Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

@cisl.cam.ac.uk

1006 Followers 85 Following

CISL is an impact-led institute at the University of Cambridge that activates leadership to transform economies for people, nature & climate. We work across business, finance and government to accelerate action for a sustainable future. www.cisl.cam.ac.uk

Drone captures vibrant aerial view of tractors harvesting corn in Minnesota field.
Aerial view of Tower Bridge, crossing the River Thames in London with hazy city skyline
Quote from Jessica Smith, Nature Lead, UNEP Finance Initiative: "Shifting finance within planetary boundaries at the required pace and scale demands more than incremental fixes - it calls for bold narratives, strategic coalitions, and more inclusive spaces for action. Rewiring Finance distills what we've learned so far and sets the stage for a step-change in effectiveness."
Quote from Zoe Arden: "This dynamic and inspirational report is written with a palpable sense of urgency and commitment. Its depth and breadth of both expertise and ambition are inspiring. It should be prescribed reading for everyone in business (and beyond) who wants to not just survive but thrive in the future on a liveable planet."
Quote from Mike Barry: "'Big ESG' has offered the chimera of progress, become a comfort blanket to cling to for unloved sustainability professionals and spawned a lucrative network of alliances, think tanks, research, standards setting and consultants who can make a comfortable living off of it. We cannot call on companies to transform radically without calling on the ESG 'service sector' to disrupt itself as profoundly."
Video animation with captions showing six priorities for business in order to drive market change.
Quote from Fleming Voetmann: "The green transition is key for Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. Getting the narrative right is absolutely critical, particularly in the times we’re in right now, tackling numerous crises at the same time. We must stay the course, strengthening the enabling framework for businesses and taking a more citizen-centric approach. To ensure social acceptance, we must better communicate the benefits for people, for example through buildings which is where people directly feel the green transition. This is a key area where we have engaged on policy and are supporting the European Commission’s new focus on housing."
Quote from Maria Mendiluce: "To secure a thriving business, companies need to help transform a system that is fundamentally flawed. That means working to dismantle policy barriers that constrain cleaner solutions and help build incentives for change; it means working with governments to expand markets for sustainable business models. With the right long-term, sector-specific policies and stronger international coordination, businesses can step up investment. This report lays out the pathway to turn ambition into action."
Quote from Lindsay Hooper: "From climate shocks to cleantech disruption, the forces reshaping global markets are already accelerating. The real danger for business isn’t moving too fast – it’s being overtaken. The companies that win will shape the market conditions they need to thrive and compete through speed, innovation and resilience, not through sitting back and hoping for the best."
Hope is not a strategy. Build the markets you need - do not wait for them to emerge