Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership CEO urges renewed focus on transition to net zero
The CEO of CISL – the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership – has urged businesses to retain their focus on transitioning to a sustainable economy after a torrid week in which global norms have shifted in the wake of new US economic policies.
Lindsay Hooper, who was appointed to lead the organisation in December 2024, this week unveiled CISL’s new report, titled Competing in the Age of Disruption.
The study, which features contributions from 20 business leaders, suggests that “the end of business as usual is inevitable”. But, say the authors, instability creates opportunity – the opportunity to “accelerate transition and prepare to compete on superior performance”.
“We are living through a major geopolitical shift that is fragmenting global cooperation and placing sustainability action under pressure,” Ms Hooper told the Cambridge Independent. “Some governments are rolling back green policies, some businesses are scrapping targets. But the fundamentals haven’t changed: the science is clear, the risks are growing, and the transition to renewable energy and resource efficiency is under way – though progress is now less certain and more politically charged.
“In this context, our work is more important than ever to build and sustain confidence in, and momentum around, viable transition pathways. Our focus is helping leaders navigate this tougher landscape with clarity and conviction – acknowledging the new realities and responding with credible strategies, innovations and campaigns that work in today’s context.”
She describes Competing in the Age of Disruption as “a pathway for business to navigate today’s volatile geopolitical landscape without losing momentum on sustainability – and to work together to drive market-wide change”.
Dr Marc Kahn, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Investec plc, said: “Competing in the Age of Disruption argues that we are in the midst of a global transition to reshape economies within planetary limits. Urgent action is needed, and soon it will be forced upon us to avert significant social and economic instability. Businesses that recognise the impending market disruptions can capitalise on substantial financial opportunities, securing early-mover advantages and influencing future policies that reward such strategies.”
He adds: “The approach outlined in Lindsay’s work here brilliantly demonstrates how we can achieve this in a way that enhances profitability, resilience, and market leadership.”
It’s a busy time for CISL, which the University of Cambridge established in 1988 to work with leaders and innovators across business, finance, and government to transform economies for people, nature, and climate.
“We’re also bringing together chief sustainability officers from across our international network,” says Lindsay, “including welcoming members of our new Africa network, holding major strategy sessions with our banking and investor groups, and co-hosting the Cambridge book launch of Just Earth by CISL fellow, Tony Juniper.
“We’ll also be celebrating the anniversary of our Corporate Leaders Group, which helped secure the UK’s climate laws, and contributing to key debates at London Climate Action Week.”
