This benchmark series tracks the progress of institutional investors across Asia in integrating climate considerations into governance, investment, engagement, disclosure and policy advocacy. It provides a consistent and structured assessment framework to evaluate investor alignment with net zero pathways and climate-related financial risks and opportunities.

The report analyses the investment required to address the natural capital gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in 40 countries, finding that investing US$7.4 trillion could generate returns exceeding US$152 trillion, greatly benefiting air quality, human health, ecosystems, and reducing premature deaths and resource depletion globally.

This series explores the evolving role of biodiversity in sustainable finance, investment strategies, and regulatory developments. It examines biodiversity risk, natural capital investment, reporting frameworks, and financial instruments supporting conservation efforts. The series provides insights into emerging market mechanisms, data challenges, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into financial decision-making.

This report aims to support readers in understanding Bankable Nature Solutions (BNS) and start identifying and developing their own BNS project by providing Blueprints for Bankable Nature Solutions from across the globe to adapt to and mitigate climate change and to help our living planet thrive.

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.

The report examines the engagement strategies of ESG funds in Asia, highlighting the unique challenges posed by regulatory constraints, concentrated ownership, and political influences. Using a structured engagement pyramid, the study categorises ESG fund strategies, ranging from investment screening to direct corporate control. Despite obstacles, notable regional features can support ESG initiatives, such as shareholder voting mechanisms and strategic collaborations. The report provides insights into how ESG funds navigate these challenges to influence corporate governance and sustainability outcomes in Asia.

The Climate and Nature Sovereign Index (CNSI) is a framework assessing climate and nature-related risks at a country level. It utilises real-time and forward-looking indicators to help sovereign debt investors evaluate environmental risks and engage with countries on sustainable policies, aiming to integrate environmental considerations into sovereign debt investing for better long-term outcomes.

This document provides corporates and financial institutions with guidance on identifying and assessing nature-related issues using the TNFD proposed LEAP approach.

The report highlights the environmental impact of digital assets, focusing on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It underscores significant carbon emissions and advocates transitioning to less energy-demanding models, renewable energy use, and cross-border cooperation. Policy recommendations include targeted regulation, enhanced data transparency, and leveraging distributed ledger technologies for sustainable finance.

This paper outlines Federated Hermes' expectations and engagement priorities for sectors characterised by having high biodiversity impacts and dependencies. These include consumer goods and retail, agrochemicals, mining and materials, oil and gas, utilities, real estate and construction, and finance.

The report provides a guide to sustainable finance in the real estate sector, focusing on green building projects eligible for green bonds and loans. It details key principles, certification frameworks like BREEAM and LEED, and sustainable finance's role in addressing climate action, resource efficiency, and social impact.

Bitcoin mining has significant environmental impacts, driven by its reliance on electricity-intensive processes. In 2020-2021, mining consumed 173 TWh of electricity, primarily from fossil fuels, and emitted 86 Mt CO2, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and land use issues. Global regulatory action is urgently needed.

The report reviews blockchain's role in sustainability, analysing 10,188 studies. It highlights blockchain's potential in supply chain management, energy systems, and IoT-based solutions like smart cities. However, gaps persist in aligning blockchain applications with global ESG regulations and carbon trading mechanisms. Recommendations aim to improve blockchain's utility in achieving net-zero goals.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current status and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and local communities in managing their lands and territories. It highlights the importance of these lands for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. This report supports investors in integrating biodiversity into investment decision-making by providing crucial insights into the stewardship of Indigenous lands. It informs engagement and stewardship activities with corporations, and, through the provision of data about the importance of these lands for the provision of ecosystem services, aids in assessing biodiversity impacts and dependencies, and highlights the importance of sustainable land management.

The Aviva case study demonstrates the company's efforts to tackle deforestation as part of their climate and biodiversity strategies. Aviva uses data from various sources to assess deforestation risks in its corporate holdings, real assets, and sovereign debt.

The report explores how fiscal policy can mobilise private sector finance for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific. It emphasises green guarantees, subsidies, and roadmaps, showcasing ASEAN+3 successes in aligning fiscal policy with climate action to attract private investment and encourage sustainable economic activities.