As we enter the final straight for governmental action on climate change ahead of the Glasgow summit, ESG Investor is listing some key dates for policy decisions and commitments.
October
30 September – 3 October: Pre-COP
The preparatory meeting gives ministers from a representative group of countries the opportunity to exchange views of key topics of negotiation that will be raised during the summit in November, aiming to find solutions before COP26 takes place.
5-8 October: 30th meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board
The fund is led by developing countries, serving as a conduit for national climate action. The board will discuss current programming and implementation strategies for the fund, enabling members to ensure nationally determined contribution ambitions are reflected in GCF’s subsequent climate action.
11-14 October: UN Biodiversity Conference
The first half of the much-delayed UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming, China, in order to begin the development of a global biodiversity standard. The second half will take place in spring 2022.
12 October: Proposal for revising EU Energy Taxation Directive
As part of the EU Green Deal package, the European Commission is consulting on suggested revisions to the Energy Taxation Directive. Suggestions include aligning taxation of energy products and electricity with EU energy and climate policies.
12 October: UK BEIS Department consultation on vehicle-to-X energy technologies closes
The consultation is calling for evidence to investigate the role that V2X technologies can play in a net-zero energy system. For example, V2X technologies could allow an electric vehicle to export the energy within its battery for another use, such as for a consumer’s home.
14-15 October: Food to Fork Conference
European stakeholders across the food value chain, public authorities, international and civil society organisations will gather to discuss the EU’s path towards sustainable food systems.
15-17 October: Annual meeting of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
This meeting is an opportunity for central bankers, ministers of finance, parliamentarians and private sector executives to discuss global issues, such as poverty eradication and economic developments.
19 October: Global Investment Summit
The UK will be hosting the Global Investment Summit to secure foreign investment from global executives and heads of major institutions in UK green industries of the future.
30-31 October: G20 Leaders’ Summit
The world’s major economies gather to discuss shared challenges, such as economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and addressing the risks posed by climate change.
US SEC finalises climate-related disclosure framework
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to publish a finalised framework for public companies reporting climate-related risks following a consultation period earlier this year.
International Sustainability Standards Board launch
A new climate-first sustainability reporting standard is being developed by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and due to be launched before COP26. Securities regulators will be expected to require listed companies within their jurisdictions to comply with the standard, in line with existing regional legal and regulatory frameworks.
November
1-12 November: COP26
The 26th United Nations Climate Change conference will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, bringing global policymakers together to accelerate progress towards meeting Paris Agreement goals.
