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.
Members of the European Parliament voted at the end of September to extend natural gas subsidies until 2027. Critics are slamming the decision, adding to pressure on governments to end support for fossil fuels. But even progressives acknowledge the tricky decisions involved.
Investors increasingly claim to be incorporating ESG factors into their portfolios. But are they doing so genuinely and for the right reasons, and what should best practice entail in ESG integration? The concept is still vague, with a clear definition some way off.
The EU’s latest review of solvency rules for insurance firms threatens to impose capital charges on polluting assets. But the industry warns that doing so could have unintended consequences and would ultimately not have a positive impact for the environment or society.
Pressure is growing for prudential measures to help tackle the climate crisis, with banks facing a rise in estimated credit losses of up to 20% in a 'hot-house' scenario. But bankers say climate-related stress tests should not lead to more capital requirements, and some propose alternatives.
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Initiatives are under way to build the markets for so-called blue bonds – which finance ocean-related conservation projects – and environmentally related debt swaps. But there are doubts over the scalability of such programmes, despite the huge appetite for sustainable assets.
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 Nordic country is a pioneer in carbon taxation and a leader in green bond issuance. Åsa Lindhagen speaks to Capital Monitor about the country's green policies and fostering sustainable development.
With its landmark deal, a South African private healthcare group has saved itself at least 21 basis points in the cost of funding and set a quartet of key performance indicators – three with environmental targets and one focused on patient satisfaction.
Frameworks such as the UK’s Senior Managers & Certification Regime may be adapted – and expanded to sectors beyond financial services – to put company directors on the hook for climate-related commitments.
Under fire for their lack of transparency and buying of out-of-favour fossil fuel assets, private equity managers are being urged by their clients and others to use their capital and clout more positively.
Retirement village operator Summerset has inked a landmark sustainability-linked loan related to reductions in carbon emissions and construction waste and, less typically, the development of dementia care. Its domestic peers are also expected to take the green finance path.
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.
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