About | Mariana Wheatley
Mariana Wheatley
I’m interested in the intersection of social and environmental issues, particularly those that work towards a just transition to a future where people, nature and the economy flourish.
PROFILE
I’m Altiorem’s head of operations and marketing. My role encompasses marketing, fundraising, business and operations support and volunteer engagement.
RECENTLY REVIEWED BY MARIANA WHEATLEY
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander best practice principles for clean energy projects
2 December 2022
Ten principles placing Australia's First Nations people and communities at the centre of clean energy projects. The Principles ensure that projects provide economic and social benefits, include cultural and environmental considerations, and provide employment opportunities. The Principles are for all stakeholders involved in clean energy projects, including investors and government.
Growth without economic growth
11 January 2021
Economic growth is closely correlated to environmental depletion and resource use. This report explores the need to decouple economic growth and resource consumption to achieve the sustainability goals and the European Green Deal. It introduces alternative views to economic growth including circular economics, green growth and doughnut economics.
Net-zero challenge: The supply chain opportunity
1 January 2021
Eight major value chains contribute to over half of the global carbon emissions, indicating that decarbonisation of the supply-chain will be essential in addressing corporate climate change impact. Abatement solutions are already available and affordable. This report addresses how to decarbonise the value chain based on industry.
Cutting carbon: What the rush to divest fossil fuels means for emissions reduction and engagement
31 January 2021
This report focuses on the decarbonisation of listed equity portfolios in Australia, outlining current investor initiatives and commitments to support decarbonisation and energy transition. The report discusses carbon exposure metrics, company engagement and divestment strategies, and investing in climate solutions.
Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector
21 February 2021
The report explores Black workers in the private sector by analysing Black participation in the entire US private-sector economy, their representation, advancement, and experience in companies. And addresses key challenges moving forward including actions companies and stakeholders can take to accelerate progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Winning climate strategies: Practical solutions and building blocks for asset owners from beginner to best practice
30 June 2018
Based on interviews with 22 leading asset owners, this 2018 report explores the best-practices landscape for managing climate risks and opportunities. The report identifies barriers faced by industry leaders and presents a framework of ten building blocks for other asset owners developing and introducing climate strategies.
Responsible investment benchmark report 2021 Australia
18 February 2021
The report details the size, growth, depth, and performance of Australian responsible investment over 12 months to 31 December 2020. Applying a scorecard, it reviews the practices of 198 investment managers that have self-declared as practising responsible investment; and 54 entities that apply a leading approach to responsible investment.
Building back better with better jobs: Mainstreaming business models for decent work
22 October 2020
Recent years have seen declining job security and working conditions as a result of increased outsourcing and 'gig economy' business models. This report serves as a guide on how businesses can build back from the global pandemic and create decent jobs without compromising business competitiveness and profitability.
Is the gas industry facing its Volkswagen moment? Gas is more emissions intensive than the gas industry’s marketing arm suggests
Conventional or natural gas is an important short-term fuel for building a reliable renewable energy system in Australia. However, the need for more gas is overestimated by the gas industry. Stakeholders have been misled about the carbon footprint of gas production, transportation and its impact on climate change.
The economics of biodiversity: The Dasgupta review
2 February 2021
The Dasgupta Review analyses the economics of biodiversity. It makes the case for the natural environment as our most precious asset and argues for the need to account for nature in economics.
Managing environmental, social and governance risks in non-life insurance business
30 June 2020
The paper provides guidance and recommended actions to manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in the non-life insurance business and to integrate ESG issues into the insurance underwriting process. It outlines eight areas of action to manage ESG risks supporting the Principles for Sustainable Insurance.
The drawdown review 2020: Climate solutions for a new decade
31 December 2020
This report analyses climate solutions that are proven, exist and will help reach drawdown. Drawdown is the point where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are steadily declining, preventing further climate change. The climate solutions proposed are organised across three categories: reducing sources of emissions, supporting carbon sinks, and improving society.
Sustainable management of water resources in agriculture
31 December 2010
This report outlines strategies for the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations. It provides policy and management recommendations to ensure water allocation in agriculture remains sustainable among economic, social and environmental demands.
SDG impact standards: Private equity funds
16 November 2020
This paper outlines a set of standards for private equity, debt and venture capital fund managers to align their funds with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report provides a practical, detailed, and comprehensive framework for fund managers to align their activities with the SDGs.
Corporate governance principles and recommendations: 4th edition
27 February 2019
The report sets out eight principles and thirty-five recommendations of corporate governance practices for listed entities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The principles and recommendations address emerging issues around culture, values, and trust. It includes governance standards around disclosure, gender diversity, corporate reporting, risk management and director remuneration.
