Sustainable Views

FT Specialist

Confused about sustainability? You’re not alone. Environmental, social and governance factors, or ESG, are increasingly a headache for business, finance and world leaders alike. Now even policymakers are creating rules to govern this space. It’s hard to keep up and make sense of it all. So let us help you by sharing some of the most interesting views shaping this space. Join us as we talk to the people living and breathing sustainability – and a few critics too. (We can’t promise this will be a completely jargon-free space, but we shall try!) Want to talk to us directly? Email sustainable.views@ft.com. Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. What is the current state of sustainability reporting?

    Jun 2

    What is the current state of sustainability reporting?

    In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by reporters Florence Jones and Fiona McNally to examine the future of corporate sustainability reporting in Europe, the UK and beyond. We unpack the latest developments around the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the ongoing revision of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and what businesses are saying about the new reporting requirements. As sustainability reporting frameworks continue to evolve around the world, we explore what businesses, investors and policymakers should be watching next. Timestamps 00:00 - EU CSRD & ESRS Updates 09:19 - UK Reporting: SRS, ISSB, EU 15:14 - Global Reporting Trends & Policies 19:50 - UK Government & Double Materiality 20:42 - Podcast Conclusion & Resources Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  2. Is shareholder power under threat?

    May 6

    Is shareholder power under threat?

    Why did BP face such a strong shareholder backlash — and what does it mean for climate votes? In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Fiona McNally to unpack a dramatic AGM season, starting with BP’s recent shareholder revolt, where investors pushed back against proposals seen to weaken governance and climate accountability. We explore what’s driving the tension between companies and shareholders, whether climate resolutions are losing momentum, and how trends differ between Europe and the US. From Exxon’s influence on voting rights to upcoming votes at Shell and Equinor, we look at whether this is a turning point for shareholder activism — or just a noisy moment in a shifting landscape. Read more on Sustainable Views: Investors raise alarm over Exxon’s controversial voting platform Why we need standardised nature reporting BP chair faces heavy shareholder opposition following governance concerns Timestamps: 00:00 - What happened at BP's AGM? 06:27 - Climate Resolutions & Investor Strategies 08:24 - US Regulatory & Shareholder Influence 13:14 - Global Governance & Democracy Concerns 16:37 - European Accountability & Outlook Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  3. Building business resilience through sustainability practices - Bart Vandewaetere, Nestlé

    Apr 28

    Building business resilience through sustainability practices - Bart Vandewaetere, Nestlé

    How is business really dealing with the EU’s deforestation rules? In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall speaks to Nestlé’s head of government relations and ESG engagement, Bart Vandewaetere about the realities of implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) — from supply chain traceability to navigating delays and shifting rules. With the regulation repeatedly postponed and political opposition growing, we explore what’s actually happening on the ground: how companies track thousands of suppliers, the cost and complexity of compliance, and why uncertainty around implementation is one of the biggest challenges. We also examine the bigger picture — whether sustainability and competitiveness are really in conflict, and why deforestation rules could ultimately strengthen supply chains, improve resilience, and support long-term business performance. Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  4. Alison Taylor on reputation risk in the age of Trump

    Apr 8

    Alison Taylor on reputation risk in the age of Trump

    How real is reputation risk in today’s political and business climate? In this episode of Sustainable Views, Alison Taylor of NYU Stern joins Sustainable Views deputy editor, Elizabeth Meager, to unpack why so many companies have fallen silent, how legal and political risks are reshaping corporate decision-making, and whether reputation can really be measured in any meaningful way. From US immigration crackdowns and DEI rollbacks to tariff disputes, AI, boycotts and government retaliation, we explore why business leaders are struggling to balance short-term legal exposure against long-term trust and credibility. We also discuss why some companies seem able to withstand pressure better than others, what makes corporate backlash stick, and how executives are thinking about issues such as employee dignity, political spending and collective action. Read more here: Trump’s latest tariffs throw clean energy into deeper uncertainty Business cannot stay silent on American democracy and climate ICE’s expansion leaves US companies with a choice they cannot dodge Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  5. Craig Bennett on why nature is the foundation of the economy

