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Inside SB 261: A Conversation with Senator Henry Stern on Climate Risk, Business Readiness, and What Comes Next

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Article Overview

California is setting the pace for climate-related financial risk disclosure.

In this exclusive conversation, Persefoni’s Kristina Wyatt sits down with California State Senator Henry Stern, author of SB 261, to discuss the driving force behind the legislation, what it means for companies doing business in California, and why climate risk is a business imperative.

Senator Stern shares the personal experiences that shaped his commitment to climate policy, the collaborative intent behind SB 261, and what companies should expect as implementation moves forward.

Key topics discussed:

  • Why SB 261 is designed to help—not punish—businesses
  • How good faith reporting efforts are encouraged and protected
  • The role of transparency in market resilience and investor confidence
  • California’s vision for scalable, global climate risk disclosure frameworks

“This isn’t about ‘gotchas’—it’s about getting ahead of very real risks and giving companies the tools to respond.”
— Senator Henry Stern

Whether you're just beginning to assess your company’s exposure to climate risk or preparing to comply with SB 261, this conversation offers valuable insight into the law’s purpose and future.

🎥 Watch the full interview below.

Need help preparing your SB 261 disclosure?

We offer an expert-led SB 261 solution to help your team assess climate-related risks and produce ready-to-publish reports aligned with California’s requirements.  

Learn more about our SB 261 solution

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