8 - Conclusion

Summary

This concluding chapter ties together the various elements of regulatory and market-based developments covered earlier in the book and the impacts they have on dominant corporate norms. International consensus shifting on climate change indicates that these dominant theories and norms have become outdated, and should be adapted to reflect broader public and private investor concerns around climate change. The systemic risks of climate change are proving to be a market driver for reallocation of capital away from fossil fuel assets and towards a low or no carbon economy. Companies themselves are reacting with net-zero emissions targets, although these approaches mainly cabin climate concerns to risk-based approaches. This chapter argues that public regulation is still needed to ensure corporate climate action protects not only profits but the public. It ends with two areas of likely future regulatory development – standardised disclosure obligations for companies on climate risk, as well as governance and strategy making by companies on climate change. It also advocates that companies hire climate expertise on an either an ad hoc or permanent basis to help directors reimagine the corporate purpose in the Anthropocene.