Training Course on The Role of the Board in Climate Governance

Training Course on The Role of the Board in Climate Governance

Introduction

In an era defined by climate urgency and increasing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) imperative, the role of the board of directors in shaping and overseeing an organization's climate strategy has become paramount. No longer a peripheral issue, climate governance is now a core component of fiduciary duty, demanding sophisticated understanding and proactive leadership. Boards must navigate complex climate risks – both physical and transition – while simultaneously identifying and capitalizing on emerging green economy opportunities and ensuring robust climate-related financial disclosures and transparency.

Training Course on The Role of the Board in Climate Governance is designed to equip board members and senior executives with the essential knowledge and practical tools to effectively embed climate action and sustainability leadership within their organizations. We will delve into the evolving regulatory landscape, stakeholder expectations, and best practices in corporate climate strategy, empowering participants to drive meaningful change, enhance organizational resilience, and secure long-term value in a rapidly decarbonizing world.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

1. To understand the fiduciary duties and legal implications of climate change for board members.
2. To analyze the physical and transition risks posed by climate change to business models and assets.
3. To identify and leverage climate-related opportunities for innovation, growth, and competitive advantage.
4. To grasp the intricacies of climate-related financial disclosures (e.g., TCFD, ISSB) and reporting requirements.
5. To develop robust net-zero pathways and science-based targets for organizational emissions reduction.
6. To integrate climate strategy seamlessly into overall business strategy and risk management frameworks.
7. To understand the importance of supply chain decarbonization and scope 3 emissions management.
8. To effectively engage with stakeholders (investors, regulators, employees, communities) on climate issues.
9. To foster a climate-competent board through strategic composition and continuous learning.
10. To explore the intersection of climate change, biodiversity loss, and nature-related financial disclosures (TNFD).
11. To navigate the complexities of climate litigation and its implications for corporate liability.
12. To understand the role of green finance and sustainable investment in funding climate transitions.
13. To implement effective board oversight mechanisms for climate performance and accountability, including linking executive pay to climate goals.

Organizational Benefits

• Demonstrating proactive climate leadership strengthens public trust and stakeholder confidence.
• Proactive identification and management of physical, transition, and litigation risks.
• Meeting investor demands for ESG performance and attracting sustainable finance.
• Unlocking new markets, products, and services in the green economy.
• Staying ahead of evolving climate reporting and policy requirements.
• Building adaptive capacity to withstand climate shocks and disruptions.
• Driving operational cost savings through energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• Appealing to employees seeking purpose-driven organizations.

Target Audience

1. Board Directors (Executive & Non-Executive)
2. C-Suite Executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CSOs)
3. Company Secretaries & Governance Professionals
4. Risk Management Executives
5. Sustainability Leaders & Practitioners
6. Investor Relations Professionals
7. Legal Counsel specializing in Corporate Law/ESG
8. Senior Management responsible for Strategic Planning

Course Outline

Module 1: The Urgency of Climate Action & Board Fiduciary Duty

• Global climate science consensus and the 1.5°C target.
• Understanding the economic and societal impacts of climate change.
• Evolving legal and fiduciary duties of directors regarding climate.
• The escalating pressure from investors, regulators, and civil society.
• Defining Climate Governance and its distinction from broader ESG.
• Case Study: ClientEarth vs. Shell Directors: Analysis of the legal arguments and implications for directors' personal liability.

Module 2: Climate Risks: Identification, Assessment, and Integration

• Physical Risks: Acute (e.g., extreme weather) and Chronic (e.g., sea-level rise, resource scarcity).
• Transition Risks: Policy, Legal, Technology, Market, and Reputation risks.
• Quantitative and qualitative methodologies for climate risk assessment.
• Integrating climate risks into enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.
• Scenario analysis and climate stress testing for strategic planning.
• Case Study: Utility Company in a Flood Zone: Assessing financial and operational impacts of increased flood frequency and developing adaptation strategies.

Module 3: Climate Opportunities: Innovation, Growth, and Value Creation

• Identifying emerging markets and technologies in the green economy.
• Innovation in sustainable products, services, and business models.
• Resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and cost savings.
• Attracting green investment and enhancing brand value.
• The competitive advantage of proactive climate leadership.
• Case Study: Danish Wind Turbine Manufacturer Vestas: How focusing on renewable energy technology drove significant market share and profitability.

Module 4: Global Climate Policy & Regulatory Landscape

• Overview of international agreements: Paris Agreement, COPs, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Key regional and national climate policies (e.g., EU Green Deal, US IRA).
• Carbon pricing mechanisms: carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS).
• The role of carbon budgets and sectoral decarbonization targets.
• Navigating policy uncertainty and regulatory shifts.
• Case Study: Impact of EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): How European companies are adapting to new import regulations and their implications for supply chains.

Module 5: Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD & ISSB)

• Understanding the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
• Deep dive into the four pillars: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets.
• The emergence of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and its global impact.
• Practical steps for preparing and enhancing climate disclosures.
• Assurance and verification of climate-related data.
• Case Study: A Publicly Listed Energy Company's TCFD Report: Analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in their climate disclosures.

