In this frank interview Dr Matthew Bell, Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Leader at EY, the professional services firm discusses the firm’s role in providing sustainability related services to help companies achieve their sustainability goals. He underscores the urgency in addressing climate change, pointing out the global decline in biospheric markers and the resource consumption surpassing Earth’s regenerative capacity. Dr Bell challenges the notion that sustainability initiatives detract from profitability, instead arguing that they are integral to a company’s value proposition, that true corporate value cannot ignore environmental and social factors, as these have significant implications for long-term profitability and shareholder value. Dr Bell also discusses the emergence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a framework for investors to evaluate corporate climate strategies– and the importance of accurate disclosures in informing investment decisions.

Dr Matthew Bell is Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Leader at EY, the professional services company.  He has a background in government climate and energy policy, and science–and has more than 20 years’ experience supporting organizational transformation toward a more sustainable path. Working across the public and private sectors, Matt leads teams of specialists across environment, health and safety; sustainability strategy and advice; non-financial reporting and assurance; impact investment and outcome measurement; human rights; and climate change and energy.