In collaboration with the World Economic Forum at Davos, Chapter Zero Alliance has launched a new framework for embedding climate and nature governance into boardrooms globally. The set of principles offer corporate boards practical guidance on navigating climate and nature-related disruptions, catalysing sustainable growth and coming out ahead.
Chapter Zero highlights a clear shift for boards globally: that climate and nature are no longer peripheral considerations. Effective governance of these issues is central to organisational resilience, investment confidence and long-term strategic positioning.
This latest report sets out the Guiding Principles for Climate and Nature Governance, demonstrating how climate and nature-related risks — and opportunities — have become increasingly central to business performance. The Principles are designed to help boards future-proof their organisations, strengthen resilience and convert disruption into sustainable long-term value.
They provide boards with structured, practical guidance to support oversight and decision-making in an increasingly uncertain operating environment, intended to help directors move from ambition to action by:
- Setting strategic direction amid uncertainty
- Anchoring ambition in purpose and values
- Holding management accountable for actions that built resilience and long-term value
- Embedding climate and nature considerations into strategy, risk and investment decisions
The framework comprises four core principles, supported by three essential foundations.
The Four Principles include:
- Oversight and Responsibility
- Strategy
- Risk and Opportunity
- Disclosure and Transparency
The Three Foundations include:
- Skills and Knowledge
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Culture
Together, these elements are designed to sharpen board oversight, stimulate rigorous debate and strengthen alignment between board ambition and delivery.
Applying the Principles in Practice:
The report includes actionable insights to support boards in applying the Principles across organisations of any size, sector or geography. Each principle is accompanied by reflective questions for boards and practical questions for directors to ask management. These enable boards to assess how effectively climate and nature considerations are integrated into governance, and where further action is needed.
Why the Principles Matter:
As expectations on boards continued to intensify — from regulators, investors and markets — structured action on climate and nature is increasingly linked to resilience, competitiveness and trust. Companies that acte decisively are better positioned to strengthen resilience, capture growth opportunities and build long-term confidence, while those that fail to adapt risked falling behind.
Learn More:
Read more and access the full reports here.