What to expect in 2018

2018 is shaping up to be another momentous year for environmental action. We’ve already seen more insurance giants pull their investments from coal and business leaders signal their commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets. With just two years before global emissions need to peak, to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and emissions rising in 2017, the urgency of the challenge has never been clearer. As the world gears up for September’s Global Climate Action Summit in California we hope to see even more cities and corporates pledge concrete climate actions, and embolden their national governments to raise their ambition. We’ve set the direction of travel, now we need to accelerate towards a global tipping point.

As the sustainable transition gains momentum, we’re heading towards a tipping point for the global economy, writes Paul Dickinson, CDP’s Executive Chairman. In 2018, we should expect to see the demand for coal continue to fall, jobs in low carbon sectors continue to grow, and environmental reporting to move into the mainstream.

By Paula DiPerna

One of the top things on the list to watch: the rise of carbon pricing. China has already led the charge here, announcing the launch of its nation-wide emissions trading scheme at the end of 2017. Paula DiPerna, CDP’s special advisor, says the move promises to transform how we approach climate change and environmental finance.

By Paul Simpson

Next up on the watch-list: the growth of renewables. CDP’s CEO, Paul Simpson, runs through the state of play of the renewable industry as he assesses the RE100 initiative’s latest report. 122 companies currently have 100% renewable power targets, with pioneers like Sky, Microsoft and Starbucks already powered entirely by renewables. Our hope is that these companies will inspire governments and the broader business community to follow their lead and tip the balance to 100% renewable becoming the new normal.

By Luke Fletcher

Energy is not the only sector seeing a technological revolution, and CDP’s Senior Investor Analyst Luke Fletcher picks out the top findings from CDP’s new report examining the autos sector. It shows the world’s largest carmakers are investing heavily in a zero-emissions future, while those failing to adapt to and address this technological disruption risk quickly falling behind.

By Dexter Galvin

The number of companies forging ahead with an industry-leading approach to tackling emissions in their supply chains has doubled in a year, but with only 23% of suppliers also working with their own supply chain, we have yet to unlock their exponential power. Dexter Galvin, Global Director of Corporations and Supply Chains, gives his take on CDP’s 2018 Supply Chain report.

By Adam Kanzer

There are still plenty of challenges ahead. In a guest blog, Adam Kanzer, Managing Director of Corporate Engagement at Domini Impact Investments, calls on investors to overhaul their approach to protecting the world's forests.