July is the hottest month ever, and two real-life versions of Mattel’s CSO Barbie are speaking up.
July is the hottest month ever, and two real-life versions of Mattel's CSO Barbie are speaking up.
July sets a new record as the hottest month ever, urging companies to take action
The World Meteorological Organization reported this week that July is on track to become the hottest month in recorded global history. This alarming statistic comes after a scorching June, reinforcing the growing trend of record-breaking weather patterns. As temperatures continue to rise, it is evident that companies need to take action and adopt “net zero” transition plans as part of their corporate strategies.
Julie Arrighi, the director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, emphasized the need for adaptation in various sectors of society, including the business world. Climate change poses significant challenges for companies, warranting the establishment of roles like “chief climate officers” and “chief heat officers.” These positions are no longer mere symbolic gestures but require concrete plans to combat rising temperatures, such as creating heat management strategies and developing contingency plans for potential relocation.
Real-life CSO Barbies highlight the importance of women leaders in sustainability
Before the release of the Barbie movie, there were already diverse Barbie dolls available, including a set featuring chief sustainability officer (CSO) Barbie, alongside conservation scientist, renewable energy engineer, and environmental advocate Barbies. In an article for Fortune, two actual CSOs, Kate Brandt from Google and Melanie Nakagawa from Microsoft, shared their perspectives as “real-life versions of Mattel’s CSO Barbie.”
While acknowledging the progress made with the recognition of women leaders in the sustainability space, Brandt and Nakagawa also expressed concerns about the marginalization that can occur when certain roles or types of work are feminized. They highlighted that countless influential women, such as Jane Goodall, Christina Figueres, and Greta Thunberg, have been at the forefront of climate action. However, they eagerly await a time when women’s leadership will no longer require special recognition and will be fully integrated into workplaces and societies.
The upcoming Fortune Impact Initiative conference tackles ESG, sustainability, and impact investing
Last year’s Fortune Impact Initiative conference showcased the rising popularity of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. However, the landscape has changed significantly since then, with a shift away from ESG and increased focus on sustainability standardization. Against this backdrop, the annual Impact Initiative will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from September 12-13.
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The conference, co-chaired by Peter Vanham, Executive Editor at Fortune, and Holly Ojalvo, the editor of this newsletter, will delve into a wide range of topics. Esteemed speakers from prominent companies, including Colgate-Palmolive, General Electric, General Motors, L’Oréal, and Walmart, will share their insights as chief sustainability officers. Additionally, representatives from Cisco, Meta, Visa, PayPal, and Walgreens Boots Alliance will contribute to discussions on impact and diversity.
The conference will explore the effectiveness of recent U.S. legislation in driving the green transition and decarbonization of the economy—an ambitious feat if successful. Other important topics on the agenda include board diversity, voter access, and the current state of impact investing. Registering for the conference is possible via this link. For more information, interested individuals can reach out to Sarah Worob or Elizabeth Tighe at [email protected].
Peter Vanham Executive Editor, Fortune [email protected]
