Library | ESG issues

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The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.

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Trends in world military expenditure series

Stockholm international peace research institute (SIPRI)
A benchmark series by SIPRI tracking annual global military expenditure across countries and regions. Published as an annual fact sheet, it provides data on spending levels, military burdens as a share of GDP, and decade-long trends to support evidence-based analysis of defence economics worldwide.
Benchmark/series
26 April 2026

Global report on food crises series

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
The Global Report on Food Crises is an annual benchmark series tracking acute food insecurity, malnutrition and forced displacement in countries facing food crises. Produced by FAO, WFP and the Global Network Against Food Crises, it delivers consensus-based, multi-agency analysis to guide humanitarian and development decision-making globally.
Benchmark/series
23 April 2026

Guidance on integrating deforestation into net zero strategies

Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
This IIGCC guidance supports institutional investors in integrating deforestation, land conversion, and associated human rights risks into net zero strategies. Aligned with the Net Zero Investment Framework 2.0, it provides practical, asset class-specific action points across listed equity, sovereign bonds, real estate, and private equity and debt.
Research
28 January 2026

AI data centers and electricity demand: Taming the energy guzzlers

Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)
This paper examines AI data centre electricity demand and its costs for ratepayers and the environment. It finds that Big Tech market capitalisations have risen far above predicted levels since ChatGPT's 2022 launch, while data centres drive up electricity prices and fossil fuel use. Regulatory reforms and innovations are recommended.
Research
1 February 2026

From climate crisis to insurance crisis: Designing solidarity-based natural disaster insurance

Urgewald
This report examines rising climate-related insurance losses and Germany's lack of comprehensive natural disaster coverage, with only 57% of residential buildings insured against such risks. It analyses international public-private insurance models — particularly France's CatNat system — and recommends a solidarity-based approach alongside measures to hold the fossil fuel industry financially accountable.
Research
9 April 2026

Project Preparation Support Database (PPSD)

Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA)
Searchable database of project preparation facilities and climate-focused incubators helping developers and investors access support for bankable climate projects.
Online tool/database

Widening the lens: Scaling climate adaptation and resilience through sustainable finance

Sustainable Fitch
This report examines climate adaptation and resilience in sustainable finance, highlighting a significant financing gap in emerging markets and limited formal allocation in labelled debt markets. It argues for a broader lens that recognises resilience outcomes already embedded in policy-driven investments, using Ecuador's sovereign housing framework as a case study.
Research
1 June 2026

Interest rate caps, competition, and strategic borrowing: Evidence from Kenya

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This paper examines Kenya's 2016 interest rate regulation, which capped bank lending rates but exempted the digital platform M-Shwari. Using borrower-level administrative data and a structural model, the authors find that the M-Shwari carve-out preserved credit access for high-risk borrowers, while a uniform cap would have eliminated it entirely.
Research
6 May 2026

The ICJ's advisory opinion on climate change

Verfassungsblog
This edited volume analyses the ICJ's July 2025 advisory opinion on climate change obligations, examining its legal framework, due diligence standards, human rights implications, and statehood findings. Contributing authors also assess the opinion's notable silences on historical responsibility, military emissions, and differentiated obligations.
Research
16 December 2025

Ethical & impactful usage of AI

This report by Do Harvey outlines an ethical framework for AI usage, highlighting environmental impacts, security risks, and bias concerns. It advocates for transparent, client-opt-in adoption underpinned by human oversight, and summarises five modes of AI use to guide teams in making values-aligned, informed decisions.
Research
12 August 2025

State of the Sustainability Profession 2026

Trellis Group
The 2026 State of the Sustainability Profession report by Trellis Group surveys more than 500 professionals at companies with at least $1 billion in revenue. Most large businesses are maintaining sustainability commitments despite political headwinds, though investment has slowed, communications are being scaled back and professionals report growing dissatisfaction.
Research
4 May 2026

Stuck on you: How to make social media good again

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
This IPPR paper examines how social media platforms have shifted from user-led spaces to algorithm-driven, influencer-dominated environments through 'sticky gatekeeping'. A UK survey found only 18 per cent of feed posts were personal content. The report recommends regulatory reform, algorithmic transparency, and development of a public social media platform.
Research
8 April 2026

How a surge in defence and dual-use technology investment could reconfigure the global AI race

Chatham House
This Chatham House paper examines four trends — rising defence and dual-use investment, the growth of 'patriotic tech', the push for sovereign AI, and concerns over an AI valuation bubble — that could multipolarise the global AI race, and offers recommendations for private sector preparedness.
Research
1 April 2026

DAX-AEX Futureproof Index Report

Futureproofing Institute
The DAX-AEX Futureproof Index Report is a benchmark series that ranks DAX and AEX-listed companies using an Integrated Value framework combining financial, social, and ecological value. It produces a Futureproofing Ratio to assess long-term corporate value creation and transition risk across sectors and economies.
Benchmark/series
1 May 2026

Global Project Tracker

Mission Possible Partnership (MPP)
MPP's Global Project Tracker maps the global pipeline of commercial-scale, net-zero-aligned clean industrial plants across materials, chemicals and fuels sectors.
Online tool/database

Retreat or respect? Diverging corporate paths on human rights in a time of turbulence

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
This BHRC report examines how top US companies are responding to mounting pressure on human rights standards. It identifies three corporate pathways: active deregulatory lobbying by Big Oil and Big Tech, quiet retreat from human rights commitments, and continued adherence. Survey data from April 2026 reveals significant reductions in human rights staffing and budgets.
Research
29 June 2026
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