About | Chapter Zero NZ

What is Chapter Zero?

Chapter Zero is part of the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a global network of board directors, established in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

With more than 30 active chapters across 70+ countries and regions, the CGI supports directors worldwide to embed effective climate governance into boardroom decision-making and turn global net zero ambitions into measurable action.

Chapter Zero in New Zealand

Hosted by the Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD), Chapter Zero New Zealand builds a community of non-executive directors committed to addressing climate change as part of strategic decision-making.

Guided by a steering committee and supported by our partners, we deliver news, resources, insights and engagement activities to help New Zealand directors lead with confidence on climate.

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Our mission

Chapter Zero New Zealand mobilises, connects, educates and equips directors and boards to make climate-smart governance decisions, creating long-term value for shareholders, stakeholders and the planet.

Why climate governance matters

Climate change is creating new risks and opportunities for business. Investors, regulators, and other stakeholders now expect companies to take responsibility by adopting an integrated, strategic approach to the climate emergency.

The urgent need to act requires both governments and businesses to accelerate the transition to a new economic model that limits global temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. According to the IPCC’s AR6 Synthesis Report – Climate Change 2023, immediate and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are critical to avoid exceeding this target.

Directors have a fiduciary duty to understand these risks and embed climate considerations into strategic planning. This means having the awareness, skills, tools, and processes to guide their organisations through climate-related challenges.

Climate governance principles

The World Economic Forum has developed Climate Governance Principles to help boards:

- Build climate awareness and skills
- Embed climate considerations into board decision-making
- Understand and act on the risks and opportunities climate change poses to long-term business resilience, while accounting for all stakeholders

The Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) brings directors and subject-matter experts together through national and regional chapters. Chapters commit to sharing knowledge, adopting the CGI Principles, and supporting the global goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Each Chapter has signed up to the CGI Charter. Many chapters operate under the Chapter Zero brand as a signal of this commitment.

Join the movement

We invite New Zealand directors to join the global movement to embed effective climate governance into the boardroom.

What will your legacy be?