Why did BP face such a strong shareholder backlash — and what does it mean for climate votes?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Fiona McNally to unpack a dramatic AGM season, starting with BP’srecent shareholder revolt, where investors pushed back against proposals seen to weaken governance and climate accountability.

We explore what’s driving the tension between companies and shareholders, whether climate resolutions are losing momentum, and how trends differ between Europe and the US. From Exxon’s influence on voting rights to upcoming votes at Shell and Equinor, we look at whether this is a turning point for shareholder activism — or just a noisy moment in a shifting landscape.

Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter.

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How is business really dealing with the EU’s deforestation rules?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor, Philippa Nuttall speaks to Nestlé’s head of government relations and ESG engagement, Bart Vandewaetere about the realities of implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) — from supply chain traceability to navigating delays and shifting rules.

With the regulation repeatedly postponed and political opposition growing, we explore what’s actually happening on the ground: how companies track thousands of suppliers, the cost and complexity of compliance, and why uncertainty around implementation is one of the biggest challenges.

We also examine the bigger picture — whether sustainability and competitiveness are really in conflict, and why deforestation rules could ultimately strengthen supply chains, improve resilience, and support long-term business performance.

Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter.

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How real is reputation risk in today’s political and business climate?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, Alison Taylor of NYU Stern joins Sustainable Views deputy editor, Elizabeth Meager, to unpack why so many companies have fallen silent, how legal and political risks are reshaping corporate decision-making, and whether reputation can really be measured in any meaningful way.

From US immigration crackdowns and DEI rollbacks to tariff disputes, AI, boycotts and government retaliation, we explore why business leaders are struggling to balance short-term legal exposure against long-term trust and credibility.

We also discuss why some companies seem able to withstand pressure better than others, what makes corporate backlash stick, and how executives are thinking about issues such as employee dignity, political spending and collective action.

Read more here:

Trump’s latest tariffs throw clean energy into deeper uncertainty

Business cannot stay silent on American democracy and climate

ICE’s expansion leaves US companies with a choice they cannot dodge

Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.