In 2020, the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund), announced a goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the Fund’s portfolio by 2040. The goal builds on the Fund’s Climate Action Plan 2019. A key component of this initiative is a four year review of investments in energy sector companies, using minimum standards to assess transition readiness and climate-related investment risk, and, where consistent with fiduciary duty, potential divestment of companies that fail to meet minimum standards.
Read moreClimate Change: Follow The Money
As climate-related events hit home with increasing frequency and destruction, the Paris Agreement’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 has begun to resonate throughout the financial system. From climate risk reporting to net-zero commitments, the low carbon economy is gaining traction and speed.
Read moreSay On Climate: Net-Zero with Annual Shareholder Votes – A Global Movement
Carbon emissions resulting in climate change pose increasingly growing material risks to society and corporations. These impacts will reach into every supply chain, capital market, and customer base. A recent study found that more than eight million people died prematurely in 2018 from fossil fuel air pollution. To address these risks and shareholder concerns, companies should establish accredited science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets that adhere to the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius from pre-industrial levels.
Read morePlastic: The New Stranded Asset Risk Facing Big Oil
As the oil and gas industry reckons with the clean energy transition, its emerging plans show one last desperate attempt to cling to continued fossil fuel extraction: a theory of growing global demand for petrochemicals, especially plastics. In a world flooded with plastic waste, however, the proposed expansion of plastic production raises red flags for investors and requires enhanced scrutiny.
Read moreInvestor Climate Support for Climate Action 100+ Net Zero Benchmark
Climate science is clear on the need to reach net-zero global GHG emissions by mid-century to limit global warming to 1.5°C and to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change to communities and the natural world. Net-zero commitments matter to investors because they provide a long-term market and policy signal, reduce regulatory uncertainty, create opportunities for innovations, and give investors confidence that they are developing strategies to address climate risk.
Read moreWhat Shareholders Can Expect From a Biden SEC
With a new year, proxy season, and presidential administration, US SIF expects to see new support for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and other actions that benefit shareholders, other investors, and society at large.
During the presidency of Donald Trump, the executive branch rolled back environmental protections and imposed constraints on investors who sought to raise concerns about ESG issues.
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