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.

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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.

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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

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Is the UK government getting nature policy wrong and what does it mean for the economy?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, reporter Florence Jones speaks to Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, about the UK’s approach to biodiversity, the risks of weakening environmental protections, and why nature loss is far more than an environmental issue. From food security and flood prevention to economic resilience and public health, Bennett argues that restoring nature is fundamental to long-term prosperity.

We also explore the growing disconnect within government policy, the role of business in pushing for clarity and stability, and why framing nature as a barrier to growth could prove a costly mistake.

Timestamps

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:55 What is the impact of nature depletion

02:38 How UK government nature policy has changed

05:55: HS2 Bat Tunnel

09:30 Reform voters back nature policies

13:21 How nature can impact other policy goals

16:03 Fingleton Review

20:30 Business view on nature

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How should businesses navigate human rights in a more fragmented world?

In this episode of Sustainable Views, editor Philippa Nuttall sits down with Michael Clements, Executive Director for Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, to discuss the growing expectations on companies to protect workers, manage supply chain risks and respond to political and regulatory pressure. From mandatory due diligence to reputational risk and stakeholder activism, we explore how the human rights agenda is evolving — and what it means for boards, investors and sustainability leaders today.

Read more here:

The material risks of human rights in the reconstruction of Gaza

Due diligence act means companies ‘give a damn’

Investors will use ESG data if it is decision useful

Do sustainability disclosures change corporate behaviour?

Simplified ESRS more ‘decision-useful’ for business and investors

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Philippa Nuttall is joined by US reporter and acting deputy editor, Elizabeth Meager and UK reporter Florence Jones to discuss the evolving role of corporate responsibility and corporate reporting. Corporate reporting is still mainly focused on climate impacts and emissions. Under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, for example, companies must also report on nature and social indicators, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, when it comes into force, should shine a greater spotlight on human rights abuses.

In the US, despite fear of retribution from the Trump administration, companies are being challenged to speak out more. With new issues around the use of AI and how companies should be responding as the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol or ICE expands its role, pressure on businesses to take a stance is growing.

Additional reading:

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

As companies adopt AI, can investors trust corporate reporting?

00:00 Intro

1:10 Companies response to ICE

5:03 Reputational risk

6:44 Corporate reporting

8:20 Impact of AI

14:05 New ESG regulation

16:33 AI climate reporting

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

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2025 was a tough year for sustainability. With Trump's attacks on green energy, to uncertainty over regulation and subsidies, the direction of travel is becoming less predictable for governments and businesses alike.

In this episode, Sustainable Views editor Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Florence Jones to explore how the sustainability landscape is evolving in 2026, with companies and countries adjusting strategies, managing risk and investing in solutions that continue to attract support, including regenerative agriculture and carbon credits. We also look at where momentum is still building globally, and what this means for sustainability and investors in the year ahead.

00:00 - Sustainability at the start of 2026

03:08 - The US sustainability transition

09:10 - Tax and carbon credits

17:30 - Future sustainability trends to watch

Required reading:

Despite fragmentation, the energy transition is advancing

Wind and solar generated more power than fossil fuels in 2025 in EU milestone

Microsoft looks to soil carbon credits as its emissions surge

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