CDP’s Cate Lamb presented CDP Water Disclosure Report 2012 and its findings at the GTE and ERM Water Footprint Webinar on January 9th 2013.

Representatives from Ministry of Forest and Water Affairs, Coca Cola İçecek, GTE and ERM presented at the webinar. In her presentation, Cate Lamb said that investors are increasingly aware of water risks and demanding better disclosure of water risk management processes and water performances from listed companies. Many companies experience detrimental water-related business impacts such as business interruption and property damage from flooding, with associated financial costs for some companies as high as US$200 million.

Lamb said that CDP’s analysis reveals water management trails climate change on the boardroom agenda, despite significant strategic opportunities for companies to improve brand performance, sale of new products or services, and cost savings. She emphasized the importance of collective action on river basin management and water efficiency when addressing risks and opportunities given the complexity and scale of water challenges. Assessing and addressing exposure to water-related supply chain risk should be an important part of such collective work.