Bayer AG

Lobbying Transparency and Governance

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Direct Lobbying Transparency
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Comprehensive Bayer AG has demonstrated a comprehensive level of transparency regarding its climate lobbying activities. The company explicitly names specific climate policies it has engaged with, such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, the Growing Climate Solutions Act, adjustments to the German Building Code to expand renewable energy investments, and the revision of Regulation (EU) 2018/841 on greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF). Bayer also discloses its lobbying mechanisms and targets in detail, including bilateral discussions with state ministry representatives, CEO roundtables, and industry association meetings with high-level officials such as Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Furthermore, Bayer provides clear information about its lobbying activities registered in transparency platforms like the EU Transparency Register and the U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure. The company has been explicit about the outcomes it seeks, such as accelerating renewable energy expansion in Germany, supporting climate-related measures under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and enhancing carbon sinks and removals in the EU. Bayer's disclosures reflect its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture by 30%. These examples illustrate Bayer's proactive and transparent approach to climate policy advocacy. 4
Lobbying Governance
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Comprehensive Bayer demonstrates a comprehensive governance process for climate lobbying alignment, encompassing both direct and indirect lobbying activities. The company has published detailed disclosures, including its "Industry Association Climate Review," which assesses the alignment of its industry associations' climate positions with Bayer's own commitments on climate change. Bayer explicitly states that "where we find misalignment between our climate ambitions and those of our industry associations, we will take measures to bridge that gap," showcasing a proactive approach to ensuring alignment. The governance process includes clear oversight structures, with the CEO serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer, overseeing all sustainability activities, including the climate program. Additionally, Bayer's ESG committee within the Supervisory Board discusses the Bayer Sustainability Council's focal topics, including "the status of the sustainability targets, benchmarks and strategies, and Bayer's contribution to climate protection," indicating robust accountability measures. Bayer also describes its monitoring mechanisms, stating that it "regularly examines critically our memberships in relevant industrial associations and their positions and actions affecting climate policy both internally and externally in accordance with our ambitions." Furthermore, Bayer engages with external expertise, such as Climate Action 100+, to compile its analysis, ensuring thorough and credible reviews. Bayer has published multiple key documents, including the "Industry Association Climate Review 2023" and "Engagement Update 2023," which provide transparency into its lobbying activities and alignment with climate goals. Bayer's governance process reflects a high level of transparency, accountability, and alignment with climate goals, supported by detailed audits and reviews of its lobbying activities and industry association memberships. 4