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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Corporate climate litigation in Australasia: (Re)shaping the private law-climate interface
The report examines how corporate climate litigation in Australia and New Zealand is shaping private law. It highlights legal actions involving directors’ duties, disclosure obligations, consumer protections, and tort law. The analysis shows incremental adaptations in private law to address climate change impacts, especially through anti-greenwashing and climate accountability claims.
Targeting net zero: The need to redesign bank decarbonization targets
This report examines the limitations of current bank decarbonisation targets and proposes design reforms to align with net zero. It analyses scope coverage, target types, and sector alignment, offering practical recommendations for enhancing climate credibility and effectiveness in financial institutions’ transition planning.
Market Forces
Market Forces works to hold financial institutions accountable for funding environmentally harmful projects. Based in Australia, it campaigns for banks, superannuation funds and governments to align investments with climate goals. Market Forces provides research, advocacy tools and transparency on fossil fuel financing to support climate-conscious financial decision-making.
IEEFA's Australian gas and LNG tracker
The IEEFA Australian Gas and LNG Tracker is an interactive tool offering bi‑annual updates on Australia’s LNG infrastructure, demand forecasts, export capacity and trade flows. It integrates data from sources such as Kpler, AEMO and IEEFA’s own analysis to enhance transparency in gas and LNG market dynamics.
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.
