Sustainable Views

Why did BP face such a strong shareholder backlash — and what does it mean for climate votes?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Fiona McNally to unpack a dramatic AGM season, starting with BP’s recent shareholder revolt, where investors pushed back against proposals seen to weaken governance and climate accountability.

We explore what’s driving the tension between companies and shareholders, whether climate resolutions are losing momentum, and how trends differ between Europe and the US. From Exxon’s influence on voting rights to upcoming votes at Shell and Equinor, we look at whether this is a turning point for shareholder activism — or just a noisy moment in a shifting landscape.

Read more on Sustainable Views:
Investors raise alarm over Exxon’s controversial voting platform
Why we need standardised nature reporting
BP chair faces heavy shareholder opposition following governance concerns

Timestamps:
00:00 - What happened at BP's AGM?
06:27 - Climate Resolutions & Investor Strategies
08:24 - US Regulatory & Shareholder Influence
13:14 - Global Governance & Democracy Concerns
16:37 - European Accountability & Outlook
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How is business really dealing with the EU’s deforestation rules?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall speaks to Nestlé’s head of government relations and ESG engagement, Bart Vandewaetere about the realities of implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) — from supply chain traceability to navigating delays and shifting rules.

With the regulation repeatedly postponed and political opposition growing, we explore what’s actually happening on the ground: how companies track thousands of suppliers, the cost and complexity of compliance, and why uncertainty around implementation is one of the biggest challenges.

We also examine the bigger picture — whether sustainability and competitiveness are really in conflict, and why deforestation rules could ultimately strengthen supply chains, improve resilience, and support long-term business performance.
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How real is reputation risk in today’s political and business climate?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, Alison Taylor of NYU Stern joins Sustainable Views deputy editor, Elizabeth Meager, to unpack why so many companies have fallen silent, how legal and political risks are reshaping corporate decision-making, and whether reputation can really be measured in any meaningful way.

From US immigration crackdowns and DEI rollbacks to tariff disputes, AI, boycotts and government retaliation, we explore why business leaders are struggling to balance short-term legal exposure against long-term trust and credibility.

We also discuss why some companies seem able to withstand pressure better than others, what makes corporate backlash stick, and how executives are thinking about issues such as employee dignity, political spending and collective action.

Read more here:
Trump’s latest tariffs throw clean energy into deeper uncertainty
Business cannot stay silent on American democracy and climate
ICE’s expansion leaves US companies with a choice they cannot dodge
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Is the UK government getting nature policy wrong and what does it mean for the economy?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, reporter Florence Jones speaks to Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, about the UK’s approach to biodiversity, the risks of weakening environmental protections, and why nature loss is far more than an environmental issue. From food security and flood prevention to economic resilience and public health, Bennett argues that restoring nature is fundamental to long-term prosperity.

We also explore the growing disconnect within government policy, the role of business in pushing for clarity and stability, and why framing nature as a barrier to growth could prove a costly mistake.

Timestamps

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:55 What is the impact of nature depletion
02:38 How UK government nature policy has changed
05:55: HS2 Bat Tunnel
09:30 Reform voters back nature policies
13:21 How nature can impact other policy goals
16:03 Fingleton Review
20:30 Business view on nature
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Pension funds control trillions in global savings. But should they be doing more to support climate action? In this episode of Sustainable Views, the team explores the growing debate over fiduciary duty and whether pension trustees can, or should, prioritise sustainability alongside financial returns. Philippa Nuttall discusses with Elizabeth Meager and Florence Jones recent legal opinions suggesting that climate risk is a financial risk, meaning it may already fall within pension funds’ legal responsibilities.

Florence examines new developments in the UK, where the government is encouraging consolidation of smaller pension schemes into large megafunds capable of investing in infrastructure, clean energy and other long-term assets.

Beyond the UK, the episode looks at political and legal battles in the US and regulatory approaches in the EU, highlighting how ESG and climate considerations are becoming increasingly contested.

As lawsuits, politics and policy debates intensify, the episode asks a key question: can pension capital help finance the climate transition, or will legal uncertainty continue to slow progress?

You can watch this podcast on Sustainable Views or YouTube.

Read more here:
Trillions in US pension assets out of reach for local climate projects
ESG engagement stops at sovereign bond market
EU vastly underestimates debt impact of climate change, report shows
Editor’s note: where does sustainability end and defence begin?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Fiduciary and government roles in pensions
02:29 - What the UK government is hoping happens with pensions
06:46 - Global pension perspectives
12:24 - Future of investments
Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.