CorporateResilience #BeyondCompliance #ChapterZero #ClimateGovernanceInitiative #CGIHK

🌍 Transition is Good for the Planet – and Business! 🌍 Channel Infrastructure NZ, New Zealand’s leading fuel infrastructure company has undergone major transformational changes in response to climate impacts. With a focus on sustainability, Channel Infrastructure is committed to facilitating New Zealand’s transition to a lower carbon economy. Key initiatives include: 🌱 Exploring onshore production of sustainable aviation fuel (#SAF) and #biofuels. 🏭 Developing an 'Energy Precinct for New Zealand' with potential biorefinery projects. 📊 Incorporating climate-related obligations into their long-term strategy. 🤝 Engaging with expert advisors to adopt best practices and meet new reporting requirements. 🔗 Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gv7N3uzA Join us in supporting a sustainable future! 🌱🌏 #Sustainability #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #ChannelInfrastructure #GreenFuture #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK

🌍 One Earth Summit 2025 Highlights 🌍 On 28 Mar, our Advisory Council Member, Prof. Christine Loh, participated in a panel discussion on "Investing in Nature-Based Solutions: Harnessing Market Mechanisms." The session, moderated by Prof. Winston Chow from Singapore Management University, explored strategies for nature restoration and conservation as powerful climate solutions. 🗝️ Key insights from the panel:  🌱 Mr. Ashley Tan, Global Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), emphasized the critical role of #capital_investment and #capability_building in Nature-based Solutions (#NbS), enabling #climate_tech to address nature-related challenges.  🌾Mr. Boon Heong Ng, CEO of Temasek Foundation, highlighted the importance of #partnerships among public, private, philanthropic, and people. He used the example of low-carbon rice in Vietnam to illustrate how public sector initiatives can be commercialized by the private sector, with philanthropy providing guarantees to make loans bankable. 🌿 Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, advocated for integrating environmental elements into project planning and tendering processes to enhance value and save time and money on compensatory measures. 🌳 Mr. Kenny Lam, Co-Chairman of the Asia Pacific Leadership Council at The Nature Conservancy, stressed the urgency of #climate_action. He emphasized that preserving land benefits not only projects but also communities, delivering both financial returns and positive environmental impacts. 🗣️ Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi 💧, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure of Sri Lanka, underscored the importance of Nature-based Solutions in improving water and soil quality, leveraging capital to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (#NDCs). Together, these leaders are driving forward the conversation on sustainable solutions for our planet. 🌱💡 #OneEarthSummit2025 #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ClimateGovernance #CGIHK🌍🌿

📊 A Director’s Guide to Greenhouse Gas (#GHG) Accounting 📊 KPMG's GHG Accounting and Advisory Service Team launched a director's guide to GHG accounting for Chapter Zero New Zealand recently. Understanding greenhouse gas accounting can help boards find a competitive edge. 🌱 Embracing climate-focused strategies based on accurate GHG emissions data can turn compliance into a powerful competitive edge. 🌍 🗝️ Key Focus Areas: 🎯 Commitment to targets 📊 Data #accuracy 📈 Data #availability 🔍 Estimation and assumptions 🛠️ Methodologies 👥 Capability Directors who understand GHG accounting can guide their organisations to make meaningful contributions to climate goals, ensure business viability, and identify growth opportunities. 🌿 🔗 Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gddPvJJB #ClimateAction #GHGAccounting #Sustainability #BoardDirectors #ClimateChange #KPMG #NewZealand