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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Young people's climate activism: A review of the literature

This review of literature on young people's climate activism highlights methodological trends and key themes since 2018. It identifies a shift toward youth-centered qualitative research, focusing on the composition, practices, and outcomes of climate activism. Notable gaps include the overemphasis on Greta Thunberg, mass mobilisations, and activism in the Global North.
Research
4 August 2022

Climate warriors down under: Contextualising Australia’s youth climate justice movement

This report explores the youth-led climate justice movement in Australia, focusing on the socio-political context and challenges young activists face. It highlights the role of non-violent, collective action, key groups such as the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and the impact of climate-related litigation cases, while addressing barriers like media bias and anti-protest laws.
Research
7 December 2023

Deep blue: Opportunities for blue carbon finance in coastal ecosystems

International Finance Corporation
This report explores the growing opportunities for blue carbon finance in coastal ecosystems, focusing on mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass meadows. It highlights the significant potential of these ecosystems to mitigate climate change, generate carbon credits, and provide essential co-benefits, including biodiversity conservation and economic resilience for coastal communities. Despite increasing interest, challenges in securing funding and scaling projects remain key barriers to unlocking their full potential.
Research
13 May 2023

Trade sanctions and the stability of climate coalitions

This report investigates the impact of trade sanctions on the stability of climate coalitions, finding that sanctions can increase coalition size when coalitions are large. However, smaller coalitions risk destabilisation if retaliation occurs. While sanctions may foster cooperation, global welfare implications remain mixed due to trade distortions.
Research
3 September 2021

Enhancing impact performance in agriculture through non-financial support and sustainable practices

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
This report examines the relationship between sustainable agricultural practices and non-financial support in impact investments, highlighting how such support can enhance performance. Findings reveal that non-financial support improves outcomes for smallholder farmers, especially women, by increasing service provision and adoption of sustainable farming, contributing to resilience and profitability.
Research
13 December 2023

Divestment and engagement: The effect of green investors on corporate carbon emissions

This report investigates whether green investors influence corporate carbon emissions by either divesting from polluters or engaging with management through stock ownership. The findings suggest green investors significantly reduce emissions through active engagement, whereas divestment strategies may counterproductively increase emissions. The report highlights private markets’ potential to address environmental issues independently of government regulation.
Research
27 January 2024

Cooler finance: Mobilizing investment for the developing world’s sustainable cooling needs

United Nations Environment Programme
The report highlights the critical need for sustainable cooling in developing countries to meet climate goals, reduce emissions, and support health, food security, and productivity. It estimates a market demand of $600 billion annually by 2050 and provides strategies to attract private investment through policy, financing models, and international collaboration.

Research
25 September 2024

Aligning financial flows with the Global Diversity Framework: Translating ambition into implementation

Finance for Biodiversity Foundation
The report advocates for governments to ensure financial flows align with biodiversity goals. It highlights the need for mandatory disclosures on nature-related risks, nature transition plans, and economic incentives to mobilise private finance for biodiversity conservation, emphasising a "whole-of-government" approach to implementation.
Research
23 April 2024

A tool for developing credible transition plans: Public edition for asset owner pilot-testing

United Nations Environment Programme
This report provides asset owners with guidance for preparing and evaluating transition plans. It highlights key elements for credibility, outlines relevant frameworks, and offers recommendations for both preparers and users of transition plans, enhancing transparency and accountability in achieving net-zero goals.
Research
23 December 2023

Nature-related litigation: Emerging trends and lessons learned from climate-related litigation

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
This report explores emerging trends in nature-related litigation, focusing on biodiversity, deforestation, ocean degradation, and plastic pollution. It highlights the legal risks for the financial sector and calls for increased monitoring. Lessons from climate-related litigation are applied to nature protection strategies, impacting regulatory and corporate practices.
Research
3 July 2024

Climate-related litigation: recent trends and developments

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
The report highlights the growing volume and diversity of climate-related litigation. It outlines legal trends targeting financial and non-financial institutions and governments, with significant implications for financial risks and reputational damage. The report emphasises the potential increase in litigation tied to climate disclosure laws, greenwashing, and corporate responsibilities.

Research
1 September 2023

The effect of pricing instruments on CO2 emissions: Empirical evidence from Australia

The World Bank
The report evaluates Australia's short-lived carbon tax and renewable energy policies. It finds a 7% per capita emissions reduction from 2009 to 2018, with effects weakening after policy repeal. Coal exports increased during this period, potentially offsetting domestic emission reductions.
Research
24 June 2024

Plastics circularity investment tracker tool

The Circulate Initiative
The tool offers insights into private investments in plastics circularity globally from 2018 to 2023. It provides data by geography, investment categories, and solution types, enabling users to analyse trends and compare investments across regions and sectors.
Online tool/database

How cheap talk in climate disclosures relates to climate initiatives, corporate emissions, and reputation risk

The report examines the relationship between corporate climate disclosures, cheap talk, and actual climate initiatives. It highlights how voluntary disclosures often suffer from superficiality, while targeted climate actions reduce cheap talk. Findings suggest cheap talk correlates with higher emissions and reputation risks, offering insights into the credibility of climate commitments.
Research
1 July 2024

Guide for adaptation and resilience finance

Standard Chartered
The guide outlines strategies for mobilising private capital into climate adaptation projects in emerging markets. It provides investment criteria, eligible activities, and guidance on reducing climate risks. The guide aims to standardise financing processes for resilience across global financial systems.
Research
30 April 2024
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