INTHEBLACK November 2021 - Magazine - Page 6
FROM THE DESK
// M E R R A N K E L S A L L F C PA
SUSTAINABILITY
CAUSE
Welcome to the November issue of INTHEBLACK.
This month hosts a pivotal event on the global sustainability
calendar. Most countries will attend the United Nations Climate
Change Conference. This is widely regarded as a watershed
moment in the challenge to limit global warming.
CPA Australia recognises the overwhelming scientific evidence
of climate change and the urgency of global action to achieve net
zero carbon emissions by 2050. Climate change presents profound
consequences for environmental, economic and social sustainability
and stability, and creates vulnerabilities in many other areas, such
as health. Our economic systems are increasingly at risk, unless we
adjust for the impacts of climate change.
There is now broad recognition of the obligation on companies
to manage their climate change impacts. To facilitate this, CPA
Australia supports elevating sustainability reporting to a level of
rigour comparable to financial reporting and assurance. We are
actively engaged in the global and national corporate reporting
reform agenda. Additionally, through our policy and advocacy
activities, CPA Australia promotes the economic and fiscal merits of
market-based mechanisms as the most effective means of driving
low emissions.
Accountants and finance professionals will play a key role in the
transition to a net zero emissions future. Our research indicates that
most businesses consider environmental, social and governance
(ESG) factors important to their business and many want assistance
in managing these impacts. In turn, many of our members are
employed in sectors directly impacted by climate change and are
intimately acquainted with ESG risks and opportunities. As trusted
advisers and business partners, we can support the development of
strategies to reduce carbon dependency in business operations and
governance oversight.
Demand for ESG credentialled professionals currently outstrips
supply in many of the markets our members work in. We have
identified a strong demand among our members for pathways
to develop ESG knowledge and practical skills. In October, we
launched our new ESG micro-credential oriented towards job-ready
ESG skills for accounting professionals.
As part of our strong support for action on climate change, CPA
Australia recently co-signed a statement of commitment to net zero
emissions. The statement was developed by The Prince of Wales’
Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) and signed by major
global accounting bodies from around the world. You can read
more about this commitment here.
Merran Kelsall FCPA, CPA Australia
president and chairman
6 ITB November 2021
intheblack.com
CPA AUSTRALIA CONTENT
AND PUBLISHING
EXECUTIVE GENERAL
MANAGER, MARKETING
MEG YEATES
“Accountants
and finance
professionals will
play a key role in
the transition to a
net zero emissions
future. Our
research indicates
that most
businesses
consider
environmental,
social and
governance (ESG)
factors important
to their business
and many want
assistance in
managing these
impacts.”
SENIOR MANAGER,
DIGITAL AND CONTENT
CLAIRE NOBLE
SENIOR CONTENT LEADER
KATH MCNIFF
EDITOR
IRINA FAINBERG
DEPUTY EDITOR
TAHNEE HOPMAN
ART DIRECTOR
NIGEL CRUICKSHANK
SENIOR DESIGNER
JACQUI TRIGGS
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
AEVE BALDWIN
ONLINE CONTENT COORDINATOR
ANNA LAYTON
DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR
ADRIENNE BISCONTIN
CONTENT AND AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCER
CHRIS WHITTON
INPRACTICE EDITOR
JACQUELINE BLONDELL
SUB-EDITOR
POLLY WAGSTAFF
ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE
PATRICIA DIENI
ADVERTISING
MANAGER, PARTNERSHIPS AND ADVERTISING SALES
MELANIE ORVAL
MELANIE.ORVAL@CPAAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
RELATIONSHIP EXECUTIVE
BIANCA CLAMP
BIANCA.CLAMP@CPAAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
GENERAL INQUIRIES
+61 3 9606 9606
ISSN 1832-0899
CLICK HERE
TO ACCESS
CPA Australia’s
statement of
committment to
sustainability
Published in Melbourne by CPA Australia Ltd
(ABN 64 008 392 452), 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank,
VIC 3006. © CPA Australia Ltd. All rights reserved. INTHEBLACK
is a registered trade mark of CPA Australia Ltd. The reproduction,
adaptation, display, communication or sale of this publication,
in part or full, is strictly prohibited unless expressly permitted
under Division 3 of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). All works
contained in this publication are not intended to constitute
legal/professional advice and may not reflect the views and
opinions of CPA Australia. CPA Australia does not warrant or
make representations as to the accuracy, completeness,
suitability or fitness for purpose of this publication and
disclaims all liability and responsibility for any acts or omissions
made in reliance of this publication. Where any law prohibits the
exclusion of such liability, CPA Australia limits its liability to the
resupply of the publication. For permission to reproduce any part
of this publication, please contact CPA Australia (Marketing).