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.
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Opportunities for methane mitigation in agriculture: Technological, economic, and regulatory considerations
This report assesses cost-effective methods to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation, manure management, and rice cultivation. It outlines region-specific strategies and underscores the need for research, regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to support implementation and scale-up of mitigation solutions.
Green and intelligent: the role of AI in the climate transition
Artificial intelligence (AI) can support the climate transition by reducing global emissions by up to 5.4 GtCO₂e annually by 2035 in the power, food, and transport sectors, surpassing its own energy footprint. Strategic government action is essential to ensure AI accelerates low-carbon solutions equitably and effectively.
The path to a new era for nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is gaining momentum as a reliable, low-emissions electricity source. The report outlines growth drivers, investment needs, emerging technologies such as small modular reactors, and policy frameworks required for scale-up. Financing challenges, supply chain risks, and workforce planning are key to realising nuclear’s role in future energy systems.
Nature positive: Leaders’ insights for the transition in cities
The report outlines strategies and case studies from global cities integrating nature into urban development to address climate and biodiversity challenges. It highlights the importance of public-private collaboration, compact planning, and nature-based infrastructure in fostering resilient, sustainable, and equitable cities. Solutions are scalable and grounded in real-world examples.
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.
Australian sustainable finance taxonomy (Version 1 - 2025)
The Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (2025) provides a framework classifying economic activities aligned with environmental sustainability goals, particularly climate mitigation. It includes performance-based criteria for key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, construction, and transport, facilitating sustainable capital allocation, consistent reporting, and transition planning, thus supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
Exploring pathways for world development within planetary boundaries
The report assesses global development scenarios to 2050 using planetary boundaries. Current trends worsen conditions across key Earth system indicators, except ozone depletion. Implementing strong sustainability measures, including climate agreements, diet shifts, and resource efficiency, significantly reduces boundary breaches but still leaves climate, biodiversity, and nutrient flows at risk.
RIAA Policy Platform 2025: Harnessing sustainable finance for a thriving Australia
The RIAA Policy Platform 2025 outlines nine policy priorities and two principles to align Australia’s finance system with sustainability goals. It recommends regulatory reforms, improved data, Indigenous inclusion, and stronger accountability to mobilise capital for a net zero, nature-positive economy that supports long-term economic resilience and societal wellbeing.
Find it, fix it, prevent it: Modern slavery report 2024
CCLA’s 2024 report outlines investor-led efforts to address modern slavery through corporate engagement, policy advocacy, and improved data. Key sectors include construction and agriculture. Progress was made via benchmarking and collaborative initiatives, though disclosure and remedy remain limited. EU legislation and stakeholder coordination are driving further momentum.
Rewiring finance – a new approach to financing a sustainable economy
This report outlines three systemic shifts needed to align finance with sustainability: policy reform to drive market incentives, mindset changes to embrace long-term value, and structural financial changes to embed environmental and social risks. It highlights barriers and proposes actions to support an inclusive, sustainable economic transition.
Impact economies tractions and trends: Insights from 34 GSG National Partners
This report presents insights from 34 national ecosystems advancing impact investing. It highlights trends in policy, capital mobilisation, and transparency, showing governments and institutions integrating social and environmental outcomes into investment strategies. It tracks growth in green finance, outcome-based funding, and investment readiness across emerging and developed economies.
AI, data governance and privacy: Synergies and areas of international co-operation
This report examines the synergies between artificial intelligence, data governance, and privacy, highlighting international collaboration opportunities. It identifies key regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and policy recommendations to address shared global challenges and promote responsible AI deployment while safeguarding data privacy across jurisdictions.
Environmental Finance's biodiversity insight series
This series explores the evolving role of biodiversity in sustainable finance, investment strategies, and regulatory developments. It examines biodiversity risk, natural capital investment, reporting frameworks, and financial instruments supporting conservation efforts. The series provides insights into emerging market mechanisms, data challenges, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into financial decision-making.
The role of government in corporate governance: Perspectives from the UK
The report examines the UK government's role in corporate governance, identifying four key functions: enhancing competitive advantage, compensating for self-regulation failures, preventing corporate scandals, and reassuring the public of its oversight. It evaluates regulatory frameworks, corporate failures, and policy developments, highlighting implications for governance, politics, and economic stability.
UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance: Policy engagement guidelines
This guideline released in 2023 outline principles for asset owners to integrate net-zero commitments into public policy engagement. The framework emphasises accountability, active participation, consistency, and transparency in climate advocacy. Asset owners are urged to engage policymakers to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and ensure alignment with fiduciary duties.
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global fund established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to support developing countries in tackling climate change. It provides financing for mitigation and adaptation projects, focusing on low-emission, climate-resilient development. Funded by governments, GCF plays a key role in international climate finance.