Ceres: Blueprint for Responsible Policy Engagement on Climate Change

Companies and investors now largely understand that climate change poses not just clear financial and even material risks to companies and industries across the economy, but in fact systemic risk to financial markets writ large. Recognizing the need to address the climate crisis, a growing number of companies are taking increasingly ambitious steps to address climate change across their performance and strategies. However, much more work is needed to align companies' direct and indirect lobbying efforts with climate change science.

This Ceres report offers concrete recommendations on how companies can establish systems that address climate change as a systemic risk and integrate this understanding into their direct and indirect lobbying on climate policies. The Blueprint is primarily designed for the governance and legal departments of companies charged with determining the appropriate cross-organizational structures to oversee risks and risk responses within a company.

Ceres is a nonprofit that works with investors and companies to promote sustainable solutions to challenges including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and inequitable workplaces. Founded in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, Ceres promotes what it calls “the business case for sustainability.” Ceres' climate-related work can be found here. Its most recent official financial disclosure is here.