Three-quarters of European companies have set emission-reduction goals, but details of how they intend to achieve them are lacking, while only one in ten is on track to hit net-zero targets, finds recent research. Pressure is growing on corporates – and regulators – to take more action.
An Australian parliamentary inquiry into the domestic finance sector’s shift away from coal exposure underlines the government's reputation as a climate policy laggard. But it may inadvertently help boost the country’s sustainable investment industry, argue some market participants.
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.
Science-Based Targets are a vital starting point for a company’s transition plan, but the inclusion of high-emitting coal companies on the initiative's approval list presents problems for investors forming policies around them.
The British luxury fashion house was the first of its peers to tap the sustainability bond market. A year on, it has not only met its targets but in some cases gone beyond them. The company’s CFO and head of corporate responsibility explain how.
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The A$150bn pension fund is using its financial heft to address modern slavery and has developed a risk-assessment tool to support its reporting requirements. But while some asset managers have shown overwhelming support, others are still burying their heads in the sand.
The year to date has seen record-breaking support for shareholder resolutions, with asset managers such as BlackRock and Vanguard stepping up their stewardship. However, a lack of data on the real-world impact means the jury is still out on their efficacy.
Despite Seoul's commitment to reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels, new coal-fired power projects are still raising funds. But the commodity's recent sharp price rise may focus the minds of corporate executives, bankers and government officials.
Despite coal's influence on global warming, less than half of the world’s largest asset managers have an investment policy in place for it, according to non-profit organisation Reclaim Finance.
Producers of metals integral to the production of electric vehicles look well set in light of government emissions reduction policies and support for the EV sector. But lithium miners are facing rising scrutiny over how environmentally friendly they really are.
Companies across the globe, from banks to beauty product purveyors, risk losing the best staff if they fail to take account of a new generation of executives' greater ethical awareness and willingness to act on it.
Momentum builds behind the circular economy as investors seek better growth while tackling global challenges, while innovation in this area is de-risking investments and delivering exciting risk-adjusted returns for investors.
Capital must reach even the most challenging markets if the UN Sustainable Development Goals are to be met. Hiring former rebels to maintain peace is not something most investors ever have – or want – to think about, but they need to.
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