On Earth Day, BEI hosted a conversation between Joan MacNaughton and Richard Vietor about how governments, businesses, and society must act together fast—now— to cut global emissions in half by 2030 to keep temperature rises under 1.5°C and avoid the disastrous effects of climate change.

There is broad scientific consensus that, to avert the most catastrophic consequences from climate change, business and society need to reach net zero emissions across many geographies by mid-century. Businesses play a critical role. To achieve this scenario and avoid the physical and financial risks from natural disasters and changes in the natural environment, there are multiple management decisions and pathways to take. In short, the transition to net zero creates a host of risks—and opportunities—for organizations and their investors. During this timely virtual program, presented by Professor George Serafeim and moderated by Professor Vikram Gandhi, participants explored ways to successfully measure, analyze, and drive corporate performance through the lens of climate change. Learn about the tools and steps to take to boost your bottom line and make positive change in the world.

Natalie Jackson (MBA 2021) moderated a panel featuring Harvard environmental health leaders Dr. Joseph Allen (HSPH), Dr. Elsie Sunderland (HSPH & Harvard SEAS), and Heather Henriksen (Managing Director, OFS) to discuss the film "Dark Waters." The conversation included an examination of the impacts of chemicals in our drinking water and how organizations can move away from the use of toxic “forever chemicals."

The Business and Environment Initiative and the Food, Agriculture and Water Club hosted a virtual conversation, "Water and Climate Change: Innovating for Access and Efficiency". This discussion highlighted the connection between climate change and water in terms of availability, access, quality, and efficiency in a business and investment context. We asked the questions: what are the biggest business issues related to water and climate, and how are companies and innovators seeking to address these issues? 

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Professor Rebecca Henderson and Sir Ronald Cohen debated the theories of change outlined in their new books, Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire and IMPACT: Reshaping Capitalism to Drive Real Change, respectively. The conversation compared and contrasted the authors’ groundbreaking approaches to rethinking the role of business in driving impact—one through the lens of companies evolving to become purpose-driven and the other through the lens of impact transparency and impact investing as the path to impact economies. Using concrete examples and interactive discussion, the conversation explored whether and how managers and investors can lead and invest differently in order to drive positive change—even amidst a pandemic and climate crisis—and the timing for government action to drive impact transparency and systemic change.

Harvard Business School (HBS) Connects and the HBS Business and Environment Initiative hosted a conversation in honor of Climate Week with Daniel P. Schrag, Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology, Harvard University, who addressed The Science and Forecasting of Climate Change and Rebecca Henderson, John and Natty McArthur University Professor, who addressed the Business Case for Building a Just and Climate-Ready Economy. The event was moderated by Jennifer Nash, Director of Harvard Business School’s Business and Environment Initiative.

Harvard Business School (HBS) hosted a virtual EARTHFEST 2020 Panel, moderated by Natalie Kindred, HBS Senior Researcher and Manager for the Agribusiness Program. Attendees heard from Philip Behn, CEO of Imperfect Foods and Rebekah Moses, Head of Impact Strategy from Impossible Foods, as they discussed how their organizations are approaching environmental challenges such as food waste and climate change along with their thoughts on the future of the industry and opportunities for innovation. They shared insights how their businesses are managing the COVID-19 crisis. This event was organized by the HBS Business & Environment Initiative (BEI), HBS Student Sustainability Associates, HBS Sustainability and HBS Connects.

The global financial landscape is increasingly being shaped by factors associated with climate change––including forecasts about its physical effects and public sector responses. The wide-ranging effects of environmental risks, technological advances, infrastructure challenges, business model innovations, and national and international policy shifts are impacting the financial sector in unprecedented ways. This conference addressed broad systemic risk across every aspect of the finance sector and asked alumni to consider the question: What will you do to stay ahead of the curve, preserve access to capital, anticipate and manage risk, and invest in new opportunities? Read the story here. View conference videos here.