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.

This report reviews corporate compliance with Australia's Modern Slavery Act's requirements. Findings reveal limited progress, with many companies failing to address mandatory reporting criteria and fulfil commitments to tackle modern slavery risks. The report urges stronger oversight, due diligence, and legal consequences to shift responses from policy statements to actionable measures that effectively protect vulnerable workers.

This report highlights Asia's potential to supply raw materials for the plant-based meat industry. Key ingredients such as soy, wheat, and alternative crops like konjac and jackfruit are evaluated for their nutritional, environmental, and economic potential in Asian markets. The report suggests ways Asian countries can leverage local crops and production capacities to meet growing demand, boosting food security and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance Initiative) supports countries in developing and implementing financing solutions for biodiversity conservation. It focuses on integrating biodiversity into national financial strategies and investment plans. By promoting innovative funding mechanisms, BIOFIN aims to enhance sustainable development and ensure effective resource management for natural ecosystems.

The report explores the role of financial institutions in driving investments towards nature-positive initiatives. It highlights key challenges and opportunities in biodiversity financing, focusing on innovative financial models, carbon markets, and ecosystem service monetisation. The report presents case studies from Southeast Asia and proposes solutions like blended finance to de-risk projects and enhance collaboration across sectors.

This guide explores the role of investors in addressing modern slavery within their portfolios. It provides practical steps for identifying risks, engaging investee companies, and enabling remediation when harm occurs. It includes case studies, recommendations, and legal frameworks to help investors meet their obligations and protect human rights.

Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) is a global network of central banks and financial regulators promoting financial inclusion policies in developing countries. AFI supports its members in implementing inclusive policies to increase access to financial services, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth. Learn more about their work and initiatives.

This report compares national sustainable finance taxonomies in Asia, highlighting the variability in standards and approaches. It underscores the need for greater alignment with international frameworks to reduce inconsistencies, enhance clarity, and promote sustainable investments. Differences in fossil fuel treatment and transition finance provisions pose challenges to harmonisation and investor confidence.

Examining the interplay between financial systems and ecological thresholds, this research identifies pivotal financial flows linked to land use changes in the Brazilian Amazon and Indonesian peatlands. It proposes targeted interventions to steer these investments towards sustainable practices, emphasising the need for global policy alignment to mitigate the systemic risks posed by ecosystem tipping points.