Authored by the Economist Intelligence Unit, our latest article Can the market economy function without environmental transparency? concludes that free market economies rely on transparency and information and that there is a need to incorporate environmental impacts into the price system.
In the piece we specifically explore:
The problem: climate change as a market failure
The solution: information, prices and markets
Overcoming the information shortfall
The role for business
The report was developed from a panel discussion on reporting and transparency that took place at our recent global sustainability summit in Madrid.
Webcast: Bottom-line benefits of sustainability Sustainable business practices can yield cost savings, tax benefits, opertational efficiencies and more.
Six growing trends in corporate sustainability Sustainability efforts are well integrated at many companies. We explore key trends and next steps organizations can take to move them forward even further.
Into the unknown: climate change post DurbanWe examine the outcomes from the UN Climate Change Conference and address specific questions businesses should consider.
First annual Global Sustainability Summit Our inaugural Global Sustainability Summit well held in Madrid January 19 and 20 and saw over 300 government officials, businesses, academics and journalists debate the most topical and timely subjects in the world of sustainability and climate change.
Durban dynamics: navigating for progress on climate changeIn our report we assess the prospects for success at Durban, analyze the key issues and outline the potential consequences for businesses.
Can tax act as a catalyst in climate change action?Our survey assesses how tax measures are playing an increasingly important role in changing behaviors in the climate change agenda. We consider the future role of Tax as an agent of change for sustainability projects and suggest how hard-pressed tax functions can best prepare themselves for the new models.
Seven questions for CEOs considering sustainabilityAlthough sustainability reporting is voluntary, the broad trend is towards greater disclosure. Here are seven things that CEOs and boards should ask in order to prepare for the possibility of reporting on sustainability for the first time, or to improve their existing reports by enhancing data collection processes. 
Radical greening remains in top 10 of business risksAlthough it has slipped from fourth to eighth place, radical greening remains a pressing long-term issue across sectors. Our survey respondents still see the private sector as the driving force in reducing environmental impact. Also, read our report on "greening” behaviors drawn from insights in psychology, sociology and behavioral economics. 
Outcomes of the Copenhagen AccordIn December 2009, the world watched as nations gathered in Copenhagen to discuss responses to climate change, resulting in an initial Copenhagen Accord. What are the key elements of it, and what do they mean for your business? Read our report. 
Carbon emission programs are a consideration for your businessErnst & Young is committed to working with you as carbon regulatory and legislative changes unfold. This report includes some of the latest changes, and provides you with accounting, compliance, and reporting and tax considerations for your business. 
The business case for climate changeLeading organizations are leveraging their climate change agenda to help generate revenue, reduce costs and meet stakeholders’ expectations. What is your organization’s response? Read our report to find out how organizations are anchoring their climate change strategies and staying on course. 
Climate change - Paths chosen by top economiesDo you know how climate change regulations affect you in the countries in which you do business? In each country surveyed there are tax implications, business opportunities, and even grants and incentives available. Read our report to learn more about the political, economic, regulatory and tax environments of 20 countries plus the European Union. 
Corporate responsibility and Ernst & YoungVolunteer stories: Reducing our environment impact. A healthy environment is important to our people and to our business. Any commitment to a greener world has to start at home, and around the globe, we are finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint and promote broader environmental awareness in our communities.
Cleantech spending set to accelerateCleantech spending is robust and set to accelerate, according to our third annual global report on the state of the industry. Our survey of more than 300 top executives reveals how the world's largest corporations are adopting cleantech products and services to help gain a competitive advantage through resource efficiency and sustainable growth.
How Ernst & Young is reducing its own environmental impactErnst & Young has implemented five environmentally friendly initiatives, including measuring our own carbon footprint. See all five.
Tackling climate change: how can cleantech help?How should policymakers shape a future treaty to address climate change issues and ensure the accelerated adoption of clean technologies? That’s the focus of this report, in which top executives, entrepreneurs, investors, advisors and regulators discuss cleantech financing and regulation in advance of Copenhagen.
