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

Community engagement, nature and financial materiality: An evidence review on the financial effects of engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities on nature-related issues

Power Shift Africa
This Shift report reviews the financial effects of corporate engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities on nature-related issues. Drawing on over 1,200 cases and approximately 40 publications, it finds that engagement quality is financially material, with poor engagement linked to significant operational, legal, and reputational costs.
Research
1 May 2026

Labor market effects of California's $20 fast-food minimum wage

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This NBER working paper examines the labour market effects of California's AB 1228, which raised the fast-food minimum wage to $20 per hour in April 2024. Across 32 QCEW and QWI specifications, wages rose by roughly 7 per cent with an own-wage elasticity of employment ranging from −0.29 to +0.26, indicating modest to no disemployment.
Research
16 May 2026

Time to get real: Current and future best practice for investor engagement on climate policy

Volans
This report examines how institutional investors engage on climate policy and sets out guidance for best practice. Drawing on interviews with 70+ individuals and a survey of investors representing approximately USD 33 trillion in AUM, it calls for a shift from disclosure-focused engagement towards real economy policies, and identifies three field-building priorities.
Research
15 June 2026

An expanding mandate: A systems-level framework for asset management

Thinking Ahead Institute
This report from the Thinking Ahead Institute and CAIA Association argues for expanding the investment mandate to incorporate systems-level thinking. Drawing on a survey of 176 asset managers and roundtables with 120 senior executives, it presents an inside-out, outside-in framework for navigating polycrisis and long-term systemic risks.
Research
8 June 2026

Thinking Ahead Institute

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
A global not-for-profit research and innovation network delivering bold insights to help investors navigate the future, connecting asset owners, asset managers, wealth providers and strategic partners across the investment industry.
Organisation
1 research item

CAIA Association

Finance Industry Groups
CAIA Association is the global nonprofit professional body for alternative investment education and credentialing, best known for the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Charter designation.
Organisation
1 research item

Ranking digital rights: The 2025 big tech edition

Ranking Digital Rights
The 2025 RDR Index Big Tech Edition ranks 14 major technology companies on governance, freedom of expression, and privacy. Microsoft leads overall with 50%, followed by Alphabet at 49% and Meta at 47%. Scores are also assessed across eight thematic lenses, including algorithmic transparency, security, and targeted advertising.
Research
29 June 2026

Ranking digital rights: The 2026 Telco giants edition

Ranking Digital Rights
Ranking Digital Rights' 2026 Telco Giants Edition scores 12 major telecom companies on governance, freedom of expression, and privacy. Telefónica leads overall with 57%, while Ooredoo ranks lowest at 14%. Historical data from 2017 to 2026 shows varied progress, with scores dipping in 2020 due to new indicators.
Research
29 June 2026

Ranking Digital Rights

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
An independent initiative that evaluates the world's most powerful digital platforms and telecommunications companies on their policies and practices affecting users' freedom of expression, privacy, and human rights.
Organisation
2 research items

From measurement to decision: How impact valuation is changing the way leaders decide

Valuing Impact
This paper by Valuing Impact examines how 19 organisations are moving beyond sustainability measurement to use impact valuation as a decision-making tool. Covering strategy, investment, steering, operations and stakeholder engagement, it presents case studies and six practical lessons for embedding impact data alongside financial information in real business decisions.
Research
12 June 2026

Urban heat risk management: Resource package

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR)
This resource package provides practical guidance for local and national governments on managing urban heat risks through governance, planning, nature-based solutions and emergency preparedness. Drawing on global evidence and city case studies, it outlines strategies to strengthen urban resilience to increasing extreme heat.
Resource hub
14 April 2025

Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) is a UNDRR-convened cross-stakeholder initiative that supports cities worldwide on a structured pathway to reduce disaster and climate risk and build long-term urban resilience by 2030.
Organisation
1 research item

Unlocking climate risk insurance: The role of public development banks

Climate Policy Initiative
This report examines how public development banks (PDBs) can expand climate risk insurance in emerging markets and developing economies. It identifies five key barriers to insurance uptake, analyses distinct roles for national, regional, and multilateral development banks, and provides recommendations to scale insurance solutions that build climate resilience.
Research
7 May 2026

TIIP: The Investment Integration Project

The Investment Integrated Project (TIIP)
TIIP develops tools and advisory services for system-level investing, helping institutional investors manage systemic risks related to climate change and inequality.
Online tool/database
22 August 2023

Climate Shift Index Global Map

Climate Central
The Climate Shift Index Global Map by Climate Central is an interactive tool visualising global air, ocean, and humid heat climate factors.
Online tool/database

Climate Central

Climate Central
Climate Central Resources is an online library of climate science content, interactive tools, graphics and datasets. It provides evidence-based information on climate change impacts, extreme weather, sea level rise and climate risk, supporting analysis, communication and decision-making across sectors, including finance.
Resource hub

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY ISHITA RAI

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
2 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
1 research item

Anglia Ruskin University

Academic Institutions
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a UK public university delivering education and research across business, finance, sustainability, health and technology. Through its Global Sustainability Institute and ESG-related programmes, ARU supports research on climate, sustainable finance and responsible business, helping students and professionals develop practical skills for evolving environmental and economic challenges.
Organisation
1 research item

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of World Bank Group, provides political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees to support foreign direct investment in developing countries. MIGA helps investors and lenders manage non-commercial risks, including political instability and contract breaches, while promoting sustainable economic development, infrastructure investment and private sector growth.
Organisation
1 research item

Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a Netherlands-based non-profit research and consultancy organisation focused on biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable development. FSD supports nature conservation, ecosystem valuation and environmental decision-making through research, global partnerships and knowledge platforms, including Nature Today and the Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD).
Organisation
1 research item

Energy Futures Foundation

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Energy Futures Foundation is an Australian non-profit organisation focused on accelerating the country’s clean energy transition. It produces evidence-based policy research and advocacy on freight electrification, distributed energy, carbon accountability and circular supply chains. Energy Futures Foundation supports affordable, low-emissions transport and energy systems through publications, collaboration and policy engagement.
Organisation
1 research item

Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) is a South Korean government-funded research organisation specialising in energy economics, climate policy and sustainable energy systems. KEEI publishes energy statistics, policy analysis and market research covering renewable energy, energy security, decarbonisation and resource management, supporting policymakers, researchers and finance professionals monitoring energy transition developments.
Organisation
1 research item

Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) is an independent Brussels-based think tank focused on European Union policy, sustainability, economics, finance, climate, digital regulation and governance. CEPS produces research, policy analysis, events and publications that support evidence-based decision-making for policymakers, businesses and finance professionals across Europe and international policy sectors.
Organisation
1 research item

How poverty fell

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
Global extreme poverty fell mainly within cohorts, with substantial household churn and varied exit pathways. Sector shifts, migration, occupation changes and women’s labour force participation contributed unevenly; most households exited poverty without these changes.
Research
29 April 2026
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