Factory farming in Asia: Assessing investment risks
Asia's meat, dairy, and seafood industries are increasingly vulnerable to risks with the potential to damage returns. This report analyses twelve Asia-Pacific markets identifying five areas of risk including food safety and nutrition, public health, environment, animal welfare and labour standards. Each area of risk includes key questions for investors.
Vanguard Group: Passive about climate change
As the world’s second largest asset manager, Vanguard Group Inc. has the potential to become a climate action leader. Despite Vanguard’s commitment to the Net-Zero Asset Manager initiative, the report argues that Vanguard’s significant share in fossil fuel exposed companies demonstrates a passive attitude towards climate change.
Blueprint for responsible policy engagement on climate change
31 July 2020
This paper makes the investment case for businesses and investors alike to implement policies that align with the latest science on climate change. It provides a framework that stakeholders can use to mitigate climate risks and manage the transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
Safeguarding human rights defenders: Practical guidance for investors
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
- Investor Alliance for Human Rights
- International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
28 April 2020
Provides targeted guidance for minority shareholders with investments in public equities and limited partners in private equities on how to identify, prevent, and mitigate risks to human rights defenders throughout their investments. Human rights defenders are individuals who, individually or with others, act peacefully to promote or protect human rights.
Final report: Independent assessment of social and economic conditions in the Murray–Darling Basin
30 April 2020
Commonly known as the 'Sefton report', it provides recommendations to the Australian government on the social and economic conditions of the Murray Darling Basin. The report provides an independent assessment in regional and rural communities while highlighting the positive and negative effects of water reform.
Sustainable investment survey 2020
31 December 2020
PitchBook conducted a survey of 650 investors and advisors from around the world on the state of sustainable investing in 2020. The report highlights the need for better practices to measure and define goals as well as discrepancies between individual goals when engaging in sustainable investing.
Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions for collective action
31 December 1990
Elinor Ostrom examines the management of common-pool resources such as rivers, bridges and grazing areas. Ostrom discusses the ‘tragedy of the commons’ and environmental, economic and social threats to common-pool resources. Ostrom applies political and economic theory and policy literature to discuss potential solutions and challenge conventional approaches.
Women on boards and the human capital connection
1 March 2018
Companies with a gender diverse board and stronger talent management practices enjoyed higher growth in employee productivity compared to companies with a diverse board only or with strong talent management practices only. Companies with mostly male boards and lagging talent management practices had the lowest rates of employee productivity growth.
The emergence of foreseeable biodiversity-related liability risks for financial institutions: A gathering storm?
31 August 2020
This report proposes a framework for financial institutions to consider biodiversity-related liability risks in their broader assessment of financial risks associated with biodiversity. Understanding the potential of liability risks will help financial institutions identify, price and mitigate the direct and indirect impacts of biodiversity-related risks.
The green swan: Central banking and financial stability in the age of climate change
14 February 2020
Reviews new ways central banks can address the risk climate change poses to financial stability. To avoid "green swan" risks, central banks should develop forward-looking scenario-based analysis to understand climate-related risk and coordinate with other major players to develop and integrate climate mitigation policies at the international level.
Providing decent work for young workers, parents and caregivers
United Nations Global Compact
- United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
- Save the Children
26 May 2015
Provides guidance for companies to fulfil their responsibility to support the decent work of young workers, parents and caregivers across their supply chains. Includes a case study on IKEA’s approach to supporting children’s rights and a second case study on Wipro’s approach to gender diversity.
From the stockholder to the stakeholder: How sustainability can drive financial outperformance
This 2015 report is a meta-study of over 200 sources of research on ESG (academic studies, industry reports, newspaper articles and books). It finds a positive correlation between diligent ESG and economic performance – i.e., companies with robust sustainability practices demonstrate better operational and financial market performance.
Universal circular economy policy goals: Enabling the transition to scale
3 February 2021
As industries and governments move towards the circular economy, clear and aligned direction is needed for a rapid transition to scale. This paper proposes five universal policy goals that can help governments build healthier economic recoveries and lower the costs of transition for businesses across sectors.
Ethics in the boardroom: A decision-making guide for directors
31 October 2019
This report guides company directors in making ethical decisions in the boardroom. It seeks to support and strengthen a board’s capacity to reason by providing a decision-making framework, key questions to frame board deliberations and practical examples of ethical dilemmas.
