Climate change has moved from an ethical or environmental issue to a critical consideration in the way boards oversee risk management, strategy and corporate disclosure. Yet many directors are unaware of how this risk relates to their legal duties and disclosure obligations, often assuming that by pursuing a zero-carbon business strategy, they may need to “leave profitable business on the table” and in so doing, face the risk of removal or litigation. In fact, the legal landscape has evolved considerably in the last few years, and continues to do so every day as new regulations, laws and litigation around the world continually redefine what directors should do.

In light of this very fluid context, how should directors interpret their legal obligations? Do these duties vary significantly across jurisdictions? Is a high standard of transparency enough? How is the concept of the “reasonable director” being redefined in a world where the scientific and financial communities increasingly regard climate change as the single-greatest systemic risk facing the global economy?

To provide directors with clear answers to these questions, the Climate Governance Initiative has teamed up with the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative to produce a global Primer on directors’ duties and obligations as they relate to climate change, looking at common universal trends across 21 key jurisdictions, including the EU27. Please join us for the launch webinar where a panel of legal, director and investor experts will share insights on the climate-related legal risks and duties that board directors must understand and act upon in order to steer their companies to resilience and commercial success in a zero-carbon world.

This event is organised by the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative and the Climate Governance Initiative, and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.