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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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The debt-fossil fuel trap: Why debt is a barrier to fossil fuel phase-out and what we can do about it

Debt Justice
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.
Research
2 August 2023

Converging on climate lobbying: Aligning corporate practice with investor expectations

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
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.
Research
31 May 2018

Climate emergency – tipping the odds in our favour: A climate-change policy briefing for COP27

Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA)
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.
Research
4 November 2022

The U.S. power sector and climate policy

InfluenceMap
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.
Research
18 April 2022

The great wake-up: Why and how investors must act on women's health - now

Preventable Surprises
This paper highlights the critical need for investor action in support of women's health in the workplace and beyond. The report examines the current lack of attention to this topic in the financial sector and provides guidance for institutions to learn, set priorities, act and activate systems toward improving outcomes on women's health.
Research
13 June 2023

Climate change: Legal implications for Canadian pension plan fiduciaries and policy-makers

McCarthy Tétrault
This report outlines the legal obligations of Canadian pension plan fiduciaries to consider the financial risks and opportunities presented by climate change in their investments. It provides practical guidance, based on recent case law and expert recommendations, for fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities to plan beneficiaries.
Research
27 May 2021

A critical minerals value-adding superpower

Climate Energy Finance (CEF)
This report explores the potential for the nation to become a leader in mining and refining critical minerals. It highlights the economic, employment, and environmental benefits that could be unlocked by prioritising onshore processing, particularly against a backdrop of global decarbonisation.
Research
1 March 2023

Industry influence on biodiversity policy: A pilot study demonstrating industry associations’ engagement on biodiversity-related policy and regulations

InfluenceMap
This report reveals that industry associations representing key sectors and some of the largest companies in the world are lobbying to delay, dilute, and block critically needed biodiversity policy in both the EU and US. The vast majority of engagement on specific policies and regulations is oppositional, seeking to roll back, weaken, or block policy.
Research
24 October 2022

Integrating nutrition and obesity prevention considerations into institutional investment decisions regarding food companies: Australian investment sector perspectives

This study investigates views of stakeholders in the Australian investment sector on the incorporation of nutrition and obesity prevention considerations within institutional investment decision-making regarding food companies and identifies several key challenges and opportunities to the integration of nutrition and obesity prevention considerations.
Research
8 November 2022

Intangible cultural heritage, diverse knowledge systems, and climate change

This paper explores the relationship between climate change, different knowledge systems, culture, and heritage. It discusses the importance of a historical perspective, defines and describes different knowledge systems, and addresses the limitations of the predominant scientific approach. It also presents a framework for collaboration among plural knowledge systems.
Research
12 September 2022

Putting pandemics behind us: Investing in one health to reduce risks of emerging infectious diseases

The World Bank
This report discusses One Health, an approach that recognises the interdependent nature of human, animal, and environmental health. It presents an investment framework designed to mobilise finance for pandemic prevention and reduce the risks of emerging infectious diseases.
Research
21 October 2022

Super-powering the energy transition in Australia: A policy blueprint to facilitate superannuation investment

IFM Investors
This policy blueprint advocates for a shift to renewable energy, proposing over A$40 billion annual investment. It highlights superannuation funds as potential long-term capital sources for the transition, addressing barriers and recommending clear policies to achieve ambitious sustainability goals across critical sectors for a more sustainable future.
Research
1 December 2023

Capital markets and modern slavery

Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre
This report synthesises evidence on the role of investors in addressing modern slavery in global supply chains. Key findings reveal that data limitations pose a significant challenge for investor action. Additionally, drivers for investor action include moral standing, financial incentives, regulatory compliance, and investor-led engagement.
Research
26 April 2023

The global risks report 2020

World Economic Forum
This report explores the most pressing economic, environmental, technological, and public health challenges facing stakeholders amid an unstable global landscape. It proposes stakeholders should act quickly to address these challenges, in partnership with others, to mitigate risks and shape a more sustainable future.
Research
13 January 2020

Australia's future gas strategy: Corporate advocacy and industry narratives

InfluenceMap
This report analyses the responses to Australia's Future Gas Strategy by corporate entities and industry associations from the country's fossil fuel value chain. It sheds light on the advocacy for expanding fossil gas supply, which contradicts the science-based policies to meet global climate goals, while showing a lack of positive engagement from non-fossil fuel corporations.
Research
23 February 2024

Child-lens investing framework: Private equity and debt investor toolkit

Tideline
The toolkit provides guidelines on investing with a child-lens impact strategy, including a child-lens taxonomy, reflection, contribution, and assessment. Six investors tested and refined the framework with case studies.
Research
26 October 2023
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