Sustainability Sensemaking

In the ‘Sustainability Sensemaking’ series, we feature expert commentary on the global trends shaping the climate and environment, social and governance (ESG) agenda surrounding the U.N. Climate Conference.

118th Congress Issue Briefs

In preparation for the 118th Congress, a number of prominent issues stand to be top-of-mind for policymakers and brands alike. We’ve prepared briefs on various issues to help clients and organizations plan ahead.

COP27: Net Zero’s Greenwashing Reckoning and Communications Implications

While many hoped this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) would catalyze global momentum towards addressing the increasingly dire predictions of our warming climate, the outcome was once again flawed yet consequential for our world and our organizations — with clear implications for corporate communicators.

Sustainability Sensemaking: The Future of Climate Finance

‘The Future of Climate Finance’ is the third installment of our ‘Sustainability Sensemaking’ series on the global trends shaping the climate and environment, social and governance (ESG) agenda. Our global Sustainability Task Force spoke to a range of experts to better understand the changing dynamics of climate finance to fund the net-zero transition, support mitigation and adaptation strategies and pay for loss and damage.

No Waves Created in U.S. Foreign and Trade Policy

Foreign policy was not a determining factor in the U.S. midterm elections. The outcome is unlikely to shift the international priorities of the Biden administration as it confronts a fractured geopolitical landscape in 2023. In this article, we examine the midterm elections results’ implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Policy Matters: Post-Election Update

This edition of Policy Matters provides an overview of the results of the November 8 midterm elections as we know them today – from Congress to the states – even as a number of races remain too close or too early to call.

Sustainability Sensemaking: Corporate Climate Diplomacy

The private sector has a vital role to play to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate and advance resilient solutions, yet, corporate climate commitments are dependent on an enabling policy environment. We spoke to experts to better understand the changing dynamics of public-private cooperation on climate issues.

Sustainability Sensemaking: The Road to COP27

As world leaders prepare to gather for the annual UN Climate Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, November 6-18, we’re tracking the conversation and developments around this increasingly urgent, complex and nuanced moment.

Policy Matters: Midterm Elections Review

This edition of Policy Matters provides an update on the November 8 midterm elections, involving state and local ballot measures, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, 36 governorships and many state officials — from state legislators to secretaries of state.

Taking Stock of Global Health Goals and the Road Ahead

Over the past 2+ years, the global response to the pandemic demonstrated that in times of crisis, the global health community can come together, forge partnerships and deliver scientific innovations at record speed. As we emerge and recover from the pandemic, the focus in healthcare now is how to leverage these learnings and channel this level of collective effort toward other pressing public health challenges.

Climate Spotlight 2022

As world leaders, CEOs, advocates and policymakers convene for the UN General Assembly, NY Climate Week and several other high-profile convenings this month, our team is tracking key climate trends, policies, events and implications for corporate leaders. We created the Climate Spotlight 2022 briefing to provide an overview of recent trends and policy actions and look ahead to global climate diplomacy through the end of this year.

How Brands Can Support Mental Health — Both In and Out of the Workplace

Employees and consumers are increasingly looking to businesses to help address societal issues, including mental health. 83% of respondents in a recent June 2022 Weber Shandwick/KRC Research poll said it is important for companies to prioritize mental health and wellness of employees. This article explores ways in which businesses and brands can get involved.

A Changing Digital Landscape in Europe

While U.S. is debating a series of technology policies, Europe is moving ahead to remake its digital regulatory landscape. The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are intended to address changes that have altered the EU’s digital economy in recent years. Both laws will apply to U.S. companies operating in Europe — and some provisions may be an indicator for legislative action in Washington.

Policy Matters: August Recess Edition

From Inflation Reduction Act, National Gun Safety Legislation, to CHIPS and Science Act, the summer edition of Powell Tate Policy Matters focuses on some of the most high-profile legislation that has passed both chambers in recent months, as well as what’s on deck for Fall after Congress resumes.

Summary of the Climate Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Designed to tackle climate change, lower healthcare costs, reduce the federal deficit and fight inflation, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes the largest federal investment to slow global warming, support the development of a green economy, and mitigate the impact of a changing climate on businesses and society.

Q3 and Beyond: The Global Economic Outlook is Shifting​

At the start of Q3, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and continued supply chain disruptions have magnified a slowdown in the global economy. The IMF, World Bank and OECD have each recently revised their global outlook to forecast a protracted period of weak growth and elevated inflation. Various risks, including geopolitical tensions, financial stress and stagflation, require global companies to rethink business operations, investments and workforce conditions.

Five Issues to Watch Post-Davos

The World Economic Forum hosted an off cycle Annual Meeting on 22–26 May. Our experts are tracking five trends from the Davos dialogue with implications for global companies navigating issues and reputation at the intersection of geopolitics, capital markets and ESG.

How (and why) to Take A Stand on Gun Violence

Horrific mass shootings capture attention and spark calls for action. Yet for every massacre that makes national headlines, there are dozens more shootings happening daily. With the unfathomable scale of gun deaths in this country, it will take a collective effort, with all sectors and stakeholders taking a stand to reverse the trend.

Modernizing America’s Infrastructure and How Companies Can Begin to Prepare

Across America, the “Infrastructure Decade” is upon us. The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact almost every industry and community across the nation. Companies should assess how they plan to navigate the business and communications opportunities surrounding the government funding.

Global Perspectives on the Food Security Crisis

A collision of global factors has contributed to rising food insecurity. Having been watching this evolving crisis closely, our global network of experts provide local market perspectives, trends, and analyses in this latest report.

Communicating Clearly and Transparently on Climate Solutions

Sustainability terms are oftentimes vague and extremely technical — and using these terms incorrectly or interchangeably can lead to confusion among stakeholders and significant reputational issues for brands. To help reduce risk and provide full transparency to your stakeholders on your environmental progress, communicators should know and understand this vocabulary.

Tech Policy Issues to Watch in Brussels and Washington

Technology companies are facing a set of legal and regulatory challenges in the United States and Europe. Companies should closely monitor developments, develop communications around their positions and the potential impact on their operations and begin to prepare to comply with new laws.

How to Acknowledge Earth Day in a Climate Emergency

Earth Day is a key milestone for organizations to demonstrate progress in mitigating the impact of a changing climate and promoting environmental solutions that safeguard people and the planet. In preparation for Earth Day on April 22, 2022, here are five important considerations for companies.