Climate change has become an economic risk: KSPCB chairman

Climate change is no longer an environmental or developmen concern; it has now become a business and economic risk, said Srinivasulu, chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) here on Friday.

“Climate intelligence must therefore become business intelligence, with climate considerations embedded in boardroom decisions alongside land, labour, capital and finance,’’ he urged while delivering the keynote at CII Karnataka ESG Summit 2026.

Themed around: “Building Climate-Resilient and Competitive Businesses: From ESG Commitment to Action,’’ the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, sustainability experts, technology providers and academia to deliberate on emerging trends, critical challenges, and practical solutions shaping the ESG landscape.

Kamal Bali, past chairman, CII Southern Region President and Managing Director Volvo Group, in his special address said” “ESG is moving from aspiration to execution, with resilience emerging as the real business imperative. Climate change, geopolitical shifts, energy security, supply chain disruptions and technological change are interconnected challenges that require businesses to build the ability to adapt and remain competitive.’’

Ultimately, resilience must be embedded across products, supply chains, people and partnerships, making sustainability not a separate agenda but a core business strategy, he added.

Also speaking on the occasion, Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Chair, 4th Edition of CII Karnataka ESG Summit 2026 & Managing Director Kennametal India Ltd said, ESG has been evolving from a compliance requirement into a foundation for long-term business sustainability, competitiveness and growth.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, chairman, CII Karnataka State Council & President, Bosch Group India & Managing Director, Bosch Ltd., added: “ESG can no longer remain a sustainability function alone; it must be embedded in boardroom decisions and everyday business practices. As businesses navigate climate risks, supply chain realignments and geopolitical uncertainties, resilience has become critical to long-term growth.’’

At the same time, ESG has been evolving from a risk management agenda to an opportunity agenda, creating new markets, technologies and business models, he remarked.