Module 6: Setting Ambitious Net-Zero Targets and Pathways

• Defining net-zero, carbon neutrality, and climate positive.
• The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and its methodologies.
• Developing credible interim and long-term decarbonization targets.
• Creating a detailed net-zero roadmap for the organization.
• The role of offsets and carbon removals in achieving net-zero.
• Case Study: Microsoft's Carbon Negative Pledge: Exploring their ambitious targets, strategies, and challenges in achieving beyond net-zero.

Module 7: Integrating Climate into Corporate Strategy

• Embedding climate considerations into the core business model.
• Aligning climate goals with overall corporate strategy and purpose.
• Strategic capital allocation for climate transition.
• Portfolio analysis for climate risk and opportunity.
• Transforming governance structures to support climate integration.
• Case Study: Ørsted's Transformation from Fossil Fuels to Renewables: A strategic shift driven by climate vision and significant capital reallocation.

Module 8: Supply Chain Decarbonization and Scope 3 Emissions

• Understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and their significance.
• Challenges and opportunities in measuring and managing Scope 3 emissions.
• Engaging suppliers and customers in decarbonization efforts.
• Circular economy principles and waste reduction across the value chain.
• Leveraging technology for supply chain transparency and impact tracking.
• Case Study: Patagonia's Supply Chain Sustainability: How a brand leverages its supply chain to drive environmental responsibility and accountability.

Module 9: Board Composition, Expertise, and Oversight

• Assessing and enhancing the board's climate competency.
• Recruiting directors with relevant climate and sustainability expertise.
• Structuring board committees for effective climate oversight.
• Designing effective climate-related KPIs and executive compensation links.
• Facilitating robust boardroom discussions on climate change.
• Case Study: Unilever's Board Evolution for Sustainability: How the board adapted its structure and sought expertise to drive its sustainability agenda.

Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Identifying key climate stakeholders: investors, employees, customers, communities, NGOs.
• Effective communication strategies for climate commitments and progress.
• Responding to shareholder resolutions and activist campaigns.
• Building trust and managing reputational risks.
• The importance of authentic communication and avoiding greenwashing.
• Case Study: Danone's B Corp Certification and Stakeholder Engagement: How a company legally committed to social and environmental performance to engage stakeholders.

Module 11: Climate Litigation and Legal Accountability

• Trends in climate change litigation against corporations and governments.
• Types of climate litigation: liability, disclosure, greenwashing claims.
• Legal risks associated with inadequate climate action or disclosure.
• Directors' personal liability for climate-related negligence.
• Proactive measures to minimize litigation risks.
• Case Study: Milieudefensie v. Shell: Examining the landmark ruling and its implications for corporate climate responsibility.

Module 12: Sustainable Finance & Investment

• Overview of green finance instruments: green bonds, sustainability-linked loans.
• The role of institutional investors and asset managers in driving climate action.
• ESG integration in investment decisions and portfolio construction.
• Impact investing and financing climate solutions.
• Navigating the landscape of sustainable finance taxonomies and regulations.
• Case Study: BlackRock's Stance on Climate Risk: Analyzing Larry Fink's annual letters and their influence on corporate climate strategies.

Module 13: Climate, Biodiversity & Nature-Related Disclosures (TNFD)

• The interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Understanding nature-related risks and opportunities.
• Introduction to the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
• Integrating nature considerations into corporate strategy and reporting.
• Valuing natural capital and ecosystem services.
• Case Study: Companies Engaged in Reforestation/Restoration Projects: Highlighting initiatives that address both climate and biodiversity.

Module 14: Just Transition & Social Equity

• Defining the "just transition" in the context of climate action.
• Addressing social impacts of decarbonization on workers and communities.
• Ensuring equitable benefits from the green energy transition.
• The role of boards in promoting social justice alongside environmental goals.
• Stakeholder dialogue and collaboration for a fair transition.
• Case Study: Coal Mining Region Transitioning to Renewables: Examining the social and economic challenges and successful community engagement strategies.

Module 15: Future Trends & Leadership in Climate Governance

• Emerging technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation.
• The evolving role of AI and data analytics in climate decision-making.
• Cross-sector collaboration and public-private partnerships.
• Leadership traits for navigating the climate crisis.
• Building a culture of sustainability and climate responsibility throughout the organization.
• Case Study: Innovations in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Discussing the potential and challenges of new technologies in decarbonization.

Training Methodology

This training course will employ a dynamic and interactive methodology to ensure maximum engagement and practical application:

• Expert-Led Presentations: Concise and insightful modules delivered by experienced climate governance professionals.
• Interactive Workshops: Group exercises, breakout sessions, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Real-World Case Studies: In-depth analysis of diverse corporate responses to climate challenges and opportunities.
• Peer Learning & Networking: Opportunities for participants to share experiences and best practices.
• Q&A Sessions: Direct interaction with instructors and guest speakers.
• Practical Tools & Frameworks: Provision of templates, checklists, and guides for immediate application.
• Discussion Forums: Facilitated debates on controversial topics and emerging trends.
• Pre-reading Materials: Ensuring participants arrive with foundational knowledge.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.