Barry Li | Climate Reporting & Assurance
Insights on climate reporting, carbon markets, and sustainability assurance.
Category: Sustainability Reporting
ISSB, AASB S2, IFRS S2, ESG reporting frameworks, disclosure standards and practical guidance.
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As we move into March 2026, the global sustainability reporting landscape is undergoing a critical expansion. While the first wave of mandatory reporting concentrated heavily on climate-related financial disclosures (IFRS S2), the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has signaled a clear pivot toward “nature-positive” transparency. For Australian entities already navigating the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards…
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As we move through February 2026, Australia’s climate reporting landscape is shifting from preparation to implementation. Group 1 entities are now deep into their first mandatory reporting cycle, while Group 2 entities face a countdown to 1 July 2026. Meanwhile, two significant developments demand attention: the AASB’s December 2025 amendments that simplify emissions reporting, and…
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As we step into February 2026, Australia’s climate reporting landscape has officially entered a new phase. Group 1 entities—our largest listed companies and financial institutions—have now been operating under mandatory AASB S1 and S2 requirements since 1 January 2025, while Group 2 entities are counting down to their 1 July 2026 commencement date. For those…
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It’s been a big month of learning. Across the public and private sectors, climate-related reporting and assurance training has accelerated — a clear sign that Australia is moving from policy design to practical delivery. I was fortunate to take part in several technical programs recently, which deepened my understanding of both greenhouse gas (GHG) assurance…
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In September 2025, the AASB published a guidance note titled “Proportionality Mechanisms in AASB S2” (9 September), clarifying how entities should apply judgement so that climate disclosures are scaled sensibly to size, complexity, and capacity.This move helps signal that while the standard is mandatory in scope, not every disclosure has to be equally elaborate. What…
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Large firms often dominate climate assurance conversations, but mid-tier accounting firms and specialist consultancies are quietly building important capacity—and may offer more accessible options for many businesses. What mid-tier / boutique players are doing These firms typically present themselves as more flexible, tailored in approach, and more cost-conscious than Big 4 services. Where they tend…
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The Big 4 accounting firms (KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PwC) are already deeply engaged in helping large companies navigate climate disclosure, sustainability assurance, and the transition to mandatory regimes like AASB S2. Their thought leadership and client guidance are early indicators of what the market will expect. Below is a quick comparison of their consensus views,…
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Australia’s new mandatory climate disclosure regime (via AASB S2) places huge new demands on preparers and auditors. Two of the key accounting and finance bodies—CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)—are already mobilising guidance, training, and member support. But there are meaningful gaps, and a big discrepancy between what’s needed and…
