CSO Connect #20

Hello! This summer, sharpen your climate expertise — one insight at a time. In this issue:

• 🌱 Leaf: A powerful wake-up call on climate tipping points with Jonathon Porritt 🤖 A must-attend webinar: AI, climate & the dangers of greenwashing 📊 Data Story: AI’s growing environmental footprint 🔍 2025’s top IFRS tools: to future-proof your reporting 📅 Big regulation updates: SBTi & California Climate Law

Let’s dive in. 🌊

Can We Save Earth Before It's Too Late? ⌛️

What do you call someone who’s been a teacher, a protestor, a political leader, a government advisor, and a futurist — while staying unapologetically radical? Meet Jonathon Porritt one of the UK’s most influential environmental voices. 🎧 Listen if you want to:

• Understand how politics and psychology are slowing climate progress
• Learn what role companies must play in adaptation
• Get inspired by one of sustainability’s most enduring voices
• And what keeps him hopeful after 40 years of frontline action

💬 “Realism without hope is just surrender.” — Jonathon Porritt

Listen to the Episode

The future of sustainability is increasingly intertwined with AI, but with innovation comes new challenges. AI Is Reshaping Sustainability. Are You Ready for What Comes Next? In this webinar, we’ll dive into how AI can support your sustainability efforts without compromising transparency. From the risks of greenwashing to the power of data-driven ESG communication, we’ll cover the critical aspects you need to know to safeguard your strategy.

📅 August 13, 2025 🕓 4PM CET / 10AM EST 📍 Free Virtual Event

Save your spot now

🎤 What we’ll cover in this 45-min virtual event:

• ✅ Understanding the hidden environmental impacts of AI
• ✅ Best practices to prevent AI-driven greenwashing
• ✅ Key demands from investors, regulators, and customers in 2025
• ✅ A proven framework for AI-supported, transparent sustainability messaging
• ✅ Practical next steps for building trust with your AI strategy

 The Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence 🤖

AI is reshaping how we live, work — and report on sustainability. But it’s not without consequences. In this story:

• How much energy does AI really use?
• What’s the hidden environmental cost of training models like GPT?
• And how can we scale AI responsibly?

Read the Full Data Story

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the big questions shaping our future. From the carbon cost of AI to the climate impact of rearming Europe — explore our expert-led Data Stories and dive into the topics that matter most to you. Pick your Data Story

Your Resources Toolbox 🧰

Boost Your Climate IQ With These Top Resources:

• 🖋️ Guide: The Hidden Emissions of Tech: A Sustainability Guide for Businesses in the Tech Industry
• 📊 Benchmark: The 10 Best VSME Tools in 2025 (And How to Choose One)
• 🔎 Expert's Tips: How to prepare for an EcoVadis audit
• 🎤 Podcast: From Billion-Dollar Boardrooms at Microsoft to the Barn: Why She Walked Away | Elisabeth Brinton @ Serenity Spring Farm

Which IFRS Tool is Right for You? Our 2025 Guide Makes It Easy 🔎

Choosing the right tool is essential to navigate complex sustainability disclosure frameworks. In this guide, we cover:

• Key features your tool absolutely needs in 2025
• The pros & cons of top providers
• A checklist to assess compatibility with your ESG reporting setup

Read the Guide

Regulation Watch: SBTi Releases Net-Zero Standard for Financial Institutions 📈

The Science Based Targets initiative has just launched a Net-Zero framework for banks, asset managers, insurers & investors. What’s inside:

• Net-zero energy portfolios by 2050
• Fossil fuel finance phase-out (coal by 2030)
• Rules to close greenwashing loopholes
• Emphasis on FLAG emissions & deforestation risk

Read the full SBTi Net-Zero Standard for Financial Institutions (PDF): Learn More Questions about all the changes and how this will impact securing an SBTi validation? Let us know!

California Disclosure Rules: Are You Ready? 🚨

The California Air Resources Board just released official guidance on climate laws SB 253 & SB 261 — which will impact thousands of companies by 2026. Greenly’s got you covered with a one-pager breakdown of what to expect, who’s affected, and how to get compliant: Read Now 🌍 Stay compliant. Build trust. Lead on climate.

CSO Connection

Events you can’t miss!

• Enterprise ESG Reporting & Sustainability Data Summit, Paris, Sept 10-20, 2025
• NYC Climate Week, San Diego CA, Sept 21-28, 2025
• Ecomondo, Rimini Expo Center, Italie, Nov 4-5, 2025
• Impact Festival, Messe Frankfurt, Nov 26-27, 2025