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We summarise credible research and reports on sustainable finance and ESG issues. Our summaries, along with our AI ChatBot saves members time reading large reports, to focus on knowledge building and action.

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SHOW: 16

From financial inclusion to financial health

Bank for International Settlements
This report explores the transition from financial inclusion to financial health, emphasising the need for accessible, high-quality financial services. It highlights that while inclusion is essential, poor service provision or lack of financial literacy can undermine financial health. Public policy recommendations focus on financial literacy, consumer protection, and regulatory measures.
Research
28 March 2024

The big three and board gender diversity: The effectiveness of shareholder voice

The report analyses how campaigns by major institutional investors significantly boosted gender diversity on corporate boards. From 2017 to 2019, these initiatives increased female directorships by encouraging firms to broaden candidate searches and reduce the focus on executive experience, indicating impactful, non-tokenistic change.
Research
25 November 2020

Understanding the drivers of investment portfolio decarbonisation

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
The report discusses emissions attribution analysis for net-zero investment portfolios. It highlights key decarbonisation drivers, including portfolio reallocation, real-world emissions reductions, and changes in data coverage. The analysis helps financial professionals understand and steer investment strategies toward decarbonisation, aligning with climate goals set by the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance.
Research
11 December 2023

Investigating global aquatic food loss and waste

World Economic Forum
This report explores the global issue of aquatic food loss and waste (FLW), quantifying it across various species and product types. In 2021, approximately 14.8% of aquatic foods were lost or wasted globally. The report identifies hotspots, outlines key drivers, and suggests targeted interventions to enhance sustainability in the aquatic food industry.
Research
10 April 2024

Climate allocation compass, a framework for real-world decarbonization (Compass-FRWD)

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
This report presents a multi-asset class decarbonisation framework aimed at bridging the global climate investment gap and guiding financial institutions in capital allocation strategies to decarbonise the real economy. The framework includes steps to set emission reduction targets, allocate capital accordingly, and monitor progress using metrics like the Net Zero Deviation Index (NZDI), while emphasising collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders.
Research
15 October 2024

Screening for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems: Guidance and tools for government officials

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
This report provides guidance for government officials on screening investments in agriculture and food systems to ensure responsible practices. It outlines due diligence processes to assess investors, potential risks, and benefits while promoting sustainable development. The toolkit includes adaptable screening tools to identify responsible projects and enhance transparency in investment decisions.
Research
15 October 2024

Circular economy in the industrial goods sector: A framework for understanding private sector progress and innovation

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
This report outlines circular economy practices within the industrial goods sector, assessing actions taken by approximately 50 companies. It categorises their efforts into five key areas, highlighting examples of innovation and collaboration to advance sustainability while minimising waste and resource consumption in production processes.
Research
29 May 2024

The role of commercial paper in the sustainable finance market

International Capital Market Association
This report explores the growing role of commercial paper (CP) in sustainable finance, focusing on its use in financing green and sustainable projects. It categorises CP into Use of Proceeds and Sustainability-Linked CP, discussing market data, feasibility, and challenges.
Research
8 October 2024

Embedding just transition into corporate climate action strategies

ERM SustainAbility Institute
This report explores how businesses can integrate the concept of a just transition into their climate action strategies. It outlines key frameworks, corporate responsibilities, and challenges, offering guidance for ensuring social and environmental considerations are embedded in decarbonisation efforts.
Research
20 September 2024

The new disclosure landscape - Comparing sustainability standards and regulations: ESRS, IFRS S1/S2, SEC Climate Rule, and CA SB 253/261

ERM SustainAbility Institute
This report compares major sustainability disclosure regulations, including the ESRS, IFRS S1/S2, SEC Climate Rule, and California’s SB 253/261. It provides an overview of their scope, implementation timelines, reporting requirements, and penalties, helping companies understand the complex landscape and align disclosures across multiple frameworks to reduce compliance burdens and enhance transparency.
Research
16 September 2024

Learning from climate change news: Is the world on the same page?

This study analyses differences in climate change reporting across seven newspapers from Australia, Canada, and the UK. Using machine learning, it highlights variations based on country, political orientation, and key climate events. The research uncovers differing terminology and approaches, with more urgent language emerging over time, reflecting increasing global awareness of climate change.
Research
20 March 2024

Finance for nature positive: Building a working model

Finance for Biodiversity Foundation
The paper seeks feedback from the financial sector on a proposed model for aligning finance with nature-positive outcomes. It provides strategies and definitions aimed at guiding financial institutions in contributing to global biodiversity goals, helping to mitigate negative impacts while supporting nature-positive financial practices. The paper outlines key actions financial institutions can take to improve biodiversity outcomes.
Research
23 September 2024

Investment framework for nutrition 2024

The World Bank
This is a comprehensive guide to addressing malnutrition. It emphasises cost-effective interventions, multisectoral approaches, and policy measures that integrate gender and climate change considerations. Expanding on the 2017 framework, it includes new evidence on interventions and financing strategies to improve nutrition outcomes globally, while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2.2.
Research
2 October 2024

Sustainable behavior in climate pledges: An analysis of top emitters’ strategies

World Resources Institute
This report analyses how the top 20 highest-emitting countries address pro-climate behaviour through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It highlights that while progress has been made in promoting electric vehicles, public transport, and household energy efficiency, crucial areas like sustainable diets and air travel are often overlooked, limiting the potential for impactful change.
Research
2 October 2024

Sustainable finance in Asia: A comparative study of national taxonomies

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
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.
Research
1 October 2024

Catalyzing responsible offshore wind in developing nations: The role of concessional finance

Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA)
The report discusses how concessional finance can accelerate the deployment of offshore wind (OSW) in developing nations. It analyses OSW's potential as a renewable energy source and highlights two key strategies for enhancing concessional finance. The report also explores the challenges of financing OSW projects, particularly in developing countries, and recommends technical assistance, regulatory support, and blended finance solutions to facilitate investment in OSW.
Research
30 July 2024
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