Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and CPA Australia have joined 13 of the world’s largest professional
accounting organisations committing to a call to action in response to climate change. The organisations represent 2.5
million accountants globally.
“Accountants are uniquely placed and qualified to help businesses and organisations deal with climate change,” said
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Rick Ellis. “They can quantify the risks, and their
financial consequences, providing robust, reliable and transparent information for decision makers, investors and the
public.”
Chief Executive of CPA Australia Andrew Hunter said “climate change presents significant economic and social challenges
both now and in the future – challenges that require action from governments, businesses and people from all walks of
life.”
The statement includes actions the accounting profession can take, as well as a commitment from the chief executives of
the organisations to support members in the coming months with the resources, information and training needed to meet
the challenges ahead.
The transition for economies will rely on adapting economic policies and associated market mechanisms. The accounting
profession is central to helping achieve both of these important objectives.
Mr Hunter also noted “the call to action is consistent with and complements actions taken by a broad range of regulatory
agencies by way of pronouncements and guidance emphasising the economic and business imperatives of response to the
multi-faceted challenges of climate change.
“It also adds to the growing momentum towards identifying strategies for a just and economically efficient transition to
net zero emissions.”
Mr Ellis said “accountants are already playing a key role assisting organisations to manage their impact on the planet
and the impact of climate change on their organisation.
“Our call to action supports both these early adopters who are quantifying risk and accountants following in their
footsteps.”
Read the Call to Action here www.accountingforsustainability.org/abn-climate-action