The changing landscape of climate regulation and litigation

Overview

Recording date - 4 March 2025

The regulatory and legal implications of climate change are becoming increasingly heightened. Precedents in climate litigation are being set somewhere in the world almost every other day, new regulations are being set that are impacting across entire value chains, and stakeholders are demanding increased transparency and disclosures from customers.

Climate risks aren’t just physical. Directors need to understand what’s new and what’s in the pipeline from regulators, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders, domestically and internationally, to remain competitive.

What liability could New Zealand directors face as regulators and activist stakeholders increasingly seek legal leverage over climate disclosures, action and inaction?

As more is understood about the climate risks we face as a nation and globally, directors need to understand the changing landscape of law and regulation including the rise in climate-related legal claims. This highly topical event will bring together experts to discuss a number of key questions including:

- What is the “Brussels Effect” and what impact is it having on global markets?
- With over 80% of New Zealand exports by value going to countries with climate-related disclosures in place or proposed, what does this mean for non-reporting entities?
- How are changing expectations of large buyers like Tesco and Nestlé impacting the goods we produce and export?
- What greenwashing backlash and penalties are we starting to see in New Zealand?
- Legal risks are not confined to non-compliance with regulations. What can directors do to reduce the risks of litigation and to win the trust of stakeholders in respect of climate-related risks?
- What are the opportunities for organisations amongst the risks?