About | Mentor | Ishita Rai

Ishita Rai

I summarise and categorise all resources that go into Altiorem’s library, support engagement with Altiorem members, and ad hoc projects that enhance Altiorem’s value proposition and offering to sustainable finance communities.

PROFILE

I summarise and categorise all resources that go into Altiorem’s library, support engagement with Altiorem members, and ad hoc projects that enhance Altiorem’s value proposition and offering to sustainable finance communities.

RECENTLY REVIEWED BY ISHITA RAI

Global South Climate Database

Carbon Brief
A searchable database maintained by Carbon Brief providing access to over 1,100 climate experts from the Global South. It enables finance professionals to connect with specialists in carbon markets, climate policy, and regional environmental risks across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Online tool/database
17 March 2024

Climate Data Store (CDS)

Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)
The Climate Data Store (CDS) is an open-access platform providing authoritative climate datasets, including historical reanalysis and future projections. It enables finance professionals to assess physical climate risks, track greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate evidence-based environmental data into ESG reporting and investment analysis.
Online tool/database

Leveraging copper for economic transformation: Policy choices for value addition in Zambia

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
This report examines strategies for Zambia to add value to its copper resources. It identifies expanding smelting and refining as immediate opportunities to increase annual exports by USD 3.7 billion by 2030. Success requires addressing binding constraints, primarily unreliable electricity, high finance costs, and trade logistics inefficiencies.
Research
22 April 2026

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
The IGF is a member-driven organization that helps governments around the globe improve mining governance to support sustainable development. It focuses on optimizing social and financial benefits while managing ecosystems and advancing gender equality in mining operations.
Organisation
1 research item

European state of the climate report series

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The European State of the Climate is an annual flagship report series providing structured descriptions and analyses of climate conditions in Europe. Published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization, it evaluates Earth system variables and key climate events alongside policy actions for biodiversity.
Benchmark/series
28 April 2026

Raw power: China locks-in global dominance of critical minerals and metals with $120bn outbound investment surge

Climate Energy Finance (CEF)
This report details China's structural "Going Global" strategy, tracking over US$120 billion in outbound investment since 2023 to secure critical mineral supply chains. It examines China's refining dominance and provides strategic recommendations for Australian policymakers to build domestic value-adding capacity in the zero-emissions economy.
Research
19 March 2026

NGFS 2026 Nature Package

Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS)
The NGFS 2026 Nature Package offers central banks and supervisors practical tools to integrate nature-related risks into financial stability assessments and macroeconomic modelling.
Resource hub

U.S. Fire Weather Historical Trends Data (1973-2025)

Climate Central
A dataset and analysis by Climate Central tracking fire weather trends across the U.S. from 1973 to 2025. It helps users understand the increasing frequency of high heat and low humidity conditions that drive wildfire risk.
Online tool/database
7 May 2025

The microstructure of AI diffusion: Evidence from firms, business functions, and worker tasks

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines AI diffusion through US firms, distinguishing between organisational adoption and worker-level use. While adoption is growing, it remains concentrated in large, knowledge-intensive sectors. Findings indicate AI primarily augments worker tasks, with capital substitution being more prevalent than labour displacement at this stage of technological integration.
Research
24 April 2026

Automation, learning, and career dynamics

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines how automating technology affects white-collar career dynamics and human capital. It identifies a potential 'human-capital trap' where automation reduces entry-level learning. The paper recommends targeted taxes on automation and subsidies for task-frontier expansion to maintain long-term welfare and professional skill development.
Research
27 April 2026

Interactive data tool on Middle East energy reliance

International Energy Agency (IEA)
Developed by the International Energy Agency, this interactive tool tracks global energy market impacts stemming from Middle East conflicts. It monitors commodity shipping flows, policy responses, and supply disruptions.
Online tool/database
30 March 2026

Positive Money

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Positive Money is a non-profit organisation that collaborates with policymakers, economists, and the public to redesign the economic system. It focuses on shifting power from big banks to people to achieve social justice and a liveable planet.
Organisation
1 research item

The green central banking scorecard series

Positive Money
The Green Central Banking Scorecard is a benchmark series that ranks G20 central banks and financial regulators on their progress in integrating environmental considerations into their operations. It assesses institutions across research and advocacy, monetary policy, financial policy, and leading by example categories to encourage a just green transition.
Benchmark/series
14 January 2025

SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard version 2.0

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
The SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 provides a framework for science-based target setting and implementation. It introduces an implementation hierarchy, transition planning requirements, and a voluntary Ongoing Emissions Responsibility programme. The standard focuses on context-specific targets and best-efforts delivery to reach net-zero by 2050.
Research
9 June 2026

Rust in motion: The political environmental trap of vehicle tax exemptions

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines Brazil's vehicle tax exemptions, finding that lower age thresholds increase fleet age, pollution and infant health risks. It identifies a 'political environmental trap', where raising exemption ages leads to significant electoral penalties for incumbents, despite the policies resulting in a net welfare loss.
Research
2 September 2026

Oxford-GlobeScan global corporate affairs survey series

University of Oxford
This benchmark series provides an overview of opinions, trends, and challenges within the corporate affairs function. Produced annually, the research captures insights from senior professionals globally to track the evolution of the corporate affairs agenda, focusing on reputation, sustainability, geoeconomics, and stakeholder engagement.
Benchmark/series
9 July 2026

