It is clear that unprecedented levels of collaboration are required in order to address the urgent climate challenges that there are. The key areas for action and collaboration include accelerating net zero targets, strengthening resilience, mobilising equitable finance, putting nature into the centre of Climate Action, and advancing innovation for Resilience. There is also an increasing focus on the role of local actors, grassroot leaders, indigenous peoples and youth. The need to empower and work alongside these communities has never been so urgent.
These collaborative efforts are essential to drive meaningful progress
Parallels can be drawn between the difficulties of negotiating through the COP process with the complexities for businesses as they develop and set out their own plans to deliver net zero targets. The common factors here include uncertainty, uncharted territory, complexity and the need to work collaboratively to find solutions to achieve positive outcomes.
DWF recognises the importance of collaboration in its own journey and is part of sector and industry-led collaborations and partnerships in particular through Legal Charter 1.5, Legal Sustainability Alliance and Net Zero Lawyers Alliance. Through these partnerships we are grappling with a range of challenges and opportunities and importantly sharing our experiences, expertise and individual perspectives in a safe and supportive environment. This has enabled us to move forward.
Our investment into education, combined with existing legal expertise and working collaborative in these groups means we are able to provide expertise and knowledge across a range of challenging subject areas both for ourselves and with our clients. These include:
- The development of educational resources to support behaviour change and improve understanding about climate change and how it impacts the legal sector;
- Developing processes to help us to understand the impact of the work that we do and to put in place better practices for due diligence so that we can make more informed decisions and manage risk; and
- Supporting technical projects to set out mechanisms and a framework for understanding and quantifying the carbon impacts of the work that we do with our clients.
- Advising clients on their regulatory requirements, assisting in explaining their compliance obligations and providing both legal and consultancy advice across the spectrum of sustainability
Despite the challenges that the world is facing I am constantly inspired by the commitment, dedication and drive of the businesses and individuals that provide their time and expertise in the spirit of collaboration, at COP29, within the business, legal and local communities and at DWF. There is still so much more to be done, there are many issues for us to consider, not least the urgent need to incorporate biodiversity and nature targets into our transition plans, a clear message coming from the ‘sister’ COP16 on biodiversity which concluded last week.
Through COP29, the world needs to continue to strive for collaboration so that we achieve international consensus and action on climate change. There is a role for us all to play in our own sectors to step up to the plate and provide leadership through collaboration and partnerships. This collaboration is crucial so that we can collectively solve challenges and exploit the opportunities that can be achieved as we transition our businesses to become net zero and nature positive.
