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Climate Change

Reducing emissions, strengthening resilience

It is well-established science that human influence has warmed the earth’s climate more than 1.2°C since pre-industrial times—and global emissions continue to rise today.

Governments and business have responded with commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. But even if all long-term and net-zero targets are met, we still are on a trajectory to reach 2.1°C of warming by the end of the century. 2023 was the hottest year on record, global GHG emissions hit an all-time high in 2022, and 1.5°C is slipping out of reach.

The resulting changes to the ocean, melting ice sheets, and rising global sea levels are irreversible, and every fraction of a degree escalates climate risks. Billions of people around the world are potentially vulnerable to impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, threatening livelihoods, health, and access to food and water.

Sustained, transformational climate action from businesses, governments, and stakeholders is a critical part of the global response, including:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C
  • Implementing a robust climate transition plan that drives business model transformation to achieve a just, equitable net-zero future
  • Advancing nature-positive solutions that contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Addressing climate injustice and co-creating resilient solutions with affected communities

Climate action has also become a mainstream business. Stakeholder pressure is mounting for businesses to act now, and mandatory climate disclosure is a reality in many countries.

3.6B

3.6 billion people around the world live in areas that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

4149

As of December 2023, the Science-Based Targets initiative validated targets following a 1.5°C trajectory for 4149 companies, an increase of more than 2000 companies since the end of 2022.

13%

With global warming now on course to breach 1.5°C, at least five Earth system tipping points are likely to be triggered—including the collapse of major ice sheets and widespread mortality of warm-water coral reefs.

How We Can Help

Adding Value to Your Business and Society

To fulfill the Paris Agreement’s vision of a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050, we work with companies to deliver 1.5°C-aligned climate goals, transform their value chains, manage climate risks, and advance climate justice. We tailor our work to the specific needs of each company and industry. We’ll help your business align with the 1.5°C ambition and take credible action through a variety of offerings, including:

Near-term decarbonization roadmap icon

Near-term decarbonization roadmap

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Climate transition plans

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Climate justice and a just transition

Scope 3 implementation icon

Scope 3 implementation

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Carbon credit procurement with integrity

Climate risk and scenario analysis icon

Climate risk and scenario analysis

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Business beyond growth


Who We Work With

General Mills logo
Rio Tinto Services Inc. logo
GlaxoSmithKline plc logo
Google LLC logo

Case Studies

Sustainability Insights

Climate Scenario Analysis: It’s about More than CSRD Compliance  thumbnail image
Blog

Climate Scenario Analysis: It’s about More than CSRD Compliance

Introducing BSR’s updated climate scenarios, which provide a comprehensive analysis of three plausible climate futures and their cascading impacts on business.


Tools and Resources

Climate Change Resources

Our sample collection of BSR member-exclusive resources, including implementation toolkits, deep-dive topic briefings and reports, and other valuable content from our global team of sustainability experts.
Member Brief: COP29
Innovating Net Zero Products and Services
Climate Justice
The Role of Manure Management in Supporting Net Zero Goals in the Dairy Sector
See all Tools and Resources

BSR Members Only


Collaboration

Collective Solutions for Meaningful Impact

Our collaborative initiatives enable companies to transform their businesses while creating shared solutions to global challenges and make a meaningful systemic impact.

Our Experts

Depth of Experience and Knowledge

Our Climate Change team consists of global experts across multiple industries, bringing a depth of experience in developing sustainable business strategies and solutions.

Ameer Azim portrait

Ameer Azim

Director, Climate Change

Washington, D.C.

Giulio Berruti portrait

Giulio Berruti

Director, Climate Change

Copenhagen

Eileen Gallagher portrait

Eileen Gallagher

Director, Climate Change

Hong Kong

Erin Leitheiser portrait

Erin Leitheiser

Associate Director, Nature

Copenhagen

Berkley Rothmeier portrait

Berkley Rothmeier

Director, Consumer Sectors

San Francisco

Let’s talk about how BSR can help you to transform your business and achieve your sustainability goals.

Contact Us