All articles by Polly Bindman
Polly Bindman
VCs splash cash in climate tech (but show signs of herd mentality)
Climate tech companies are presenting themselves as a solution to carbon reduction that early-stage investors are buying into. However, venture capital investment is disproportionally aligned with sectors that offer limited potential.
Analysis: Divestment and engagement go hand in hand
Investors that are early adopters of fossil fuel exclusion policies tend to rank highly on voting, while some vocal critics of divestment are not as active on engagement as their stance might suggest, new data reveals.
Read the prospectus! ESG marketing jargon warps perception
With labelling confusion at the heart of recent ‘greenwashing’ cases, it’s no surprise that clearer fund explanations are investors’ top priority. The distinct lack of Paris-aligned funds only goes to highlight this.
Can asset managers ‘game’ net-zero targets?
Intense disagreement has broken out over asset managers’ fragmented net-zero target-setting approach, with some suggesting it is easy to game the system.
Coal insurance policy gap “almost closed”, data reveals
New research reveals many insurers are still shying away from tightening up their oil and gas policies in line with International Energy Agency recommendations. That said, they have made solid progress on coal, having generally closed the gap on the asset and liability side.
Analysis: Banks’ net-zero promises falling short
Despite positive noises at Cop26, analysis conducted by Capital Monitor of lenders’ fossil fuel policies underlines why critics remain sceptical of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance’s ability to get signatories to align with International Energy Agency recommendations.
Exclusive: The companies with the most ambitious net-zero targets
Capital Monitor has mapped out the net-zero targets of 755 companies globally that have been approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative. Here we analyse the findings.
Why ESG funds are oblivious to net-zero transition plans
Research shows that ESG strategies that focus on companies’ fixed climate scores, rather than performance metrics, risk undermining the much-needed energy transition to net zero
Why health remains a blind spot for investors
Despite concerns that ignoring health issues increases investment risk, fresh research indicates investors do not have the necessary support or inclination to implement effective screening measures.
Who buys carbon offsets – and why?
The carbon offsetting market is growing rapidly as more and more companies pledge net zero, but the proper place for carbon offsets in their strategies remains unclear. Microsoft’s recent about-turn is a prime example.