Library | ESG issues
Fossil Fuel Industry
The fossil fuel industry includes coal, crude oil, and natural gas, which are carbon-intensive energy sources formed from ancient organic material. Their extraction and use are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental destruction, and climate change. In the finance industry, fossil fuels present both risks and opportunities, as investors assess regulatory challenges, transition risks, stranded asset potential, and shifting market demand while also exploring opportunities in cleaner energy alternatives and low-carbon transition strategies.
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Critical mineral series: Sustainability considerations for investors in copper mining
This report examines copper’s role in the energy transition, highlighting growing demand, environmental and human rights risks, and evolving global regulations. It evaluates mining companies’ sustainability performance using biodiversity, governance, and modern slavery metrics, offering insights for responsible investment aligned with international standards and long-term ESG considerations.
Global responsible investment trends: Inside PRI reporting data 2025
The 2025 PRI report analyses data from 3,048 signatories, highlighting trends in climate risk management, stewardship, and human rights. Asset owners show increased engagement, with climate and social issues gaining priority. Investors continue integrating responsible investment into decision-making and oversight, with varied progress across policy, governance, and disclosure practices.
Fossil to Clean — business action checklists
The Fossil to Clean Business Action Checklists provide sector-specific guidance for companies to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Developed by the We Mean Business Coalition, the tool outlines key actions aligned with science-based targets and global climate goals. It supports practical implementation of climate commitments.
Decarbonisation investment solutions for sectors: A discussion paper on Sector Transition Plans and their importance to investors
The report from the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) discusses the development and importance of sector transition pathways to support Australia’s decarbonisation. It highlights how clear pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement can guide investment, minimise risks, and foster collaboration among investors, governments, and companies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
OECD due diligence guidance for meaningful stakeholder engagement in the extractive sector
The guide helps financial institutions mitigate risks and enhance transparency by providing a framework for effective stakeholder engagement. This guidance supports informed and responsible investment decisions, ultimately improving relationships with affected communities and reducing potential legal and operational challenges.
The hidden environmental cost of cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin mining impacts climate, water and land
Bitcoin mining has significant environmental impacts, driven by its reliance on electricity-intensive processes. In 2020-2021, mining consumed 173 TWh of electricity, primarily from fossil fuels, and emitted 86 Mt CO2, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and land use issues. Global regulatory action is urgently needed.
Transforming global finance for climate action: Addressing misaligned incentives and unlocking opportunities
The report identifies systemic barriers preventing the flow of capital to climate-positive projects. It introduces the PIVOT framework, outlining policy vacuum, misaligned incentives, valuation challenges, inactive ownership, and transition misalignment. The report provides actionable solutions for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to align finance with the Paris Agreement.
Topo Finance's the carbon bankroll series
This series explores how corporate cash and investments drive substantial carbon emissions through the financial system. It highlights the overlooked climate impact of cash held by corporations and offers insights for companies aiming to decarbonise their financial practices. The series provides guidance to help organisations align their financial management with climate goals, enabling proactive, systemic climate action.
Global coal exit list (GCEL)
The Global Coal Exit List (GCEL) is an online database offering detailed information on companies involved in coal mining, power generation, and associated infrastructure. It assists finance professionals in identifying and divesting from coal-related businesses, promoting sustainable finance practices aligned with reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
From taking stock to taking action - How to implement the COP28 energy goals
The report outlines global energy transition goals, including tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. It provides guidance for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, investment in grids and storage, and just, equitable transitions away from fossil fuels. The report highlights key challenges and opportunities for accelerating clean energy adoption globally.
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) is a leading research centre focused on sustainable investment practices. CCSI provides resources, analysis, and tools to support responsible investment in natural resources and infrastructure. Its work promotes social, environmental, and economic sustainability while addressing issues like human rights and community engagement.
Sustainable finance in Asia: A comparative study of national taxonomies
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.
Climate-related litigation: recent trends and developments
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.
Investing in climate chaos' fossil fuel investment data
The Investing in Climate Chaos tool details companies and institutions' investments in fossil fuel sectors, including coal, and quantifies their exposure through shares and bonds. This resource aids finance professionals in assessing the financial implications of fossil fuel investments and informs sustainable finance 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.
Combining AI and domain expertise to assess corporate climate transition disclosures
This paper introduces an assessment framework for corporate disclosures on climate transition strategies. It identifies 64 indicators from 28 frameworks, develops a natural language processing (NLP) tool to automate disclosure assessment, and analyses disclosures of carbon-intensive companies. The findings reveal that companies often prioritise reporting targets over concrete implementation actions.
