Transform

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Transform, your regular tour of the sustainability landscape with insight from the sector’s leading figures.

06/10/2025

 

The logistics in the run-up to the COP30 climate change talks in Belém in Brazil have been as unpredictable as the negotiations ahead of the event, with even the president of COP30 inviting delegates to reflect on the future of the process itself.

With climate scepticism growing hand in hand with populist politics in many countries, Mike Berners-Lee makes a powerful argument that politicians from all parts of the political spectrum have been deluding us, and themselves, when it comes to the reality of the situation. Is it all too late? And can we do anything as individuals? Chris Seekings and Chloë Fiddy find out.

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The British Labour Party grew from the trade union movement. Some commentators have expressed concern about the current UK government’s commitment to nature and sustainability. Sam Perry from the Trades Union Congress argues that trade unions can drive change across the workforce – and that working with trade union representatives is the way to bring about meaningful change.

 

“Mike Berners-Lee makes a powerful argument that politicians from all parts of the political spectrum have been deluding us, and themselves, when it comes to the reality of the situation”

 

The move towards populist parties across Europe is increasingly being reflected in legislation. A new Omnibus package of EU legislation aims to radically reduce the reporting requirements for European business. As Elisabeth Jeffries reports, what may seem like a simplification could end up creating greater confusion.

As always, we love to hear your thoughts and comments about the articles in Transform. Please let us know if you have an idea for publication – many of our articles come from members on a fascinating range of subjects.


Published by:
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Sarah Mukherjee AISEP

CEO

Sarah Mukherjee MBE is the CEO of ISEP. Previously Sarah was the BBC’s Environment correspondent, presenting on national and international BBC radio and television, winning awards across the world. After leaving the corporation, she held leadership roles in various sectors including utilities and agriculture. Sarah was a panel member for the National Parks Review and the Glover Review and also sat on the National Food Strategy Advisory Panel. She is co-chair of the Natural England Landscape Advisory Panel as well as Non-executive Director on the Board of the Environment Agency. In 2021 Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to agriculture and farmer well-being. Since joining ISEP Sarah has been instrumental in implementing a Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI) strategy. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys martial arts, has been a 'Campaign for Real Ale' judge, as well as a rugby reporter.