The 3rd ESG Focused Workshop on ‘Climate Risks & Its Impact on Human Capital’, held on August 22, 2024, provided a comprehensive platform for exploring the intricate link between climate change and its far-reaching effects on the workforce.
The workshop delved into the critical issues of how climate risks are reshaping health and productivity, as well as the increasing importance of green jobs both locally and globally. The session underscored the necessity for the private sector to develop proactive strategies that future-proof organizations take against the rapidly evolving climate landscape.
Dr. Ahson Rabbani, CEO of ChildLife Foundation Pakistan, shared valuable insights from his extensive experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, focusing on the impact of climate risks on health and the opportunities for the private sector to engage in this critical area. His detailed presentation, titled "From Vulnerability to Resilience," showcased a public-private partnership success story in children's emergency care. Dr. Rabbani highlighted how children are among the most vulnerable during natural disasters and shared the efforts of ChildLife Foundation during the 2022 floods, where they provided a network of modernized emergency rooms across the country.
Tazeen Shahid, Chief People Officer at Jazz, emphasized the importance of aligning HR with sustainability goals and implementing significant HR reforms to address climate challenges. In her presentation, she explored key themes such as navigating the climate frontier, understanding the stakes, and building resilience in a changing world. She also discussed the importance of crafting a robust business continuity plan to withstand climate disruptions, focusing on critical areas like CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Tazeen stressed the need for building a carbon-neutral workforce through preventive and proactive strategies, empowering a green workforce, and forging a sustainable legacy.
Khalid Zaman Khan, SEVP & Group Head of Human Resources at Meezan Bank Limited, highlighted the impacts of climate risks on human capital within the services sector, emphasizing the growing need for talent transformation in Pakistan. He also focused on green banking initiatives, including green loans, investments, and financial inclusion for green projects. To conclude, he underscored the urgent need for businesses to integrate climate resilience into their core operations to ensure a sustainable and resilient workforce.
