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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. What to expect in sustainability in 2026

    JAN 26

    What to expect in sustainability in 2026

    2025 was a tough year for sustainability. With Trump's attacks on green energy, to uncertainty over regulation and subsidies, the direction of travel is becoming less predictable for governments and businesses alike. In this episode, Sustainable Views editor Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Florence Jones to explore how the sustainability landscape is evolving in 2026, with companies and countries adjusting strategies, managing risk and investing in solutions that continue to attract support, including regenerative agriculture and carbon credits. We also look at where momentum is still building globally, and what this means for sustainability and investors in the year ahead. 00:00 - Sustainability at the start of 2026 03:08 - The US sustainability transition 09:10 - Tax and carbon credits 17:30 - Future sustainability trends to watch Required reading: Despite fragmentation, the energy transition is advancing Wind and solar generated more power than fossil fuels in 2025 in EU milestone Microsoft looks to soil carbon credits as its emissions surge 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
  7. Chaos, climate and corporate risk: What 2025 taught us about sustainability’s future

    12/27/2025

    Chaos, climate and corporate risk: What 2025 taught us about sustainability’s future

    The Sustainable Views team discuss the chaos of 2025 and what to expect from the coming year in sustainability, litigation, technology and environmental policy. At the end of the year the full Sustainable Views editorial team gathered to talk about the biggest sustainability stories of 2025. From environmental rollbacks in the EU and US to climate attribution science in the courts, data centres’ energy use and tropical forests, the team runs through what they saw and what it means for businesses. Philippa, Elizabeth, Florence, Erin and Aniket also look ahead to 2026, detailing what they will be keeping an eye out for, where further deregulation is likely, and what businesses need to know as they kick off a new year. 00:00 - Sustainability and policy making in 2025 06:13 - UK energy and nature debate 11:58 - Litigation and AI trends 17:50 - COP30 and the future outlook Want to learn more about #sustainability policy in 2025 and beyond? Subscribe to Sustainable Views here. Required reading: Companies need coherence — fragmentation is still a structural risk EU 2040 target deal sets the stage for carbon pricing reforms in 2026 Can fiduciary reform close the gap between pension climate rhetoric and reality? 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.

    28 min
  8. Has COP30 delivered in giving the world a sense of direction in climate action?

    11/27/2025

    Has COP30 delivered in giving the world a sense of direction in climate action?

    As COP30 in Belém, Brazil comes to a close, Sustainable Views editor Philippa Nuttall sits down with reporter Florence Jones to unpack the key outcomes of this year’s pivotal climate summit. In this episode, they break down the biggest announcements, assess which climate commitments made headlines, and explore what was left out of the final COP30 agreement, from finance to fossil fuels. Philippa and Florence also look ahead to the future of COP negotiations, examining how the structure of the conference may evolve and which voices could shape global climate policy in the years to come. For deeper analysis on global climate diplomacy, sustainable finance and ESG regulation, visit Sustainable Views. Subscribe to the Sustainable Views podcast — available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — and catch new episodes every month. 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.

    22 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
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © dd1ab520-0e46-11f0-8ccf-256f7f1f0a6b
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Views

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