COP28: Hopes and expectations

As world leaders gather for COP, the need to accelerate the transition to a just and regenerative future has never been greater. On the back of a Global Stocktake that suggests existing pledges and enacted policies are likely to fall short of what’s needed, we’re asking critical questions: 

• How can we transform how we think about, produce, consume and value both food and energy? 

• How can we reimagine the fundamental purpose of businesses in our society and economy?  

• What innovative approaches can be harnessed to promote social and environmental justice? 

• How can the private and public sector collaborate more effectively to achieve ambitious climate targets?  

Here, just a few of the Forum for the Future team reflect on their hopes for and expectations of COP28.

The business case to integrate action on social and environmental challenges 

A new report from Forum for the Future, Mars and IDH is calling on businesses to integrate their social and environmental agendas if we’re to drive lasting change at scale and pace.  

Based on desktop research and interviews with business leaders, the report shows that despite increasing recognition of the interconnected nature of our social and environmental challenges, the vast majority of businesses are still looking to tackle them in silo.  

The report presents the business case for integration alongside six key practical recommendations to help changemakers shift from conventional strategies to an integrated and more effective approach. 

Transforming cotton: From fragility to regenerative resilience 

One of our most widely used commodities, cotton faces an uncertain future. That’s why, eight years ago, Forum initiated the Cotton 2040 initiative. Our aim? To accelerate the progress of existing sustainable cotton initiatives so that sustainably produced cotton becomes the norm. 
 
As Cotton 2040 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on its achievements and presenting a range of critical insights for the industry. The Cotton 2040 Impact Report outlines four key recommendations for what’s next, while Forum’s Senior Sustainability Strategist, Neil Walker, shares his perspective on learnings. 

Shaping an ecologically safe and socially just energy transition in the Philippines 

What are the social, ecological and governance related risks emerging from the production and deployment of utility-scale renewable energy (RE) in the Philippines? How can leaders in Philippines’ renewable energy sector collaborate to take action? 

This year, Forum together with partners ICSC, Oxfam Pilipinas, CentRE, BHRRC and FES have come together as part of the Responsible Energy Initiative Philippines to produce a Call to Action. This provides an overview of present and emerging risks in the RE system. It also invites actors across the sector join a collaborative platform to co-develop an ambitious approach towards securing a future-fit RE system. 

Look out for the full report coming 26 January 2024, the inaugural International Day of Clean Energy.