Climate Governance Initiative: From small start-up to global network

As Chapter Zero New Zealand celebrated its second birthday on 3 March, the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) released its first Annual Report, highlighting the ambitions and actions of this global movement.

Established in 2020 to mobilise and equip directors to accelerate the transition to net zero and build climate resilience to future proof their organisations, in just three years the CGI has grown to a network of 30 chapters in 71 countries.

The Chapter Zero initiative was established to help directors address the climate challenge. The Institute of Directors (IoD) hosts the New Zealand chapter to support directors in climate governance, a critical but often unfamiliar part of their duties. In hosting Chapter Zero NZ we are able to connect with and learn from global best practice and share the information while providing a New Zealand perspective.

Climate change is shaping a new reality for us all, creating opportunities and risks for business in a diverse number of ways. As part of the global network, Chapter Zero NZ aims to support our director community to be knowledgeable and have the confidence to address these challenges and opportunities at the boardroom table. Directors are uniquely placed to lead the change that organisations and society needs, by asking the right questions and setting up their organisations to thrive in a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.

The first global impact study was undertaken at the end of 2023, complemented by qualitative interviews. The results, which are being released in April, will provide valuable insights into how chapters can best support directors to make a difference within their organisations and how to meet Ambition 2025 – CGI’s plan for boards to be transformed in their climate governance practices.

Global actions by the numbers:

• 1 global impact survey
• 29 qualitative interviews
• 38 climate governance courses
• 43 publications produced
• 110 attendees on average at 260 events
• 250+ attendees at 13 events
• 2,500 directors attended climate governance courses
• 28,469 participants at events globally
• 43,000+ email and newsletter recipients

Becoming a supporter of Chapter Zero NZ is free. For more information please visit www.chapterzero.nz/get-involved.