The Commonsense Conversations on Climate Change Series explores and highlights a wide array of topics related to climate change focusing on its effects on the financial services industry and broader economy. Initiating these dialogues is critical given the unique capability of financial institutions and markets to effectively identify risks and fund solutions. Though the topics vary, they each present ways to encourage a pragmatic, commonsense approach to the transition to a low-carbon and ultimately net-zero economy.
The retail industry, like many sectors of the global economy, is vulnerable to the harmful effects of global warming. Faced with the threat of worsening climate conditions which stand to disrupt the global supply chain, corporations must determine their own course of action, not only to protect themselves but also to ensure they play their part in eliminating waste, preventing the loss of biodiversity, and implementing more sustainable manufacturing practices. We were delighted to host a conversation with Kathleen McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Walmart. She offered her insights on these issues from the perspective of the world’s largest publicly traded retailer.