Srinivasulu, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), warns that climate change has shifted from an environmental concern to a critical economic and business risk.

  • Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a systemic economic risk.
  • Climate intelligence must be integrated into boardroom decisions alongside capital and labor.
  • ESG is evolving from a compliance checkbox to a core driver of long-term competitiveness.

Speaking at the CII Karnataka ESG Summit 2026 in Bengaluru, Srinivasulu, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), delivered a stark warning to the industry. He asserted that climate change has transcended the boundaries of environmental and developmental concerns and has now manifested as a direct business and economic risk.

The Chairman urged corporate leaders to transform 'climate intelligence' into 'business intelligence.' He emphasized that considerations regarding climate impact must be embedded in boardroom decisions with the same rigor as evaluations of land, labor, capital, and finance.

Read Also:Kulgam Terror Attack: Laborers Shot Dead After Being Asked Their Names; Ground Zero Report

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift in terminology from "environmental concern" to "economic risk" marks a pivotal moment in corporate governance. When climate change is framed as a financial liability, it triggers a reallocation of capital toward sustainable infrastructure. This transition is no longer about corporate social responsibility (CSR) but about mitigating systemic failures in the global supply chain.

"Resilience must be embedded across products, supply chains, and partnerships, making sustainability a core business strategy rather than a separate agenda."

Adding to the discourse, Kamal Bali, Managing Director of Volvo Group and President of CII Southern Region, noted that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is moving from aspiration to execution. He highlighted that geopolitical shifts, energy security, and technological disruptions are interconnected challenges that necessitate an adaptive business model.

Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director of Kennametal India Ltd, further observed that ESG has evolved from a mere compliance requirement into a foundation for long-term growth and competitiveness. The consensus among the leaders was that the era of treating sustainability as a peripheral function is over.

Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of Bosch Group India, added a positive dimension to the crisis, stating that ESG is evolving from a risk management agenda to an "opportunity agenda." This shift is paving the way for the creation of new markets, disruptive technologies, and sustainable business models that can thrive in a carbon-constrained economy.

Did You Know?: ESG criteria are now used by the world's largest asset managers, like BlackRock, to determine the risk profile and investment viability of global corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the theme of the CII Karnataka ESG Summit 2026?
The theme was "Building Climate-Resilient and Competitive Businesses: From ESG Commitment to Action."

2. Why is 'resilience' considered a business imperative now?
Due to the interconnected nature of climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability, companies must be resilient to survive and remain competitive.