Big firms poised to raise cleantech investmentsOur 2009 Global cleantech report shows that the world’s largest corporations are rapidly adopting cleantech products and services to gain a competitive advantage.Eighty-five percent of respondents surveyed said that their companies are accelerating the pace of cleantech adoption compared with two years ago.
Destination ahead: the automotive industry in the era of climate change and sustainability Responding to the threat of climate change from an automotive perspective is more than reducing the emissions of new vehicles or improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing facilities. There are opportunities and risks in every part of the automotive industry value stream, and determining what steps to take will only become tougher. This report takes an extensive look at the regulatory and technological factors contributing to the forthcoming industry transformation.
Power & Utilities – renewable energy country attractiveness indices August 2009Our country attractiveness indices provide scores for national renewable energy markets (pdf, 654.6kb) renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. In this quarter’s issue, China climbs three points, tying with Germany in the All-renewables index, following announcements of increased support for solar photovoltaics. This issue also includes a summary of the UK Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy – a welcome boost but is it focused enough?
Automotive – climate change: the automotive industry’s 100-year storm The actions by governments, customers, investors and innovators in response to concerns about climate change are most visibly influencing the industry by altering the design and production decisions of vehicle and component manufacturers as they develop the vehicles of tomorrow. However, climate change’s impact on the automotive industry extends far beyond the product. It is creating a business response that will touch every aspect of the global industry (pdf, 2.4M).
Mining & Metals – strategic business risks in mining and metalsClimate change is a major strategic business risk for the mining and metals sector which risks its reputation and social license to operate. There is also an increasing need for companies to respond to increased regulation of emissions, including mandated carbon reporting and emissions trading schemes.
Power & Utilities - a new era for renewables in Europe The EU’s Renewables Directive has set a challenging target of generating 20% of energy from renewables by 2020. But the renewable energy industry will struggle to raise the €500bn investment required to meet the goal as the global recession evaporates much-needed capital. This study (pdf, 599 kb) explains the renewables target, the challenges it presents, the impact on utilities’ strategy and Ernst & Young’s recommendations for industry and policy-makers.
Power & Utilities – spotlight on waterWater scarcity is an issue that is rapidly growing in prominence globally. In some cases, water is simply not available, whereas in others, usage is higher than renewable sources. Climate change is likely to further decrease availability. This study seeks to demonstrate that there is significant growth and innovation potential in water technologies.
Transformation cleantech: enabling the business response to climate changeErnst & Young’s second annual global cleantech report provides details about how businesses (emerging and market leading) are responding to the challenges of climate change. It focuses on partnering initiatives, R&D investments, bringing cleantech products and services to market and the importance of influencing government policy.
Ready or not, here comes sustainability Customer demand is driving sustainability. Recent responses from governments, corporations and investors demonstrate that the demand for sustainability is being heard loud and clear. But corporations face a daunting challenge. Can they evolve their business processes rapidly enough to keep pace with changing customer attitudes about sustainability of the products and services they purchase and the partners they choose to work with?
Operational effectiveness: supply chain sustainabilityThe growing urgency around green issues and sustainability is increasing pressure on the supply chain and procurement arenas to respond and introduce new measures. In "Green for go: supply chain sustainability" (pdf, 749kb), we look at the business case for sustainability and the benefits that can be achieved by integrating sustainability issues into supply chain management.
Oil and Gas - biofuels: do sustainability and climate change concerns signal the end of the road or a new beginning?Biofuels’ promise of diversifying fuel sources, putting a cleaner-burning fuel into the world’s gas tanks and creating a growth industry for many agricultural producers, remains true. However, countries and investors around the world are recognizing the urgent need to develop a second generation of biofuels whose production does not compete with food production and whose greenhouse gas emissions are below that of fossil fuels.
Assurance - accounting for emission reductions and other incentive schemesEmission reduction schemes designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions comprise tradeable emission allowances or permits. Renewable energy schemes encompass Clean Development Mechanism schemes and green certificates. The assortment of different schemes already in use, or being contemplated, has created a host of new challenges in financial reporting.