Realise the positives and new opportunities being revealed by your data or risk being left behind.
Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, delivers an encouraging, positive and urgent message to corporate leaders.
“Most progress is when the planet is at the heart of the boardroom.” says CDP’s new data. “That is a true fact—it often isn’t.
CDP’s global corporate health check shows real progress but also an ongoing lack of speed and scale.
“Disclosure [of data] drives action. Once you measure something, you can manage it.” That is what CDP has done.
And that matters. “The best time to have started was 25 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
Companies cut emissions by 7 to 10 percent within two years of reporting. CDP-linked supply chains have saved 13 billion dollars. The total opportunity identified in Europe alone is 3.47 trillion euros. The cost to unlock it? Only 650 billion.
“That’s what I would invest in all day, every day,” Sherry tells this TTU podcast – with a smile
But the challenge remains. Only one in ten companies have so far embedded Earth-positive decision-making.
Sherry outlines what works. Link executive pay to sustainability. Introduce internal carbon pricing. Develop climate transition plans not just targets. Engage your full supply chain.
“Profitability has actually been boosted by companies who look into their supply chain.”
And the narrative is changing. Companies are using new language, but the goals remain the same.
“Companies are using terms like resilience, competitiveness, and risk appetite. That should be celebrated.”
So what’s holding many back? The fear of being regarded as too woke. Regulatory overload. A mindset stuck in short-termism.
But as Sherry says, “It’s not a different data point. So you might as well make sure you’re leveraging it.”
Nature is no longer an externality. It’s central to business.
“You need water as an input to so many economic outputs. Nature is business-critical.”
Sherry’s take off thoughts are encouraging.
“Start today. Even if it’s just a few data points. It will win you more business, investors, and talent.”
Sherry Madera
Sherry Madera is a globally respected leader in sustainable finance and data-driven innovation, known for bridging the worlds of policy, technology, and capital. As CEO of CDP, she drives ambitious action on environmental disclosure and accountability, empowering companies and governments to make informed, impactful decisions. With a career spanning financial services, international trade, and public-private collaboration, Sherry is a vocal advocate for transparency, standardisation, and systems-level change to unlock the investment needed for a net zero, nature-positive economy.
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