What to expect at COP29
Sustainability in Action is our monthly blog series, featuring a curated selection of new and relevant sustainability insights and actionable recommendations for leaders to drive climate action and growth. In this edition, our McKinsey Sustainability experts Vishal Agarwal and Anna Granskog share what business leaders should watch for at COP29.
As we edge closer to November 11, the significance of COP29 becomes ever more apparent. This year's conference, while smaller in scale than previous ones, will aim to continue advancing climate action from beyond targets and plans to meaningful momentum. But, what can we expect at COP29, and what does it mean for businesses?
We recently hosted a McKinsey Live webinar to brief executives on the expected themes and announced initiatives for COP29:
Here’s why you should pay attention:
COP is the UN climate change conference, and since it was established, it has become the convening for all parts of the climate ecosystem—private sector, NGOs and the public—to come together for action with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
In uncertain economic times, businesses can continue to lead the energy transition through sustainability efforts that both decarbonize and create value, resulting in positive returns.
In our experience, organization that have created value through decarbonization have focused on three key areas of action: Decarbonize and improve cost competitiveness, launch net-zero offerings, and entering new value pools.
And by addressing physical challenges and transition risks, companies can build resilient infrastructures and invest in low-carbon solutions, not just adapting to new regulations and consumer demands but also accessing new markets and revenue streams. During COP29, McKinsey Sustainability is hosting a series of virtual and in person sessions, on topics ranging from strategic climate finance to innovative climate technologies – all designed to transform sustainability commitments into your competitive edge. We hope that you will take part.
More Ways to Join McKinsey’s COP29 Events:
- Watch: Tune into live broadcasts from the COP29 Green Zone, where McKinsey Sustainability will cover strategic climate finance, innovative climate technologies, and more.
- Participate: Will you be in Baku for COP29? Please let us know if you’d like to be present at our Green Zone in-person sessions.
- Accelerate: Reach out today to explore how the outcomes of COP29 can be integrated into your business strategy, and move beyond climate ambitions to tangible climate action.
We are looking forward to helping you synthesize the most relevant implications of COP for actions in your business. In the meantime, browse our recent insights below to prepare for this year’s conference.