CPA Australia: Worldwide accounting profession’s call to action on climate change

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach – 25
February 2020 – CPA
Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand 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.

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.”

“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.”

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

Resources/
guidance/ additional reading

CPA
Australia – https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/professional-resources/esg/climate-change-and-risk-policy

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest
accounting bodies with more than 165,000 members working in 150 countries and
regions around the world, with more than 25,000 members working in senior
leadership positions. It has established a strong membership base of more than
19,000
in the Greater China region.