Library | ESG issues
Public Policy
Public policy refers to the actions and decisions taken by governments to address societal issues through laws, regulations, and funding priorities. It shapes the business environment by influencing regulatory requirements, market conditions, and corporate responsibilities. Policies related to taxation, labour laws, environmental regulations, and trade agreements can impact business operations, costs, and investment strategies.
Refine
309 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16
Collaborative investor engagement with policymakers: Changing the rules of the game?
This report explores why and how institutional investors engage with governments and the challenges they face in the process. The authors analyse 11 case studies and identify drivers such as managing investment risks and fulfilling fiduciary duties, as well as challenges like limited influence on governments. The findings contribute to the sustainable finance and public policy literature.
Insurance regulation for sustainable development: Protecting human rights against climate risks and natural hazards
This report argues that insurance regulation has a critical role to play in protecting human rights against climate risk and natural hazards. Among its recommendations, the report calls for the proper pricing of climate risks, broader coverage from insurance, and the alignment of investments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Seriously stressed and stranded: The burden of non-performing assets in India's thermal power sector
India's thermal power sector holds $40-60bn of non-performing or stranded assets, taking away capital from critical sustainable investment. Low-cost renewable energy and a reliance on coal-fired generation is creating difficulties for the banking sector. The economics of low-cost renewables will bring significant financial implications for the country's thermal power reliance.
Growth-positive zero-emission pathways to 2050
This paper presents pathways to achieving growth positive zero-emission targets by 2050. The report concludes that significant action is required globally to achieve the low-carbon transition required to limit temperature increases to 1.5 °C, including the refashioning of multiple fundamental socio-economic systems and the international co-operation of decision-makers.
We know our lives are in danger: Environment of fear in South Africa's mining-affected communities
This report highlights how mining has affected South African communities and examines the legal framework and community engagement procedures relating to mining activity. It discusses the impacts of mining on communities in terms of health, environment, livelihoods and social cohesion, as well as the high levels of violence in these communities.
Mapping ocean governance and regulation
This report provides an overview of ocean governance and regulations through the lenses of ocean-based industries, addressing international governance, key industries, emerging issues and regulatory developments, cross-cutting challenges and the role of the private sector through the UN Global Compact Action Platform for Sustainable Ocean Business.
Who owns a company?
This speech examines the evolution of corporate governance, focusing on the shift towards shareholder primacy. It discusses the incentive problems this model creates, such as short-termism and excessive risk-taking, and their economic consequences. The speech concludes by exploring potential policy responses to mitigate these issues.
Prosperity without growth: The transition to a sustainable economy
The authors of this report argue that society's pursuit of economic growth has been detrimental to the environment and economic sustainability. The report challenges traditional thinking around the benefits of growth and argues for a new macro-economics for sustainability.
Greenlight or gaslight? The transition minerals dilemma for Australia
This report highlights the risks associated with the global dependency on transition minerals for a carbon-free future. It explores potential oversupply and undersupply risks, supply chain ethics, and the environmental impacts of mining such minerals in Australia.
Financing a greener planet: Catalysing private capital for a net zero emissions world
This report provides an overview of the private capital markets and their potential to fund a greener planet. It explores the increasing interest in ESG investing and the significant role that investors can play in delivering a net-zero emissions world, specifically focusing on sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and transportation.
A roadmap for Australian investors: How to invest to achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity and inclusion
This a guide to help investors achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. This report presents qualitative and quantitative analyses from surveys of key Australian impact investing actors, virtual interviews with identified key informants, and a focused narrative literature review of contemporary global gender lens investing practice.
Decarbonising cement: The role of institutional investors
This report outlines why cement production is carbon-intensive and provides pathways for decarbonisation. A 60% reduction in emissions by 2050 is required to limit temperature increases to 1.75°C. Institutional investors need to engage with cement companies and cut off funding for carbon-intensive infrastructure to mitigate climate-related risks.
The debt-fossil fuel trap: Why debt is a barrier to fossil fuel phase-out and what we can do about it
This paper explores the links between indebtedness and fossil fuel exploitation in developing countries. The briefing concludes with recommendations for achieving debt justice, preserving the environment, and tackling climate change.
Converging on climate lobbying: Aligning corporate practice with investor expectations
This report details the importance of climate lobbying for the long-term interests of institutional investors. It covers recommendations for future engagement and case studies, and is primarily aimed at investment professionals. The report does not have any specific focus on discussing a list of companies, rather, it is an investor initiative that advocates for climate lobbying practices and investor expectations for companies globally.
Climate emergency – tipping the odds in our favour: A climate-change policy briefing for COP27
This paper is a policy briefing for COP27 which presents potential solutions for stabilizing the climate, assessing the level of risk inherent in the current approach to climate change, and explores how society can accelerate climate action. It uses a risk-management approach to assess how climate change is being managed.
The U.S. power sector and climate policy
This reports on the 25 largest Investor-Owned Utilities' engagement with climate policy in the US highlights a sector that is fragmented in terms of climate policy. It identifies Edison International, Exelon Corporation, and Public Service Enterprise Company as the leading utilities, and Southern Company and CenterPoint Energy as the laggards.