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Search As The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) team returned from Climate Week NYC 2024, we had the opportunity to sit down with Sharon Bligh, Director of Health and Sustainability, and Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability. We delved into their key takeaways from the week’s events, asked them how these impacted the climate agenda forward, and what our membership can do to keep pace.
Q&A Interview: Reflecting on Climate Week 2024
Q: Reflecting on Climate Week 2024, what were the standout moments or discussions that most resonated with you, especially in the context of the CGF’s mission?
A: This year’s Climate Week left us with mixed emotions. On one hand, there was a clear sense of urgency, but on the other, a sobering realisation of the challenges we’re still facing. We found ourselves engaging in honest, constructive conversations with critical friends, like NGOs and other stakeholders, reminding us that each of us has a role to play in addressing these issues. The gathering of people who are committed to making a difference was inspiring, but it also served as a reality check—there is still a long road ahead.
At the same time, the energy in the room was undeniable. We heard the repeated call for readiness: are we prepared to seize this power and make the necessary changes? Conversations around integrating landscape investment into due diligence were especially telling. We can no longer afford to delay. The phrase “the time is now” could not have been more apt. If anything, the urgency is already overdue.
Q: How do you think New York Climate Week 2024 helped push the climate agenda forward? Were there any major takeaways that will influence the CGF’s actions moving forward?
A: One of the significant takeaways was how Climate Week helped broaden the conversation beyond just environmental concerns. This year, we managed to bring critical topics like health and social issues into the climate dialogue, raising awareness and interconnecting them better. It was refreshing to see more nuanced discussions that recognise the inextricable link between people and planet.
Another highlight was the growing understanding of landscape approaches and corporate due diligence. We’re seeing a more integrated approach to sustainability, where companies realise that investing resources, time, and money into safeguarding their supply chains is not optional—it’s essential. The concept of “people and planet” becoming more interconnected was a powerful reminder that we need to consider both environmental and human impacts when making business decisions.
Q: This year’s Climate Week emphasised deeper system-wide transformation. How is the CGF approaching the concept of transformation within the consumer goods industry, and how do you see it evolving in the near future?
A: The need for system-wide transformation has never been clearer, and New York confirmed that everything is interconnected. This realisation is pushing us to work even more closely with our Coalitions of Action, and to foster greater collaboration between them. It’s become evident that human connection plays a crucial role in this transformation. We need to bring together different, sometimes conflicting perspectives, to find the best solutions for the future.
Our goal is to ensure that this isn’t just about lofty ambitions but about practical steps that drive real change. At events like the Sustainable Retail Summit (SRS), we aim to facilitate those joint sessions where diverse stakeholders come together to confront the hard truths and collaborate on solutions. It’s a challenging process, but one we believe is necessary for true transformation.
Q: With the growing challenges of supply chain disruptions, climate change, and shifting consumer expectations, resilience has become a critical factor for success in the consumer goods industry. Why is building resilience so important for retailers and manufacturers today?
A: Resilience has become essential for survival in the consumer goods industry. Supply chain sustainability and availability are now critical factors that directly impact business sustainability. We can no longer view these issues as distant problems; they’re affecting everyone today. The example of climate drought in southern Spain was called out on a panel discussion, where certain crops can no longer be sourced, is a stark reminder of how climate change is reshaping supply chains.
Retailers and manufacturers need to shift their mindset to ensure they’re building resilience into their operations. It’s not just about short-term fixes—it’s about making long-term adjustments that guarantee business continuity in the face of increasing volatility. And as an industry, we have a responsibility to bring consumers along on this journey, raising awareness and encouraging good behaviours that support sustainability.
Q: One of the main themes during the week was the cost of climate inaction. How does the CGF help companies balance short-term economic gain against long-term sustainability?
A: The financial impact of inaction is becoming impossible to ignore, and that was made clear during discussions on the economic toll of waste. Hearing member companies highlight the shocking costs of waste really drove home the message that sustainability is not just a moral imperative—it’s a business necessity. For many of our members, these difficult conversations are now unavoidable.
We also saw significant interest from investors who want to understand how businesses are addressing climate risks. Investors are no longer content with rhetoric; they want to see concrete actions. Our role at the CGF is to help businesses navigate these pressures and ensure they’re making smart, sustainable decisions that balance short-term challenges with long-term resilience.
Q: In her opening speech, Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, emphasised “putting people first” in climate action. How is the CGF addressing social inequalities exacerbated by climate change?
A: One area where we feel more work is needed is in addressing the social inequalities linked to climate change. This issue wasn’t as prominent in the discussions at Climate Week, but it should be. We need to consider the communities most affected by climate decisions, and ensure that social impacts are front and centre when we think about planetary solutions.
Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) is one way we’re working to bridge this gap. It’s about ensuring that companies are not only addressing environmental challenges but also protecting human rights in their supply chains. The impacts of climate change on people—particularly vulnerable communities—are going to become much more visible in the coming years, and businesses need to be prepared to address these challenges holistically.
Q: How can smaller companies gain the confidence to pursue sustainability within their organisations when most examples come from industry giants?
A: We understand that smaller companies face unique challenges when it comes to sustainability, but that’s where platforms like the SME Climate Hub come in. We believe it’s essential to offer tailored support to help smaller businesses overcome barriers and make meaningful progress. Sustainability isn’t just for the giants—every business, no matter the size, has a role to play, and it’s our job to ensure that no one gets left behind.
Q: As we look towards COP29, what progress would you like to see made in the next six months?
A: As we approach COP29 in Baku, the stakes have never been higher. We’re on the glide path to 2030, and there’s no time to waste. In the next six months, we need to double down on what’s working and have the courage to stop what isn’t. Our members are looking for clear, practical guidance on how to align their business strategies with 2030 trajectories, and we’re committed to helping them get there. The time for ambitious goals is over—now it’s all about action.
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