Climate finance is crucial for resilient infrastructure that adapts to climate risks. This guide explores mobilising finance, balancing adaptation and mitigation, innovative mechanisms, and addressing country-specific challenges, while assessing risks and barriers. It offers strategies to overcome obstacles and promote impactful, sustainable infrastructure investments.

This article explores where science stands on Earth system risk, action to avert climate change and the path forward.

The 2025 PRI report analyses data from 3,048 signatories, highlighting trends in climate risk management, stewardship, and human rights. Asset owners show increased engagement, with climate and social issues gaining priority. Investors continue integrating responsible investment into decision-making and oversight, with varied progress across policy, governance, and disclosure practices.

CIM’s FY2024 Impact Report details investments in social and affordable housing, disability accommodation, and carbon farming. The portfolio supported 260 homes, 114 SDA dwellings, and biodiversity-focused climate projects, while applying rigorous impact measurement. The report reflects lessons from emerging sectors and First Nations partnerships.

Companies excelling in disability inclusion earn higher revenue, profit, and productivity. Despite rising interest, action lags. Barriers include disclosure fears and cost assumptions. The report introduces a five-part “A List” framework—Access, Awareness, Advocacy, Action, Accountability—to guide inclusive practices and improve organisational and financial outcomes.

V-Square Quantitative Management (V-Square) is a global asset manager specialising in quantitative investment strategies with a focus on sustainability. Registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, V-Square offers customised solutions including thematic investing, ESG integration, and factor-based strategies. Their approach leverages data-driven models to identify market inefficiencies and long-term value opportunities.

Conscious Investment Management is an Australian impact investment firm focused on generating measurable social and environmental outcomes. Its portfolio includes social and affordable housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation, renewable energy, carbon farming, and social impact bonds. CIM collaborates with not-for-profits and community housing providers, aligning investments with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Chief Executive Women (CEW) is an Australian organisation uniting over 1,200 senior women leaders across sectors to advance gender equity. CEW offers leadership programs, scholarships, and conducts research to support women's progression into executive roles. Its members collectively oversee more than 1.3 million employees and $749 billion in revenue.

ShareAction’s report introduces a standardised escalation framework for investors to engage with companies on environmental and social issues. It outlines an escalation toolkit and pathway to ensure structured, transparent, and time-bound engagement. The framework aims to enhance investor accountability, drive systemic change, and improve corporate sustainability practices through clear expectations, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms.

The report underscores the need for inclusivity in the digital revolution, highlighting gender disparities in STEM fields. Women are underrepresented in digital and engineering roles, limiting their access to future job opportunities. Policy interventions, improved workplace conditions, and equitable funding are essential to fostering diversity in technological innovation and ensuring sustainable, inclusive development.

This report explores the barriers to expanding outcomes-based partnerships in public service delivery. It provides actionable strategies for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to enhance policy innovation and effectiveness. Key insights include addressing institutional challenges, political dynamics, and public-private collaboration for sustainable impact.