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Science-based targets for nature “provide value in the form of risk mitigation” as well as “improved reputation and competitive advantage”, according to pilot companies ahead of the Science-based Targets Network (SBTN) concluding the test in May. Another pilot company commented it was “an enormous step forward” toward a standardisation of how nature is integrated into … Read more

Legal action could prompt banks to strengthen climate action or face reputational risk, according to Morningstar DBRS. This comes in the wake of Milieudefensie, the Dutch branch of climate-oriented NGO Friends of the Earth, announcing plans to take Dutch banking group ING to court over its funding of fossil fuel developments. Milieudefensie’s case argues that … Read more

Of the 2,000 global companies identified as having the greatest potential to transform systems and influence progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), less than a third have verified emissions reduction targets, according to a report. The companies, known as the SDG2000, are identified by the World Benchmarking Alliance at the start of every … Read more

The increased scrutiny on asset manager engagement is a sign the ESG investment industry is “growing up” and firms should welcome these questions, said Fidelity’s head of stewardship for Europe in this video interview. She explained how standards are moving and best practice is evolving, which is, for her an exciting time to be working … Read more

The demand for sustainability disclosures from funds has far outpaced regulation in recent years. For investment trusts, this has created a dilemma. While wanting to satisfy investors’ desire for disclosure, trusts’ boards and managers have been bombarded by a barrage of different sustainability standards, frameworks and expectations – and a lack of clear guidance from … Read more

Investments in healthcare – particularly in vaccine development – and the gender health gap were key themes for investors that emerged from the discussions at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting. The 54th meeting – also known as Davos and held in the Swiss Alps – also urged investors to address how to … Read more

With some scientists suggesting the world has entered into its sixth mass extinction cycle, a recent Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) webinar – Nature Nurture: Can Investors Seek To Protect Nature And Still Deliver Returns – offered insights into the complexities and opportunities in investing in biodiversity and natural capital. As investment commentators flagged … Read more

Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) has launched the Global Environmental Transition Equity fund to invest across five themes for sustainability. The Article 8 fund will focus on extraction, power generation, manufacturing, transportation, and consumption industries. GSAM says it will look for companies that currently have a ‘heavy’ environmental footprint and are looking to improve by … Read more

Jan Oliff, managing director of Jan Oliff Financial Planning and member of the Ethical Investment Association, has been involved in ESG investing since 2006 – it’s a passion she says that keeps her working. Here, Oliff discusses her problem with employee pension funds, why regulators encourage greenwashing and where she sees sustainable investments heading next. … Read more

In this series, ESG Clarity takes a deep dive into an investment firm’s stewardship activities, discovering their key focuses and processes, and what’s in their engagement toolkit. Here, Clemence Humeau, head of sustainability coordination & governance at AXA Investment Managers, discusses the impact of regulation and ‘greenhushing’ and clients’ increasing understanding on engagement. What do you think will … Read more