Library | ESG issues
Climate Change
Climate change, driven by human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events. Major GHGs like carbon dioxide and methane primarily come from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. Key sectors contributing to emissions include energy, industry, transport, buildings, and land use, making mitigation and adaptation essential for environmental and economic stability.
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Limiting overshoot: Navigating exceedance of 1.5°C and pathways towards return
This report examines the inevitability of exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit and outlines strategies for navigating this overshoot. It details escalating non-linear risks to ecosystems, food security, and infrastructure, while emphasising that urgent mitigation and transformational adaptation are essential to limit peak temperatures and enable a return.
Ocean Observatories Initiative
The Ocean Observatories Initiative is a science-driven network providing real-time data from over 900 instruments. Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, it tracks ocean health and climate trends essential for ESG analysis and coastal risk assessment.
Water behind the watts: The hidden risk of powering data centers
This research identifies that U.S. data centres depend on roughly 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater annually for electricity generation. The report highlights significant water stress and drought risks across seven key states, recommending that companies, power producers, and policymakers integrate indirect water use into their risk assessments and strategies.
Can investors price the risk? Assessing municipal bond climate disclosure and financial resilience
This report analyses climate risk disclosure in the $4.4 trillion US municipal bond market. Examining 60 high-risk offerings, it finds 33% omit climate references. Disclosures are often generic and backward-looking, lacking the TCFD-aligned metrics necessary for investors to price risk accurately and reward resilience investments.
Progress report: national adaptation plan
This 2026 report by He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission assesses New Zealand's progress on its first national adaptation plan. It finds that adaptation efforts are insufficient and recommends six foundational improvements, focusing on funding, legislative alignment, and Māori-led action to address escalating climate risks.
Guidelines on environmental risk management (asset managers) – transition planning
These guidelines outline the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s expectations for asset managers regarding transition planning. They emphasise robust governance, the use of forward-looking risk assessment tools, and active stewardship to manage climate-related risks. Asset managers are encouraged to engage with investee companies rather than divest indiscriminately, supporting financial stability.
Unlocking UK climate adaptation finance: lessons from adaptation investment planning
This policy brief by the ATTENUATE project explores developing a multi-level Adaptation Investment Framework for the UK. It identifies 37 enabling conditions to bridge the adaptation financing gap, requiring £5 billion to £10 billion annually. The report synthesises global lessons to mobilise public and private capital for climate resilience.
Corporate net zero targets: have they achieved anything?
This research evaluates the impact of corporate long-term net zero targets on emissions and governance. Analysing nearly 2,000 companies, it finds limited evidence of immediate emissions reductions. However, adoption correlates with improved strategic management, suggesting targets formalise emerging organisational transitions rather than triggering sudden decarbonisation.
Scaling up blue finance to support mangrove-based livelihoods in the Philippines
This report examines mobilising blue finance for mangrove restoration in the Philippines to enhance climate resilience and livelihoods. It proposes a debt-for-mangrove swap framework using multilateral development bank debt management tools. Key recommendations include establishing a mangrove trust fund and improving governance of marine protected areas to attract investment.
The macroeconomic case for investing in climate adaptation
This report synthesises evidence from 300 studies to establish the macroeconomic case for climate adaptation. It projects global GDP per capita losses of 8% by 2050, rising to 12% in lower-income countries. Proactive adaptation offers median benefit-cost ratios of 4:1, bolstering fiscal stability and accelerating sustainable development.
Shelved again: Supermarkets’ missing action on methane
This report assesses 20 global food retailers on their methane reduction efforts. Findings reveal a leadership vacuum, with no supermarket reporting methane emissions or setting specific reduction targets. While European retailers outperform US counterparts, the sector overall fails to address the climate impact of meat and dairy supply chains.
Supercharging Australia's future: Mobilising capital for clean energy, industry and climate resilience
This report outlines the Investor Group on Climate Change’s policy priorities for 2026-2030. It identifies five essential jobs for climate policy to reduce systemic risk, attract private capital, and protect long-term economic value, aiming for a climate-resilient Australian economy on track for net zero emissions by 2050.
Progress report of China’s National Carbon Market (2026)
China’s 2026 carbon market report details the expansion of the National ETS into steel, cement, and aluminium sectors. It highlights record trading volumes, the entry into force of the Ecological and Environmental Code, and the use of AI-driven digital infrastructure to support carbon neutrality goals.
IGCC's state of net zero investment series
This benchmark series provides an analysis of climate-related investment practices among institutional investors. It tracks progress against recognised frameworks, identifies structural barriers to capital deployment, and monitors evolving trends. The series explores how assets are managed in response to climate risk, supporting a transition towards net-zero goals.
Mainstreaming biodiversity into climate finance: Lessons from the DFCD Origination Facility
This report examines how the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) Origination Facility integrates biodiversity into climate finance. Through diverse case studies, it highlights pathways for private investment, the necessity of landscape-level perspectives, and the role of technical assistance in making nature-positive business models bankable.
Lethal humidity and the systemic risks of climate change
This report examines the systemic threats posed by lethal humidity, where extreme heat and moisture exceed human physiological limits. Focusing on historical cases and Indonesia, it details cascading impacts on health, energy, and agriculture. It calls for urgent emissions reductions and improved global cooling strategies to mitigate escalating climate risks.
