Publications

13 May 2025 – A CISL Business Briefing sets out the critical steps needed from the financial system to deliver a transformation to a sustainable economy. Download the reportAboutWe currently face a polycrisis of complex and intertwined global economic, social and environmental challenges.  Addressing these challenges through private sector action w…

7 April 2025 – At this historic moment of geopolitical change and economic transformation, the question for businesses is whether they will step up to shape the future – or be shaped by it.In our latest report, CISL CEO Lindsay Hooper and CISL Fellow Paul Gilding set out a pathway for the private sector to proactively respond to the current volatil…

19 March 2025 – A new report by Dr Gabriel Okello and Dr Lambed Tatah explores how the transition to electric motorcycles – commonly known as ‘boda bodas’ – may alleviate air pollution and related health risks in both Kampala and Uganda as a whole. Download the reportAboutAir pollution is now the second leading cause of death globally, responsible …

5th March 2025 – New report from CISL, E.ON Group Innovation and IfM Engage explores the challenges and circular solutions associated with the expected increase in end-of-life solar PV waste over the coming years, highlighting the need to avoid causing an environmental crisis by addressing the climate crisis.   Download the Circular Solar reportDow…

“Our new ClimateWise Principles have a broader scope and higher benchmark standards, and I want to recognise the efforts and commitment of our members in developing and reporting under this new method.”Kevin O’Donnell, Chair, ClimateWise President & CEO, Renaissance Re“To address the challenges of the changing climate and nature regulatory environ…

5 February 2025 -  The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review for 2024 represents a landmark year of reporting against an ambitious and challenging set of new Principles. Download the ClimateWise Principles Independent ReviewAboutThe ClimateWise Principles have provided a framework for the insurance industry to disclose climate-related risk and …

29 January 2025 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), in partnership with the global law firm DLA Piper, is launching Phase 2 of the Future of Boards research study to support company boards and investors to align business success with sustainability outcomes.Amidst pressure from the US to move the focus of b…

15 January 2025 - The climate crisis demands immediate attention—not only to mitigate risks but to adapt and build resilience. This guide serves as a roadmap for investors to build climate resilience within their portfolios and invest in systemic resilience through engagement with the broader ecosystem. Download the guideDeveloped by the Investment…

19 December 2024 - This report sets out examples of how CISL has worked over the past year in pursuit of a sustainable economy. Read the report2024 has been a pivotal year for CISL and the sustainability movement more widely. New evidence shows the extent of wildlife destruction, global temperature increases have tipped 1.5 degrees creating devasta…

10 December 2024 - In the wake of the Draghi and Letta reports, and Commission President Von der Leyen’s prioritisation of competitiveness at the core of her second-term political agenda, the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is launching the updated 2024 edition of the Competitive Sustainability Index (CSI).Sup…

4 November 2024 – The United Nations’ COP29 conference in Azerbaijan is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence and growing urgency. Our four policy ‘asks’ set out what the globe needs in order to secure a safe and stable future for all. Read the briefing AboutWhile globally the rollout of solutions continues to grow, we are fail…

24 October 2024 – A policy briefing by the University of Cambridge Zero Policy Forum and London School of Economics (LSE), with contributions from Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, argues the UK government should invest in green infrastructure now or watch productivity lag behind China, the United States and other countries already…

22 October 2024 – The United Nations’ COP16 conference in Colombia is a pivotal opportunity for leaders to set a bold pathway towards a nature-positive future. With a CISL delegation attending COP16 to shift the dial on nature, our COP16 briefing urges leaders to move from greater transparency and commitment to action from governments, business and…

15 October 2024 - Tweaking business practices such as procurement decisions is not addressing the impact of business on nature at the speed and scale required to meet 2030 nature targets. Transitioning to nature positive aligned business models can accelerate the action needed while addressing companies’ risks and enabling new economic opportunitie…

15 October 2024 - Private capital can play a critical role in closing the US$700 billion annual biodiversity finance gap and addressing nature’s decline. The report uses the mitigation hierarchy as a lens through which to view how nature finance can contribute towards the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Read the reportThe Centre for Sus…