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY ISHITA RAI

ASEAN sustainable finance state of the market series

Climate Bonds Initiative
This series by the Climate Bonds Initiative examines the development of sustainable finance markets across ASEAN. It covers green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked debt instruments, alongside market structures, taxonomies, transition finance and policy developments supporting sustainable capital markets across the region.
Benchmark/series
9 May 2023

Women's empowerment principles series

United Nations Global Compact
This series examines how businesses integrate women’s empowerment and gender equality across leadership, workplaces, marketplaces and communities. It uses the Women’s Empowerment Principles Gender Gap Analysis Tool to assess corporate policies and practices, support benchmarking and identify opportunities for businesses to strengthen gender equality approaches over time.
Benchmark/series
13 March 2020

FCLT Gold Standard: Information and resources

FCLTGlobal
FCLTGlobal’s Gold Standard provides criteria for asset owners, asset managers and companies to support long-term value creation. It outlines recommended practices across governance, incentives, engagement, metrics and future success, including long-term performance measurement, aligned remuneration, sustainability reporting, carbon pricing, diverse decision-making and investment in innovation.
Research
29 August 2025

Extraction to equity: Responsible finance and trade for critical minerals in Asia

Fair Finance Asia
The report examines critical mineral value chains across selected ASEAN countries, highlighting downstream processing ambitions alongside environmental, human rights and governance risks. It finds trade agreements lack adequate sustainability safeguards and recommends stronger due diligence, impact assessments, benefit-sharing, local value addition, transparency and sustainable finance taxonomies.
Research
13 July 2026

Sector insights: Real estate series

Sustainable Fitch
Sustainable Fitch Sector Insights Report Series is a series providing analytical assessments of the sustainability profiles of different sectors. It examines sustainability impacts, ESG rating trends, sustainable finance developments, sector-specific issues, and relevant sustainability-related regulations to support finance professionals’ understanding of sector performance.
Benchmark/series
7 April 2026

Planet Tracker

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Planet Tracker is a non-profit sustainable finance think tank that produces research, data and investor tools to help financial markets address nature, climate and environmental risks. It supports investors, lenders and companies with analysis on biodiversity, food systems, plastics, water and supply chains to improve long-term capital allocation and stewardship.
Organisation
2 research items

Futureproofing Institute

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Futureproofing Institute is an independent sustainable finance organisation that develops integrated value methodologies to assess companies’ financial, social and environmental performance. Through research, publications and the Futureproof Index, it supports investors, businesses and policymakers in evaluating long-term value creation, transition risks and responsible investment using evidence-based analysis.
Organisation
1 research item

He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission

Government Organisations & Departments
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission is New Zealand’s independent climate advisory body. It provides evidence-based advice to government on emissions budgets, climate change mitigation and adaptation, while monitoring progress towards national emissions reduction targets. The Commission publishes climate risk assessments, policy advice and monitoring reports to support a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy.
Organisation
1 research item

Marsh

Other
Marsh is a global insurance broker and risk advisory firm that helps organisations identify, assess and manage complex risks. Through insurance broking, risk management, cybersecurity, climate risk, analytics and consulting services, Marsh supports businesses across industries in making informed decisions, building resilience and navigating regulatory, operational and financial challenges worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Motu Research is an independent New Zealand economics and public policy research institute that produces evidence-based research on climate change, emissions trading, wellbeing, housing, productivity, labour markets and human rights. Through publications, data analysis and policy engagement, Motu helps decision-makers, researchers and finance professionals understand key environmental, social and economic challenges.
Organisation
1 research item

Value Balancing Alliance

Finance Industry Groups
Value Balancing Alliance is a non-profit organisation that develops impact accounting and valuation methodologies to help businesses and investors measure environmental, social and economic impacts alongside financial performance. Through research, pilot studies, publications and collaboration with global companies, it supports sustainability reporting, ESG analysis, impact measurement and informed decision-making.
Organisation
1 research item

Council of Europe

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Council of Europe is an international organisation that promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe. Through the European Court of Human Rights, policy frameworks, monitoring bodies and intergovernmental cooperation, it supports member states on issues including justice, equality, digital rights, governance, social rights and democratic institutions.
Organisation
1 research item

Royal London Asset Management

Other
Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) is a UK-based asset manager providing investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, property and cash. It integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making and stewardship activities, offering responsible investment expertise, sustainable investing strategies, market insights and portfolio management services for institutional and intermediary clients worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

Biodiversity Council

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Biodiversity Council is an independent Australian expert group founded by 11 universities to promote evidence-based solutions to biodiversity loss. Through research, policy engagement, public communication and First Nations knowledge, Biodiversity Council provides trusted expertise on nature conservation, environmental policy and biodiversity protection for governments, businesses and communities across Australia.
Organisation
1 research item

Power Shift Africa

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Power Shift Africa is a Pan-African climate and energy think tank focused on climate action, renewable energy and sustainable development. Based in Kenya, it provides policy analysis, advocacy and media engagement to amplify African perspectives on climate justice, clean energy transitions and low-carbon development across Africa and international climate policy discussions.
Organisation
5 research items

Migrant Justice Institute (MJI)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Migrant Justice Institute (MJI) is an Australian research and advocacy organisation focused on migrant worker rights, labour exploitation and wage theft. It conducts legal and policy research on migration, workplace justice and supply-chain accountability, supporting evidence-based reform and helping organisations address human rights, modern slavery and ESG-related labour risks.
Organisation
2 research items
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