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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The emergence of foreseeable biodiversity-related liability risks for financial institutions: A gathering storm?
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.
Investing in low-carbon transitions: Energy finance as an adaptive market
This article explores the role of financial markets in capitalising low-carbon energy systems and long-term change. Ultimately, the authors contend that current assumptions on efficient market behaviour do not fit the energy industry, and to reliably capitalise on low-carbon transitions, an adaptive market assumption should be held.
Political leadership on climate change: The role of health in Obama era U.S. climate policies
To overcome climate action inertia that many governments are experiencing, the paper proposes that health can be used as a core motivator for climate action. This idea is explored through the case study of the Obama administration’s climate mitigation policies.
The green swan: Central banking and financial stability in the age of climate change
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.
Global Witness
Global Witness is an investigative non-government organisation with the goal of a more sustainable, just and equal planet. It has a history of exposing environmental and human rights abuses, power imbalances and financial impact around the world.
Winning without win-win? Recommendations on financial market strategies for biodiversity and nature
Expert recommendations for investors regarding financial market strategies to address urgent risks in biodiversity and nature, including examples of meaningful market actions and critique of 'win-win' thinking in investment decision-making. Recommendations drawn from a private cross-sectoral dialogue hosted by Preventable Surprises in February 2021.
Universal circular economy policy goals: Enabling the transition to scale
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.
Time for AIA to prove their climate credentials
IEEFA report highlights AIA's discrepancies on its climate change commitments as visible from the carbon footprint of its portfolio. AIA, one of the world's largest financial firms and one of Asia's largest insurers, is estimated to hold up to US$6 billion in coal and coal-fired investments despite commitment to three global climate accords.
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.
Waste and opportunity 2020: Searching for Corporate Leadership - 50 corporations ranked on plastic packaging pollution
The 2020 published report by As You Sow investigates 50 corporations and ranks them based on their performance in leadership and ambition relating to sustainable packaging of their products, while also taking into account their contributions and support to increase recycling rates and engage in producer responsibility efforts.
As You Sow
As You Sow is a leader in creating positive change in corporate decision making by utilising the power of shareholder advocacy to produce environmentally and socially beneficial impacts. Their goals and initiatives are in adherence to sustainable financing principles while implementing inclusive and holistic lenses when engaging with relevant stakeholders.
Implementing the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations: A guide for asset owners
The guide sets out a practical framework to support asset owners in implementing the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. The guide focuses on the actions that asset owners can take to improve processes around governance, strategy, risk management and metrics/targets for managing climate risks and opportunities.
Towards sustainable packaging materials: Examining the relative impact of materials in the natural source water and soft drinks value chain
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.
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is a global institute developing leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy. It draws on the world leading research and networks of Cambridge University to help business leaders address critical global challenges.
Unlocking Australia's sustainable finance potential
Recommendations on actions by Australian Government and finance sector for unlocking the potential of sustainable finance in Australia. The basis of these recommendations are the European Union's Action Plan on sustainable finance that was adopted by the European Commission in March 2018 and the likelihood of their success in Australia.
Preventable Surprises
Preventable Surprises are a group of investment industry insiders working to persuade institutional investors to accept their fiduciary responsibility to mitigate systemic risks before the next preventable surprise. Activities include online dialogues, research reports, surveys and policy.