Accelerating the energy transition is the most critical step in helping to decarbonize the global economy, and as energy demand continues to rise, the transition to clean energy solutions remains a challenge due to cost, policy and technology maturity issues. Events and thought leadership associated with this theme are outlined below:
In solidarity for a green world
COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will once again draw together world leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and environmental activists to exchange ideas and formulate strategies to tackle climate change. KPMG will be at the center of the action, monitoring developments and generating regular insights and status updates.
As we approach this year’s event, please keep an eye on this KPMG COP29 resource center for resources that can help businesses better understand their nature- and climate-related risks and learn about cutting-edge sustainable practices and technologies that can increase environmental efficiency.
Every business has a part to play in reversing the catastrophic impacts of climate change, and we want to help with this critical endeavor in any way we can.
KPMG program at COP29
Accelerating the energy transition
Related events:
Flagship Event | New solutions to achieve the 2030 target of tripling global renewable energy capacity: the role of finance, technology, innovation, and AI (Flagship event)
Following our COP28 report on the key challenges of scaling renewables, this session will explore several solution areas that will help in meeting this critical climate ambition by 2030.
Green transformation: Diverging paths, common goals
Bringing together leaders from Asia, the US, and Europe, this panel discussion will look at various energy transition strategies and the role that climate finance has to play.
CCUS — Building the foundation to a net-zero future
Exploring the future of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and its crucial role in achieving net-zero.
Coal to Renewables Transition Initiative: Supporting the World Economic Forum
As financial advisor to this WEF project, this session will include a project overview and provide an outline for the financing structures that have been developed to help achieve this global objective.
Related thought leadership:
Climate finance for emerging markets
The acceleration and global impact of climate change necessitates a large-scale response, with an urgent need to fill the growing financing gap for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, enhancing climate resilience, and protecting nature, particularly in emerging markets. Events and thought leadership associated with this theme are outlined below:
Related events:
Beyond finance as usual: transitioning to a sustainable future (Flagship event)
Explore transition finance opportunities for private capital mobilization for emerging markets, including innovative financing mechanisms, partnership efforts between public, philanthropy and private sectors, as well as the key barriers to this transition.
Pull finance: Pulling innovations into emerging markets at scale
How can pull finance be leveraged to accelerate climate technology in emerging markets? Hear from a panel who will discuss how pull finance can act as an enabler for ‘pulling’ new climate solutions to market.
UNDP & KPMG joint dinner on climate finance
KPMG and UNDP bring together leaders from both the public and private sector to discuss key global challenges on climate finance. This is an invite only event.
Related thought leadership:
Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing
To deliver net zero by 2050, it’s clear that the corporate world should move from setting climate targets and ambitions to implementing a strategy that can help this transition. It is more important than ever to highlight the value opportunity that can arise by implementing a transition plan that creates a more sustainable future for all. Events and thought leadership associated with this theme are outlined below:
Related events:
Climate transition plans: Challenges and solutions
Join a panel of climate professionals as they look at climate transition plans, including the challenges and opportunities behind developing fit-for-purpose climate transition plans.
Greenwashing: Are your green claims robust enough to withstand scrutiny and avoid greenwashing accusations?
With sustainability and transparency at the forefront of the business landscape, the issue of greenwashing has emerged. During this session, panelists will provide their view on the trends and risks associated with greenwashing and appropriate protective responses.
Unlocking the Scope 3 opportunity — Insights from Asia Pacific
Join this panel discussion to gain insights on the Scope 3 emissions landscape in the Asia Pacific region, with real-life examples of how companies are responding to one of the defining climate challenges of our time.
Decarbonization Marketplace
KPMG, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) will showcase decarbonization platform for matching projects with technology and financing.
Related thought leadership:
The Climate: Food Nexus
The global food system is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. A transition to sustainable food systems is imperative for mitigating climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting human health. Events associated to this theme are outlined below:
Related events:
Green Plate for all: Decarbonizing our food systems
Aligning the SDG and Paris Agreement goals, this session will demonstrate the interconnections between climate change, food security, and human well-being, as well as the actions necessary for a more sustainable future.
Adaptation and resilience
Adapting and achieving resilience in today’s climate landscape will require coordinated action at local, national, and international levels, along with substantial investment in infrastructure. Events and thought leadership associated to this theme are outlined below:
Related events:
Innovative technology for resilient infrastructure
Accompanying the launch of a report in collaboration with ICSI, explore how digitalization and AI are driving infrastructure resilience and sustainability to support climate adaptation.
