BACKGROUND
 

Asia is home to some of the most climate-vulnerable economies, with businesses facing increasing risks from extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and regulatory pressures.[i] The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlights urgent threats—such as extreme heat, rising sea levels, and flooding—that disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure, and reduce workforce productivity. For businesses, this translates into higher operational costs, supply disruptions, and financial losses.[ii]

​

In response to the looming crisis, and emerging opportunity for action, governments across the region are implementing stricter climate-related regulations for businesses, including mandatory emissions reduction targets and enhanced environmental disclosures. Examples include the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Japan’s disclosure frameworks, China’s environmental laws, Singapore’s Carbon Tax, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and ASEAN Green Bond Standards. As stakeholder expectations for transparency and corporate responsibility rise, companies face pressure to comply with regulations and lead in emissions reduction and supply chain sustainability.

​

Proactive climate risk management and due diligence are critical. By identifying and mitigating climate risks across operations and supply chains, businesses can strengthen resilience, reduce regulatory exposure, and meet investor and stakeholder expectations for transparency. By addressing these regulatory requirements proactively, businesses can mitigate risks, engage meaningfully with investors, customers, and regulators, and position themselves for long-term success in a low-carbon economy.

​

As part of the Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Rights in Asia (CSERA) conference, UNDP, in partnership with ERM and the UN Global Compact Network, is hosting a Training of Trainers (ToT)designed to equip corporate sustainability professionals with practical tools to integrate climate resilience, emissions reduction strategies, and net zero goals into business operations. Participants will explore how to align corporate strategies with global best practices, reduce emissions, and embed sustainability into decision-making processes. The ToT will cover key frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, which categorizes emissions into three scopes:

​

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, like company vehicles or facilities.

• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity consumed by the company.

• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, including those from business travel, waste disposal, and supply chain activities.

​

By focusing on due diligence – especially around Scope 3 emissions – businesses can uncover hidden risks in their supply chains, enhance sustainability, and future-proof their operations in the transition to net zero.

​

LEARN:

​​

Gain the foundational knowledge necessary to integrate climate action into business operations and sustainability frameworks:

• Understand Key Global Frameworks: Gain insights into how international frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impact business operations and how companies can align with these standards to manage risks and improve transparency.

• Integrate Climate and Human Rights Due Diligence: Learn how to integrate climate risk management and HRDD into business operations. Understand how effective due diligence can help businesses identify and mitigate climate-related and human rights risks across supply chains and operations, reducing emissions while safeguarding human rights.

• Align with Investor Expectations: Learn how aligning with climate regulations, HRDD, and reporting standards can enhance access to sustainable finance, attract responsible investors, and meet growing investor demand for transparency on both environmental and social governance.

 

ENGAGE:

​

Develop practical strategies to strengthen resilience and seize new opportunities.

• Strengthen Resilience across Value Chains: Explore how to identify and mitigate climate-related risks, including those impacting human rights, within your supply chain. Learn how to collaborate with suppliers and partners to build low-carbon, climate-resilient value chains that respect human rights and comply with due diligence obligations.

• Seize Business Opportunities: Learn how aligning your company with global climate regulations and HRDD standards can unlock new opportunities, including access to green financing, improved brand reputation, and a competitive advantage in the transition to a net zero economy.

• Meet Investor Demands: Understand how taking proactive climate action, integrated with HRDD, meets growing investor demands for holistic, transparent, and responsible business strategies. Capitalize on the trend towards ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing and position your company for long-term financial success.

​

CONNECT:

​

Engage with experts and peers to exchange insights and best practices.

• Collaborate on Solutions: Engage in case studies and peer discussions to explore actionable strategies for managing climate risks and human rights challenges. Gain insights from industry leaders and sustainability experts on best practices for building climate resilience and responsible business conduct.

• Expand your Network: Connect with sustainability professionals, investors, and climate experts. Strengthen your professional network to stay informed on emerging regulations, new investment opportunities, and the latest trends in climate risk management and HRDD.

​

RESOURCES

 

[i] https://climatechangeasia.com/

[ii] https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-11/Climate%20Change%20and%20the%20Business%20and%20Human%20Rights%20Agenda-2022.pdf