The growth of Australia's LNG industry and the decline in greenhouse gas emission standards: Increased emissions have offset any gains from renewables' rise in electricity generation
Discusses the growth of Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry from 2014-2019. Finding significant growth in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during this period. The report provides a brief history and context of Australia’s LNG boom, explains technical aspects of the industry and outlines four factors accounting for GHG growth.
Towards sustainable packaging materials: Examining the relative impact of materials in the natural source water and soft drinks value chain
20 April 2020
This report examines the impact of packaging materials for natural source water and soft drinks. The materials examined include plastic bottles, aluminium cans, glass bottles and multi-material cartons. To reduce impact, findings highlight that businesses should increase circularity and levels of recycled material for all material types.
Relationship-to-profit: A theory of business, markets, and profit for social ecological economics
19 January 2021
Supporting post-growth transformation, this doctoral thesis posits a new theory: relationship-to-profit theory. This explains the social and ecological implications of how businesses relate to profit, and argues that for economies to be sustainable businesses and markets should treat profit as a means rather than an end-in-itself.
Digital financial services
30 April 2020
Discusses the potential of digital financial services (DFS) to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. Analyses DFS role in financial inclusion within households and emerging markets and developing economies. Examines constraints of regulations and frameworks and provides case studies from countries that have enabled DFS in their economy.
Hitting the sweet spot: The investment case for solutions to childhood obesity
31 May 2019
This report discusses the growing cost to society posed by rising rates of obesity in children and adults. It identifies risks and opportunities for investors created by shifting trends in the food and beverage markets, driven by evolving consumer demands and regulatory changes.
The impact principle: Widening participation and deepening practice for impact investment at scale
31 October 2018
Developed from the contributions of The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) working group and case studies, this report aims to accelerate and scale impact investment. Split into two sections, the first explores priorities for action to drive positive impact and the second assists actors to translate the priorities into action.
Internal carbon pricing for low-carbon finance: A briefing paper on linking climate-related opportunities and risks to financing decisions for investors and banks
31 July 2019
This paper makes the business case for financial firms to use an internal carbon price in investment and lending practices. Drawing on stakeholder insights, this paper provides guidance on how to best implement an internal carbon price to decarbonise portfolios and increase resilience in a low-carbon transition.
Lifting the lid on fintech: What does new technology mean for a financial system that serves people and planet?
1 December 2020
Addresses new developments in financial technology (fintech) through alternative data and explains how fintech has transformed the structure of financial services. Outlines new risks to the finance industry concerning democracy, sustainability, justice and resilience. While exploring opportunities to transform fintech for good through seven principles to guide financial policymaking and regulation.
From poor working conditions to forced labour: what's hidden in your portfolio? A guide for investor engagement on labour practices in agricultural supply chains
9 June 2016
This guide provides a comprehensive tool for engaging food and beverage companies on labour standards. It incorporates learnings from collaborative investor-company engagement focused on supply chain reporting and third-party resources. Outlining seven expectations for investors to focus on supported by relevant resources and case studies.
Financing sustainability: Asia Pacific embraces the ESG challenge
26 February 2020
Explores the drivers of sustainable finance growth in Asia Pacific and the factors constraining it. The analysis was determined through parallel surveys - one of investors and one of issuers. The research found that the biggest constraint for sustainable finance was a lack of bankable sustainable projects.
Financial inclusion: What have we learned so far? What do we have to learn?
7 August 2020
Introduces financial inclusion as a dimension of financial development by presenting main findings and key insights from a micro and macroeconomic standpoint. Examines trends and provides insights into the effects of financial inclusion initiatives on the economy with a focus on household and micro, small and medium-sized (MSMEs) enterprise outcomes.
The European commission action plan: Financing sustainable growth
31 July 2018
The report provides an explanation of the ten reform areas included in the European Commission Action Plan (2018), as well as possible impacts for investors. Four of these actions: taxonomy, disclosure and duties, benchmarks and investment advice were submitted as regulatory proposals to the European Parliament in 2018.
Guide posts for investment in primary health care and projected resource needs in 67 low-income and middle-income countries: a modelling study
26 September 2019
Primary health care (PHC) is a driving force for advancing towards universal health coverage (UHC) and delivering the sustainable development goals. PHC-oriented health systems bring enormous benefits but require substantial financial investments. This guide presents measures for PHC investments and projects the associated resource needs in 67 low-income and middle-income countries.
Measuring the economic impact of short-termism
28 February 2017
Measures corporate long- and short-termism systematically. Assesses and quantifies the effects of each approach on corporate financial performance and microeconomic growth. Findings show that long-term approaches outperform short-term companies on key economic and financial metrics.
