How do you define corporate climate change lobbying?

Corporate climate lobbying comprises those activities carried out by corporations or their agents to directly or indirectly influence climate-significant policy decision-making by political or bureaucratic actors. Such lobbying can have a significant impact on the stringency and effectiveness of public climate policy. It is not only a matter of societal concern, but also an issue of material, financial, significance for corporations and their investors.

The academic and practitioner literature identifies two general categories of lobbying:

• Direct lobbying, involving direct contact between the lobbying party and public policy decision-makers; and
• Indirect lobbying, wherein the lobbying party seeks to influence public policy indirectly by shaping and mobilising public opinion.

Who is involved with running this project?

This project has been instigated by Swedish pension fund AP7, BNP Paribas Asset Management, and the Church of England Pensions Board, in collaboration with Chronos Sustainability. An Advisory Group has been established to oversee the project. Its membership comprises the project sponsors (AP7, BNP Paribas Asset Management, and the Church of England Pensions Board) plus nominated representatives from each of AIGCC, Ceres, IGCC, IIGCC, InfluenceMap, London School of Economics, and PRI. This group will advise on the direction – scope, objectives, deliverables – of the project, and will review and comment on the major outputs/deliverables from the project.

What are the objectives of this project?

AP7, BNP Paribas Asset Management, and the Church of England Pensions Board are supporting the development of a framework that will enable investors to assess whether and to what extent corporate lobbying is aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Building on work undertaken in recent years by stakeholders on several continents, the primary aim of this project, instigated by the investors and coordinated by Chronos Sustainability, is to develop a framework for assessing corporate lobbying in a relevant, systematic and credible manner. The goal is to provide a means by which companies, investors and other stakeholders can ensure that all lobbying efforts – whether delivered at first-hand or through an intermediary such as a trade association – are directed towards activities that positively support attainment of the Paris Goals.

How does this project relate to Climate Action 100+?

This research project builds on engagement work that IIGCC members, as part of Climate Action 100+, have undertaken in Europe since 2018 to specifically focus on the issue of corporate climate lobbying. This CA100+ engagement work draws on the analysis of Influence Map and of the Transition Pathway Initiative, and is also being replicated by Ceres with a US focus.

How does this project relate to the work of InfluenceMap?

InfluenceMap and Chronos Sustainability are closely coordinating their work to help investors identify and push for Paris-aligned corporate climate policy engagement. The investors championing Chronos Sustainability’s new research project are long-standing supporters of InfluenceMap’s global platform for tracking and analysing corporate climate lobbying activities against Paris-aligned benchmarks. InfluenceMap’s global platform, which covers hundreds of industrial companies and their industry associations, is used by the CA100+ process and by investors worldwide. InfluenceMap strongly welcomes Chronos Sustainability’s rigorous consultation process to harness stakeholder input and define a best-practice framework on Paris-aligned corporate climate change lobbying.

Who should participate in this consultation?

We are seeking input from anyone involved in or in some way affected by the shaping, delivery and impact of corporate climate change lobbying practices, including people who work in companies and industry associations that are undertaking lobbying, policymakers who are lobbied, investors, academics, civil society organisations, journalists and members of the public who see lobbying in action. We welcome the participation of multiple people even when they work within the same organisation.

Can I share the consultation with my colleagues and networks?

Yes. We encourage you to share the consultation with colleagues within your organisation, peers within your sector and your wider network. The outcomes of the consultation will benefit from drawing on perspectives from a wide variety of stakeholders. Please share this link: www.chronossustainability.com/climate-change-lobbying-consultation-on-assessment-framework

How long will the consultation remain open?

The consultation is open until midnight (Pacific time) on Sunday 9th May 2021.

How can I find out more about what results from the consultation?

At the end of the consultation you can opt-in to receive future updates about this project.

Is my data secure?

Yes: please see our privacy policy.

Who should I contact if I have other questions about this project or the use of my data?

If you have additional questions to those included here, please contact: responsible-lobbying@chronossustainability.com.