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World Environment Day 2025: Expert insights with Susie Orme
World Environment Day is a global initiative designed to raise awareness about protecting our planet for future generations. This year, the focus is on encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices and transparently disclose their climate-related risks and opportunities.
For Australian businesses, understanding and implementing new climate reporting standards like AASB1 and AASB2, which come into effect on 1 January 2025, is critical for integrating a robust climate strategy into their operations.
To explore this important topic, we spoke to our Environmental Management Expert, Susie Orme, to explore the significance of climate change reporting in Australia.
Why climate change reporting matters: Expert insights with Susie Orme
Why should organisations prioritise climate reporting now?
“The release of AASB1 and AASB2 marks a turning point for Australian businesses,” explains Susie.
With significant increases in reporting requirements, company executives must determine whether their organisation falls under the new regulations and how to prepare. The new standards move beyond basic sustainability reporting, requiring detailed climate-related financial disclosures that align with international frameworks.
Organisations that act now will not only ensure compliance but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability, setting the stage for long-term operational success.
How does climate change reporting relate to net zero and sustainability reporting for businesses?
“Think of climate-related reporting as the next evolution of sustainability,” Susie says.
While Scope 1 (direct greenhouse gas emissions) and Scope 2 (energy-related emissions) have been staples of sustainability reporting, Scope 3 expands the playing field. It demands organisations assess emissions across their entire value chain, from suppliers to end-users. Beyond emissions, businesses now need to plan and document their resilience, conduct scenario analyses, and create transition strategies.
Even businesses with years of sustainability reporting experience may find themselves unprepared for the enhanced challenges these regulations bring.
What inspired the development of this course, Understanding Climate Change Reporting Obligations?
According to Susie, climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a strategic business risk.
“We developed the Understanding Climate Change Reporting Obligations course to demystify these new standards for executives and managers. It’s about transforming compliance into an opportunity to enhance resilience, identify new business prospects, and secure long-term success,” she explains.
This course equips participants with the tools to go beyond mere emissions reporting, fostering a holistic understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities. It’s tailored for executives, sustainability professionals, and QHSE System Managers to integrate these insights into their organisational strategies effectively.
The course was developed to be suitable for:
Executive management overseeing the preparation of the organisation’s financial reports
Managers and consultants involved in the preparation of sustainability reports
QHSE System Managers tasked with integrating climate-related risk management into the organisation’s management system(s).
What impact will improve reporting have on businesses, our climate and the globe?
The new standards demand more transparency and accountability, compelling organisations to take genuine, measurable action towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moving beyond surface-level sustainability initiatives, senior leaders will have the tools and motivation to make a meaningful, lasting impact both within their businesses and on the global climate.
Susie highlights, “Better reporting doesn’t just comply with regulations; it strengthens trust, enhances reputation, and ultimately contributes to the global fight against climate change.”
What’s the one thing you hope every participant takes away from this course?
“We hope every participant leaves the course with a renewed sense of urgency to bridge the gap between today’s reporting and tomorrow’s climate accountability,” says Susie.
The Understanding Climate Change Reporting Obligations course ensures participants leave with actionable insights, including the ability to:
Understand Australia’s climate-related financial disclosure requirements.
Identify and integrate climate risks and opportunities into management systems.
Implement best practices in carbon accounting and verification.
Navigate the international context of climate compliance obligations.