    Mar 24

    Craig Bennett on why nature is the foundation of the economy

    Is the UK government getting nature policy wrong and what does it mean for the economy? In this episode of Sustainable Views, reporter Florence Jones speaks to Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, about the UK’s approach to biodiversity, the risks of weakening environmental protections, and why nature loss is far more than an environmental issue. From food security and flood prevention to economic resilience and public health, Bennett argues that restoring nature is fundamental to long-term prosperity. We also explore the growing disconnect within government policy, the role of business in pushing for clarity and stability, and why framing nature as a barrier to growth could prove a costly mistake. Timestamps Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:55 What is the impact of nature depletion 02:38 How UK government nature policy has changed 05:55: HS2 Bat Tunnel 09:30 Reform voters back nature policies 13:21 How nature can impact other policy goals 16:03 Fingleton Review 20:30 Business view on nature Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  6. Fiduciary duty vs climate action: the battle over pension fund investments

    Mar 12

    Fiduciary duty vs climate action: the battle over pension fund investments

    Pension funds control trillions in global savings. But should they be doing more to support climate action? In this episode of Sustainable Views, the team explores the growing debate over fiduciary duty and whether pension trustees can, or should, prioritise sustainability alongside financial returns. Philippa Nuttall discusses with Elizabeth Meager and Florence Jones recent legal opinions suggesting that climate risk is a financial risk, meaning it may already fall within pension funds’ legal responsibilities. Florence examines new developments in the UK, where the government is encouraging consolidation of smaller pension schemes into large megafunds capable of investing in infrastructure, clean energy and other long-term assets. Beyond the UK, the episode looks at political and legal battles in the US and regulatory approaches in the EU, highlighting how ESG and climate considerations are becoming increasingly contested. As lawsuits, politics and policy debates intensify, the episode asks a key question: can pension capital help finance the climate transition, or will legal uncertainty continue to slow progress? You can watch this podcast on Sustainable Views or YouTube. Read more here:Trillions in US pension assets out of reach for local climate projects ESG engagement stops at sovereign bond market EU vastly underestimates debt impact of climate change, report shows Editor’s note: where does sustainability end and defence begin? Timestamps: 00:00 - Fiduciary and government roles in pensions 02:29 - What the UK government is hoping happens with pensions 06:46 - Global pension perspectives 12:24 - Future of investments Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  7. Human rights becomes a hard business risk in a fragmented world

    Feb 24

    Human rights becomes a hard business risk in a fragmented world

    How should businesses navigate human rights in a more fragmented world? In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor Philippa Nuttall sits down with Michael Clements, Executive Director for Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, to discuss the growing expectations on companies to protect workers, manage supply chain risks and respond to political and regulatory pressure. From mandatory due diligence to reputational risk and stakeholder activism, we explore how the human rights agenda is evolving — and what it means for boards, investors and sustainability leaders today. Read more here: The material risks of human rights in the reconstruction of Gaza Due diligence act means companies ‘give a damn’ Investors will use ESG data if it is decision useful Do sustainability disclosures change corporate behaviour? Simplified ESRS more ‘decision-useful’ for business and investors Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  8. How is corporate responsibility evolving?

    Feb 11

    How is corporate responsibility evolving?

    Philippa Nuttall is joined by US reporter and acting deputy editor, Elizabeth Meager and UK reporter Florence Jones to discuss the evolving role of corporate responsibility and corporate reporting. Corporate reporting is still mainly focused on climate impacts and emissions. Under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, for example, companies must also report on nature and social indicators, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, when it comes into force, should shine a greater spotlight on human rights abuses. In the US, despite fear of retribution from the Trump administration, companies are being challenged to speak out more. With new issues around the use of AI and how companies should be responding as the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol or ICE expands its role, pressure on businesses to take a stance is growing. Additional reading: ICE’s expansion leaves US companies with a choice they cannot dodge As companies adopt AI, can investors trust corporate reporting? 00:00 Intro 1:10 Companies response to ICE 5:03 Reputational risk 6:44 Corporate reporting 8:20 Impact of AI 14:05 New ESG regulation 16:33 AI climate reporting Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
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About

Confused about sustainability? You’re not alone. Environmental, social and governance factors, or ESG, are increasingly a headache for business, finance and world leaders alike. Now even policymakers are creating rules to govern this space. It’s hard to keep up and make sense of it all. So let us help you by sharing some of the most interesting views shaping this space. Join us as we talk to the people living and breathing sustainability – and a few critics too. (We can’t promise this will be a completely jargon-free space, but we shall try!) Want to talk to us directly? Email sustainable.views@ft.com. Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    FT Specialist
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © dd1ab520-0e46-11f0-8ccf-256f7f1f0a6b
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Views

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