Some insights on pollution risks from GRi for you;
Pollution is one of the most pervasive and underreported environmental challenges facing businesses today – with impacts that cut across air and land, impacting individuals, communities and the environment. Yet despite its scale, consistent and comparable corporate reporting is lacking.
As illuminated in new GRI research, quantifiable air pollution data by organizations in high-emitting sectors is patchy and inadequate, underlining why more comprehensive reporting in this area is long overdue. Meanwhile, the World Air Quality Report, released last week, warns air quality is deteriorating globally, largely the result of human-caused climate change – and 91% of countries exceed the WHO guideline for microscopic pollution, which is linked with life-threatening health risks.
Against this backdrop, GRI is updating existing standards related to pollution, and considering the need for new disclosures. Today, a public comment period has launched on three exposure drafts that aim to strengthen transparency on air pollution, soil pollution, and critical incidents reporting.
The proposals see the introduction of a first GRI Topic Standard for soil pollution, and the expansion of disclosures in GRI 305: Emissions 2016. Additionally, it includes a substantial update to GRI 306: Effluents and Waste 2016 disclosures on significant spills – to encompass emergency preparedness, prevention and response for all critical incidents (regardless of whether they are related to pollution).
GRI invites global stakeholders to provide feedback, with a consultation open until 8 June, following approval of the exposure drafts by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB).
Harold Pauwels, GRI Standards Director, said:
“Pollution is not confined to a single emission source or environmental medium, it affects human health, quality of living in communities and biodiversity. Achieving strengthened reporting on pollution requires both greater transparency and a wider scope.
Delivering complete and effective new and revised pollution standards requires broad input and perspectives: that’s why we are seeking engagement that spans stakeholders and regions, to ensure the final standards reflect diverse expertise and global realities.”
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