Social

As a young professional in the legal field, attending COP28's Energy Day was an eye-opening experience that provided valuable insights into the future of environmental policies and their potential impact. Day 6 of COP28 showcased a collective determination to address the pressing challenges of our time. The discussions emphasised the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources, with a focus on innovation, collaboration and policy frameworks. Supply chain planning, streamlining approvals through a clear permitting process and advocating for mandatory carbon pricing were some of the other key points discussed in the various panel sessions we attended. Another noteworthy aspect was the emphasis on international co-operation and the role of legal frameworks in facilitating cross-border partnerships. Governments were urged to think strategically beyond the present, emphasising long-term planning for renewable energy expansion.  COP28 Key Takeaway  The key takeaway for me was not just the global agreements discussed but also amplifying the voices of those on the front lines – farmers, coal workers, the youth, indigenous people and others. What set this COP apart was its focus on showcasing these voices, by, for instance, dedicating a full day to discuss the impact of climate change on health. These voices are essential in translating agreements into on-the-ground success and bridging this gap between policy decisions and the real life experiences of those directly affected by climate change is our collective responsibility, ensuring the protection of our planet for present and future generations. The Impact on Legal Practice The outcome of COP28 may lead to more stringent regulations and compliance requirements, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Legal practitioners will play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, offering counsel to businesses and other organisations seeking to align their operations with emerging environmental standards, one way of doing this would be through using contracts as a mechanism to de-risk. As we move forward post-COP28, the legal community's commitment to guiding clients through these evolving landscapes will be instrumental in ensuring progress in the renewable energy transition. In conclusion, COP28 has been a catalyst for reflection and action. It is an exciting time to be in the legal field, with the potential to be at the forefront of shaping legal frameworks that promote a more sustainable future.

CMS contributed to the conversations at, and around, COP28 by hosting a series of events to collaborate, debate and look forward. Here, our experts publish soundbites and commentary to share their perspectives on the impacts of the announcements and agreements. 

Improving the energy efficiency of existing real estate stock is a key part of any landlord’s strategy for its portfolio. However, in the social care sector it appears that some investors are behind the curve when compared with institutional landlords in the retail and office sectors, where green lease clauses are standard together with an ESG strategy. 

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”)’s recommendations aim to help organisations disclose clear, comparable, and consistent climate-related financial information. They are supported by organisations worldwide and have been implemented in the UK. The recommendations derive from the growing need for comparable climate-related disclosures and increasing regulation in this area and the inherent focus on social and environmental issues in the Life Sciences & Healthcare sector (“LSHC”) makes these factors particularly important for LSHC businesses to bear in mind.  

The Life Sciences & Healthcare sector is under increased scrutiny from an ESG-perspective, with pressure faced by every aspect of the value chain.  The attention on each of the three pillars of ESG provides an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate ESG excellence, create business value through fair and responsible working practices, and be a lever for growth as well as societal good. Our practical guide on responsible business within the Life Sciences & Healthcare sector is accessible on this page.  Our Healthy Horizons content will be made available as it is published, exploring topics ranging from governance, sustainable finance & responsible investment in the sector to responsible approaches to marketing, risk & reputation.  If there is a topic you’d like to discuss further, please do get in touch.  We advise our Life Sciences & Healthcare clients – from multinationals to start ups – in all areas of ESG-related law and would be delighted to speak.

Between sus­tain­ab­il­ity-linked loans and, more recently, green bonds, the finance world has been one of the early adopters and promoters of the ESG movement. We spoke with CMS Partners Ana Radnev, Cristina...

What’s next? In a world of ever-ac­cel­er­at­ing change, staying ahead of the curve and knowing what’s next for your business or sector is essential. At CMS, we see ourselves not only as your legal advisers but also as your business partners. We work together with you to not only resolve current issues but to anticipate future challenges and innovate to meet them. With our latest publication, CMS Next, our experts will regularly offer you insights into and fresh perspectives on a range of issues that businesses have to deal with – from ESG agendas to restructuring after the pandemic or facing the digital transformation. We will also share with you more about the work that we are doing for our clients, helping them innovate, grow and mitigate risk. To be able to provide you with the best support, we immerse ourselves in your world to understand your legal needs and challenges. However, it is equally important that you know who we are and how we can work with you. So, we invite you to meet our experts and catch a glimpse of what is happening inside CMS. Enjoy reading this publication, which we will update regularly with new content. CMS Executive Team