IN THIS SECTION |
Background
Thematic engagements are engagements with a range of companies on a defined theme or topic, for example:
- An indicator under the CA100+ Net Zero Company Benchmark such as climate governance, just transition, or lobbying; or,
- A separate and distinct topic of interest such as methane or State-Owned Enterprises.
The intended outcome of the thematic engagements is to support companies to improve performance, for example against the relevant indicator on the Benchmark. They complement the lead investor-company model, which may focus on core topics such as transition plans and capital expenditure. Thematic engagements also provide value-add for signatories through in-depth and specialised research on specific themes or topics.
Each thematic engagement differs in terms of the number of investors involved, frequency of meetings, engagement approaches, and/or annual objectives. This provides networks and participating investors with flexibility on how to achieve the goals of the workstream.
How can signatories get involved?
Thematic engagements are supported regionally by the relevant coordinating network(s). Where applicable, networks work together on cross-cutting themes. Please refer to the Signatory Handbook for further information and terms of reference.
Signatories may enquire about existing opportunities or propose new thematic engagements with their regional network coordinator. The relevant network will discuss the idea in more detail with the signatory to understand the scope and annual objectives.
The below table outlines current ongoing thematic engagements. To get involved, please reach out to the relevant coordinating network for further information. Additional information on sectoral and thematic engagements is available in the ‘Engagement Availability Spreadsheet’ in the signatory-only section of the website.
Thematic Engagements | Description | Coordinating Network |
| China State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Engagement | This working group aims to facilitate the decarbonisation of the Chinese economy by addressing the challenges associated with engaging State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) in China. It focuses on: (1) building expertise in effective SOE engagements, (2) enhancing collaboration with relevant stakeholders and (3) fostering a better understanding of sectoral decarbonisation pathways. | AIGCC/ PRI |
| India Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) Engagement | This working group is tasked with developing effective strategies for engaging with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in controlling key industries such as power, mining, and oil and gas. The objectives of the group are to: (1) identify relevant and effective engagement tactics, (2) create an enabling environment to discuss PSU’s business diversification strategy to support low-carbon transition, and (3) establish collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders. | AIGCC/ PRI |
| Climate Accounting Thematic Engagement in North America | 7This engagement supports investor capacity to engage Oil and Gas companies on Climate Accounting disclosure, in line with CA100+ Benchmark expectations. In addition, dedicated resources to regulator and standard setter engagement. | Ceres |
| Just Transition Thematic Engagement in North America | This engagement supports investor capacity to engage companies, primarily in the North American electric power and transportation sectors, on establishing and strengthening Just Transition commitments and plans. | Ceres |
| Net Zero Science-based Targets Thematic Engagement | This engagement aims to support investors as they engage companies, primarily in the North American electric power sector, on setting independently verified science-based targets. | Ceres |
| Climate Accounting Thematic Engagement in Europe | This working group aims to ensure that financial statements comprehensively reflect climate risks and opportunities that enable informed decision-making for investors, aligning with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This includes: (1) supporting investor engagement with CA100+ companies and auditors in Europe (2) supporting policy outreach (3) providing resources and educational sessions. | IIGCC |
| Climate Lobbying Thematic Engagement | This working group aims to drive Paris-aligned corporate climate lobbying by deepening engagement and accelerating action on lobbying with CA100+ European companies. This includes: (1) improving the quantity and quality of corporate lobbying reviews; (2) encouraging positive and proactive engagement on real-world climate policies by companies and their industry associations. | IIGCC |
| State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Engagement for Emerging Markets (excluding Asia) | This working group aims to build investor capacity around the challenges, opportunities and good practices of engaging State-Owned Enterprises. This includes: (1) building investor capacity on regional, financial and sectoral specificities relevant to SOE’s; (2) foster productive dialogue with state-owned companies to support effective investor engagement. | PRI |
| Methane Thematic Engagement | This working group aims to drive investor engagement on methane measurement, reporting and abatement across targetted sectors. This includes: (1) building investor capacity on methane mitigation across oil and gas, mining, agribusiness and steel sectors; (2) leveraging the research of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) who will provide primary technical support for the working group. | PRI |
| Executive Remuneration | This working group aims to ensure corporate executive remuneration supports Paris aligned company climate goals. This includes: (1) providing key principles for climate linked executive remuneration; and (2) working with investors to embed these principles into company remuneration frameworks and investor engagement practice. | IGCC |
| Just Transition in Australia | This working group aims to ensure key considerations from Just Transition principles and guidelines are understood by Australian investors and embedded into investor engagement and company practice. This includes: 1) identifying the Just Transition principles most relevant to the Australian context 2) working with investors to embed these principles into company Just Transition planning and investor engagement practice. | IGCC |
| Board Competency | This working group aims to ensure company boards are sufficiently competent to manage climate risks and opportunities in the context of the transition towards net zero. This includes: 1) identifying and weighting key board competencies from an investor and company perspective 2) working with investors and companies to reflect these competencies (with relevant weightings) in engagement frameworks and board skills matrices/disclosures. | IGCC |
| Capital Allocation | This working group aims to ensure corporate capital allocation frameworks and activities support Paris aligned company climate goals. This includes: 1) providing key principles for embedding decarbonisation and climate considerations into capital allocation frameworks and activities and 2) working with investors to embed these principles into company investor engagement practice. | IGCC |