Roundtable on the economics of adaptation (with a focus on capital based measurement)
This roundtable will focus on integrating capitals accounting and valuation into adaptation project business case analysis, capital deployment, and investment: building on a dialogue between the same topic to be run at COP16.
Related thought leadership:
Other KPMG initiatives at COP29
In addition to the above themes, KPMG will also be focused on the below initiatives that can help in navigating the global climate challenge and how to achieve a just energy transition.
- Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis
- CSDDD
- Leaders 2050 Flagship Digital Experience
At KPMG, we believe much greater attention needs to be paid to the impact the climate crisis will have on global healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, the climate crisis is the single biggest threat to health, resulting in 300,000 deaths annually, and it will affect the most vulnerable in our society. Our perspective is that the impact on health will be at least as great as the financial and physical impacts of climate change. We see two key issues:
1. Health systems must adapt to climate change and become resilient, and;
2. Health systems must reduce their own emissions and contribute to global efforts.
Under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), corporates operating in the EU will need to prepare an environmental and human rights due diligence across their entire value chain from 2027 onwards.
In addition, in scope companies will need to prepare and implement a climate transition plan. Please connect with the KPMG team on the ground at COP29 to discuss the full implications of CSDDD.
During Summer 2024, KPMG’s Leaders 2050 network conducted a global survey to understand the perspectives of young professionals on climate, sustainability and social impact, their perception of business’ role and risks, and the impacts on their careers. Check out the digital experience to dive into the data, hear client stories and find more information on the Leaders 2050 network and mission.
To explore this digital experience, click here
Explore the KPMG program at COP29
Learn more on KPMG’s program and commitment to fostering industry collaboration, understanding global issues, and championing initiatives to accelerate the transformation.
Related insights
Data's role in the energy transition
Transcript (PDF 565 KB).
Women and energy
Transcript (PDF 49.8 KB).
Women and climate
Transcript (PDF 62.6 KB).
KPMG delegates at COP29
KPMG COP29 Global Delegation
Global COP29 Program Sponsors
Mike Hayes
Climate Change and Decarbonization Leader,
Global Head of Renewable Energy
KPMG International
Daisy Shen
Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, and
Advisory Head of Energy and Nature Resources
KPMG in China
Climate finance
Cathy Chen
Associate Director, Infrastructure
& Climate Finance, Emerging Markets,
KPMG in the UK
John Akuoko
Head of Sustainable Finance
KPMG Africa
Ruba Amarin
Director, ESG and Clean Energy
KPMG International Development Assistance Services (IDAS) Institute
Corporate decarbonization
Simon Weaver
Global Head of ESG Advisory,
KPMG International
Maria Pilar Galan Gavila
Legal Lead, ESG
KPMG International
Nadia Montoto
Global Decarbonization Co-Lead and
Associate Director
KPMG International
Benedikt Herles
EMEA Head of ESG Insights & Innovation
Head of Country Practice Africa
KPMG in Germany
Roopa Davé
Partner, National Climate Risk Leader,
KPMG in Canada
Energy transition
Mike Hayes
Climate Change and Decarbonization Leader,
Global Head of Renewable Energy
KPMG International
Anish De
Global Head of Energy, Natural
Resources and Chemicals
KPMG International
Wafa Jafri
Partner,
Energy Deal Advisory
KPMG in the UK
Sharad Somani
Partner and Head of Infrastructure Advisory,
ASPAC Head for Infrastructure Sector
KPMG in Singapore
Nate Gabig
Partner, Deal Advisory, ESG Strategy
and Renewable Energy Finance
KPMG in the US
Adaptation and resilience
David Greenall
Global Managing Director, Climate Risk, Decarbonization, Nature & Adaptation,
KPMG International
Sarah O’Neill
Global Decarbonization Co-Lead
and Associate Director,
KPMG International
Food and agriculture
Apurba Mitra
Lead, Climate Change,
KPMG in India
Kazuhiko Saito
Partner,
KPMG AZSA Sustainability Co., Ltd.
Next generation
Avery Johnstone
Global Lead, Leaders 2050
Manager, Global Decarbonization Hub,
KPMG in the UK