Scaling finance for the Sustainable Development Goals
29 October 2019
Explores the role of corporate partnerships and financial intermediaries that can scale finance and increase capital and activities in regions that are key for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through case studies, it illustrates various pathways for capital markets to maximise SDG investments at acceptable risk levels.
Paris Agreement
31 December 2015
The Paris Agreement is an agreement between Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that recognises the need to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures as a nationally and internationally collaborative effort. Parties agreed to keep global temperature rises to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Deloitte Australia cleantech (DACT) index
31 August 2019
The quarterly performance of 93 cleantech stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is outlined. Measured in relation to the ASX200, the findings reveal this new and emerging industry's growth in comparison to Australia's already established powerhouse companies.
An investor briefing on the apparel industry: Moving the needle on responsible labour practices
United Nations Global Compact
- Principles for Responsible Investment
- United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
31 December 2017
This report highlights why responsible labour practices in the apparel industry matter for investors. Drawing on investor case studies, the report explains how to implement effective strategies that address risks and negative human rights impacts in investee companies and their supply chains.
The dialogue: The impact of climate change on mortality and retirement incomes in Australia
30 September 2019
This report analyses climate change risks to Australians’ health and finances to understand the implications climate change poses to insurers, pension providers and policy-makers. Finding that bushfires, heatwaves and infectious illnesses pose risks to human health and finances resulting in higher mortality, lower superannuation balances and lower retirement incomes.
Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018: Guidance for reporting entities
30 September 2019
Australian Government guidance to entities reporting under the Modern Slavery Act 2018. The guidance provides information on what is modern slavery, how it might impact on reporting entities, what obligations entities have under the Act, and how to report against mandatory criteria using case studies as illustrations.
Global warming of 1.5°C: Summary for policymakers
31 December 2018
This summary for policymakers presents key findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Report 2018 on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways. It includes comparisons between global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
SDG Compass: The guide for business action on the SDGs
Global Reporting Initiative
- United Nations Global Compact
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development
31 December 2015
This guide provides the tools, knowledge and expertise to assist businesses to formulate a strategy that puts sustainability at the core of its approach. Presenting five steps that direct businesses on how to align strategies and how to quantify and oversee commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rethinking food and agriculture 2020-2030: The second domestication of plants and animals, the disruption of the cow, and the collapse of industrial livestock farming
14 September 2019
Rethinking food and agriculture focuses on new technologies driving the transformation of the food and agriculture sectors and the implications for the cattle industry in the United States. It argues that 2020-2030 will see the current industrialised, animal-agriculture system be replaced with a Food-as-Software model.
Climate justice
4 June 2020
This paper discusses issues of justice relating to climate change. Through a philosophical lens, it provides guidance on climate justice as it relates to assessing climate impacts, intergenerational justice, risk and uncertainty, responsibility, greenhouse gas budgets, and climate policy.
Sustainability, well-being, and economic growth
30 September 2012
Substantial reductions in economic growth for environmental and social sustainability may be unnecessary. Policies and market signals are required to conserve natural resources, equally distribute wealth and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It is argued that environmental and social goals are of greater importance in meeting the needs of society than economic development.
Banking beyond coal: Sustainable development without coal finance
30 June 2018
This investor briefing investigates the financing of the coal power industry. Highlighting that bank financing continues to facilitate active development of coal power infrastructure, particularly in developing nations, which is incompatible with the Paris Agreement. Additionally, it provides a call to action for investors to engage with their banks to strengthen coal divestment policies.
Guiding principles on business and human rights: Implementing the United Nations protect, respect and remedy framework
31 December 2011
The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is a report that implements the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ framework, regarding the obligations of states and responsibilities of business to ensure that human rights are protected and respected throughout all business operations and ultimately remedied when breached.
Examining inequality 2019
21 July 2020
The report looks at different layers of inequality highlighting the role geography and gender have on factors that increase the chance of poverty. It includes case studies examining inequality, primary health care, digital technology, how countries are being impacted by climate change, and recent global data hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Seafood sourcing risk in Asia: 2016
30 November 2016
Asia Research and Engagement’s research lists the current sustainability risks pertaining to the seafood industry and responses from retailers and hotels. It builds a case for the retailers, hotels and restaurants operating in seafood supply across Asia to increase their focus on their supply chain risks and take the necessary steps to manage them.
ESG considerations in fixed income: Observation of 10 ESG integration trends
31 March 2020
This paper shares key ESG integration trends that Russell Investments has found in the fixed income market. It is based off observations derived from their 2019 Annual ESG Manager Survey and discussions with fixed income market practitioners looking at ESG considerations and implementations in their investment process.
RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY MARIANA WHEATLEY
ENCORE
ENCORE (Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure) is a free, online tool that helps organisations explore their exposure to nature-related risk and take the first steps to understand their dependencies and impacts on nature.
A legal framework for impact: Sustainability impact in investor decision-making
31 July 2021
The report examines whether laws within eleven diverse jurisdictions support institutional investors in pursuing sustainability outcomes, while at the same time earning a financial return. It discusses options available to policymakers for legal reform in order to facilitate investing for sustainability impact.
Investor action on climate change
30 September 2017
The report assesses the investment practices of signatories to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) on the topic of climate change. In partnership between PRI and Novethic, the report includes themes such as long-termism, climate-related risks and opportunities, scenario analysis and innovation for a successful transition to a low carbon economy.
Human rights in private equity: Information and summary
31 December 2017
This paper provides an overview of human rights due diligence (HRDD) in relation to private equity (PE) investors. Topics covered include the responsibility of PE, the value of HRDD for PE, the characteristics of PE, integration of HRDD into PE processes and implementation challenges.
Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity
31 December 2009
The nine planetary boundaries offer an approach to global sustainability where humanity can safely operate and avoid major human-induced environmental change on a global scale. The article argues that three of the planetary boundaries are already transgressed, including: climate change, biodiversity loss and the global nitrogen cycle.
Circular economy: From review of theories and practices to development of implementation tools
23 November 2017
The paper provides an overview of the literature on Circular Economy theoretical approaches, strategies and implementation cases. After analysing different Circular Economy approaches and the underlying principles, the paper then proceeds with developing tools for Circular Economy implementation. The tools discussed include a strategies database and an implementation database.
Navigating the sustainable investment landscape
31 December 2016
This paper informs asset owners about the current state of sustainable investing for US institutional investors. Drawing on the experiences of over 100 asset owners and investment professional as well as evidence from WRI’s own endowment the paper constructs a detailed outline of sustainable investing. It highlights the underlying motives and drivers, governance structures, relevant data and standards, investment vehicles, and key barriers that shape opportunities for implementation.
RECENTLY POSTED BY MARIANA WHEATLEY
The need for sustainable investment solutions in the Murray Darling Basin
4 January 2024
The Murray Darling Basin (MDB) is home to over two million people and is larger than France and Germany combined. The Basin’s water market turned over AU$7 billion in 2019–2020 making the MDB a pillar of the Australian economy and essential to its surrounding communities.
A new framework for understanding the sustainability of business models – Part 2
17 July 2023
Business as usual is unsustainable. Whether you are providing advice or evaluating companies to invest in, clients are increasingly interested in how their money is invested. In this context, it is time to consider the role of business and the assumptions about what business traits make a company an attractive investment. This two-part series is based on our research How can businesses thrive in a sustainable economy? In part two we discuss five areas where business models can evolve to thrive in a sustainable economy.
A new framework for understanding the sustainability of business models – Part 1
6 April 2023
Business as usual is unsustainable. Whether you are providing advice or evaluating companies to invest in, clients are increasingly interested in how their money is invested. In this context, it is time to consider the role of business and the assumptions about what business traits make a company an attractive investment. Part 1 of a two part series outlines the five unsustainable characteristics that need to be addressed if a business is to thrive in a sustainable economy.
Slavery in supply chains – digging deeper as investors
14 December 2022
The onus to uphold human rights across opaque, dynamic, and complex supply chains is often blurred across multiple actors, creating a situation of blame shifting and inaction. However, the impact of money affects more than just financial returns. Where we choose to invest or divest goes a long way in influencing a firm’s position on human rights. Shareholder pressure or divestment are powerful tools to influence companies to consider the people deep within their value chains and is an opportunity to improve workers’ wages and conditions while mitigating financial and reputational business risks. This article looks as what modern slavery is and provides resources for retail investors to help minimise modern slavery risks in their investment portfolio.
Does Australia need nuclear energy to reach net-zero by 2050?
7 November 2022
Nuclear power generates 70% of energy in France, 30% in Sweden and 19% in the US. Policies aiming to phase out nuclear power in Japan and South Korea have recently been reversed while 19 countries have nuclear reactors under construction. In Australia, however, nuclear energy has been banned since 1998. Do we need to rethink nuclear?
Climate disclosures: From voluntary to mandatory reporting
11 August 2022
The finance industry is a key enabler of climate action. Through clear and consistent company climate disclosures the finance industry is better equipped to assess climate risk and direct capital flows to limit emissions.
