This week’s Women in Business Spotlight features Shivani Kuckreja, a Research Analyst at Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Shivani graduated from Wellesley College in 2016, where she earned her B.A. in environmental studies and economics. Her passion for sustainability research started at Wellesley, serving as an Energy Analyst to support her alma mater’s first Sustainability Plan. Shivani also accumulated her experience as an Environmental Policy Intern in D.C., where she supported the development of EPA’s Interim Recommendations for Environmental Performance Standards. She began her professional career as an Executive Team Analyst at BlackRock, serving a little over a year in this position until the transition to a Project Manager, where she performed strategic analysis on operational procedures. Shivani aspired to continue her work in sustainability and has since transitioned to a Research Analyst position at SASB.
Read more about our conversation about the private sector’s stance on climate change, the politics of climate change, and the climate change literacy gap.
December 7, 2020, 11 a.m. EDT
Written by Sarah Chu
Can Corporations Stop Climate Change?
SC: The NYT released a podcast earlier this year that explored how corporations have immense power over combating climate change. Several of the largest and most profitable companies have introduced elaborate plans for a more sustainable practice. Is it enough? If not, what can corporations do to improve?
SK: Overall, I think larger firms and CEOs care about environmental issues, but the impact has yet to trickle down. From my experience at BlackRock, Laurence D. Fink is aware of the influence corporations have on climate change – this letter says a lot about his character! However, there are no clear actionable steps most companies are taking to combat climate change.
SC: Right. Green investing in ESGs and other financial assets can only do so much.
SK: Exactly! In an ideal world, companies shouldn’t rely solely on a sustainable investing team. Sustainable practices should be dispersed throughout an entire company. There is so much work that still needs to be done.
SC: Why do you think corporate is so slow to adapt to this pressing issue?
SK: Most people view sustainability in contrast to financial gains. American corporations adopted a mentality where people think caring about the environment is not ‘profitable.’ It’s an issue that has stifled environmental progress for decades. However, sustainability and profitability can co-exist. Until firms recognize that sustainability is not only profitable but is our only choice, our land will continue to face irreparable damage.
The Politics of Climate Change
SC: As the climate crisis becomes more prevalent, Americans remain intensely polarized on this issue. Some young activists like Jamie Margolin and Xiye Bastida are paving the path toward a more sustainable future, while other political lobbyists are more resistant to change. In an increasingly polarizing political climate, how can we create a meaningful dialogue with anti-climate change folks?
SK: That’s a tough question. For me, the science speaks for itself. Think about the California wildfires that have devastated thousands of people. Think about the people that have died from them and the people that will continue to be affected if we don’t act on climate change now. Fire season is supposed to happen much later in the year, and it’s happening now.
SC: Yeah, I’m not sure how to answer this question myself. I like the humanist approach you mentioned – one or two people aren’t to blame for the climate crisis, it is society altogether.
SK: I am hopeful people will begin to make those connections and change for the better.
The Climate Change Literacy Gap
SC: A growing number of Americans believe the U.S. should focus on developing alternative sources of energy as opposed to the use of natural gases. There is, however, a climate change literacy gap. In your research, what resources do you recommend to improve our climate literacy?
SK: I encourage people to stay up to date with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications. They have a great set of resources to increase climate literacy. The World Bank also has a lot of great resources! They emphasize the intersectionality of sustainability with human rights, which I find fascinating.
SC: That’s great, thank you! Do you have any other resources to recommend?
SK: The Economist’s Environment column is another great resource. I would also encourage people to talk to activists and other professionals who work in sustainability!