Main topics covered in the Podcast:

Current state of ESG:

• Increased momentum and convergence on sustainability in recent years.
• Now, there’s a risk of divergence due to differing regulations and political agendas.
• Some companies are greenwashing or silently disengaging from sustainability efforts.

Challenges in ESG:

• Standardizing and aggregating ESG data for reporting.
• Balancing the need for ambitious targets with achievability.
• Engaging suppliers in emissions reduction efforts (Scope 3 emissions).
• Balancing the environmental impact of crop protection products with agricultural needs.

The role of an ESG leader:

• Advocate for integrating sustainability into core business strategy.
• Ensure transparency and robust governance around ESG efforts.
• Secure leadership buy-in and link ESG targets to performance metrics.
• Build a culture of sustainability within the organization.

An example of a successful ESG initiative at Bayer:

• Reducing the environmental impact of Bayer’s crop protection portfolio by 14% since 2019.
• This involved collaboration with universities to develop a credible measurement methodology.

The cultural shift towards sustainability at Bayer:

• Bayer’s sustainability strategy reflects the increasing societal awareness of environmental issues.
• The large and diverse organization is working to embed sustainability throughout its operations.