Library | ESG issues
Environmental
The environmental pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses an organisation’s impact on the planet. It includes issues such as climate change, biodiversity, waste management and water management. Strong environmental practices help businesses reduce risks, comply with regulations, and drive long-term sustainability.
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Spotlight on nature: Case studies for business transformation towards a nature-positive future
This report highlights six case studies of businesses transforming towards a nature-positive future. It showcases their efforts to address nature-related risks and opportunities, focusing on areas such as sustainable forestry, circular resource use, soil health, sustainable seafood, biodiversity, and freshwater management.
Climate Change Laws of the World tool
The Climate Change Laws of the World tool offers a comprehensive database of climate legislation and policies from across the globe. It provides finance professionals with access to legal frameworks and regulations that impact investment decisions, promoting informed, sustainable finance practices in alignment with climate-related goals.
Pension fund trustees and fiduciary duties: Decision-making in the context of sustainability and the subject of climate change
The report discusses the legal duties of pension fund trustees, especially in the context of sustainability and climate change. It highlights how trustees must balance financial risks and returns while incorporating long-term sustainability. The paper provides guidance for trustees to navigate fiduciary duties, including the implications of climate-related factors on investment decisions.
Engagement and divestment: Shareholders transcend a false binary
This briefing explores how institutional investors are moving beyond the binary choice of engagement versus divestment in response to climate-related financial risks. It highlights how divestment complements engagement strategies, enabling investors to maintain credible influence over corporate policies while protecting portfolios from climate risks.
Building sustainable business models in private banks: A pathway to a better future
This report highlights the SPRING framework, aimed at integrating sustainability within private banking. It presents findings from a pilot study, emphasising the need for private banks to incorporate ESG in operations, improve risk management, foster governance, and engage clients on sustainability preferences. The report also provides actionable recommendations for private banks to drive positive environmental and social impact.
How to address the corporate community engagement gap: The case for a pooled fund for legal and technical support
This report makes the case for a pooled fund to provide independent legal and technical support to communities affected by land-based investments. The fund aims to bridge the gap in corporate-community engagement, reduce social and environmental risks, and improve human rights due diligence by empowering communities to engage on equal footing with businesses.
From fragmentation to integration: Embedding social issues in sustainable finance
The report calls for integrating social risks into financial strategies. It emphasises the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and recommends enhancing research, standards, and tools to address socio-economic inequalities, promoting financial stability and sustainability.
UNEP's state of finance for nature series
This series tracks global financial flows to nature-based solutions (NbS) and highlights the gaps between current investments and what is needed to address biodiversity loss, land degradation, and climate change. It examines both public and private sector funding, while also focusing on nature-negative financial flows.
Rights CoLab
Rights CoLab focuses on advancing human rights through cross-sector collaboration. The organisation fosters innovation at the intersection of civil society, finance, and technology, driving systemic change. Rights CoLab supports initiatives that empower local organisations and create sustainable impact. Its work spans governance, social enterprise, and civic engagement across global contexts.
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of independent banks using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
Regen Melbourne
Regen Melbourne is a collaborative network focused on creating a sustainable and regenerative city. Through community-driven solutions and partnerships, it addresses urban development challenges, climate resilience, and social equity. Regen Melbourne promotes systems thinking, circular economy practices, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of all residents.
Explore climate change in the American mind
This tool offers visualisations and data on American climate change opinions. It provides finance professionals with insights into public sentiment, useful for assessing risks, opportunities, and strategies in climate-related investments. The tool supports data-driven decision-making in sustainable finance practices.
Nature investor toolkit: Understanding nature-related risks and opportunities and supporting investors to assess, engage and take action
The toolkit helps investors identify, assess, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities in their portfolios. It provides guidance on how to engage with stakeholders, evaluate investment impacts on nature, and explore emerging tools for nature-positive outcomes. The toolkit also highlights strategies to mitigate risks and seize nature-related investment opportunities.
Infrastructure for a climate-resilient future
The report outlines the critical role of climate-resilient infrastructure in addressing the increasing impacts of climate change. It emphasises the need for integrated planning, financing, and the adoption of nature-based solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience. The report also highlights the economic benefits and policy recommendations for building robust infrastructure systems globally, especially in developing countries.
Aligning corporate value chains to global climate goals
This discussion paper explores the importance of scope 3 emissions in corporate climate targets. It discusses challenges in current scope 3 target-setting practices, potential solutions, and strategies for decarbonising value chains. The report aims to enhance corporate climate action, aligning businesses with global climate goals while promoting stakeholder engagement for future standards.
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps organisations set and achieve science-based emissions reduction targets to meet global climate goals. SBTi provides guidance, resources, and validation to ensure targets align with the Paris Agreement. It is a key platform for businesses seeking credible, measurable progress towards net-zero emissions and sustainability.