Library | ESG issues

Social

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.

Refine
Resource type
Sustainable Finance Practices
ESG issues
SDGs
SASB Sustainability Sector
Finance relevance
Asset Class
Location
TAG
759 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16

Accelerating impact-linked finance

Boston Consulting Group
The report defines impact-linked finance and proposes a roadmap to accelerate and scale it. It summarises constraints to its implementation and provides examples of solutions.
Research
12 January 2019

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

The role of women on boards in corporate environmental strategy and financial performance: A global outlook

This paper examines the relationship between board gender diversity and environmental strategy and financial performance of firms. Empirical findings indicate that women on boards promote proactive environmental strategies leading to a sustained competitive advantage in both short-term and long-term financial performance.
Research
3 April 2020

Sustainable corporate governance and non-financial disclosure in Europe: Does the gender diversity matter?

This study explores the link between boardroom gender diversity and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure in European listed firms. The results show that having women directors improves ESG practices, potentially enhancing sustainable value creation for firms. The study recommends policy actions promoting gender equality in decision-making roles to further enhance corporate transparency and accountability.
Research
28 June 2021

Increasing female participation on boards: Effects on sustainability reporting

This study explores the relationship between board gender diversity and sustainability reporting using data from 2,116 banks over a ten-year period. Results indicate that having 22–50% female board members positively affects ESG disclosure, but beyond 50%, negative effects appear. It suggests that banks should mandate quotas to promote sustainable disclosure.
Research
18 June 2020

Clearing the air: A case for investor action on air quality and a practical guide for getting started

ShareAction
This report summarises the health implications, financial risks, and actions investors and companies can take to reduce air pollution emit. It also highlights existing regulations across the world as well as upcoming sustainability reporting standards.
Research
18 January 2024

UN Environment Programme's adaptation gap report series

United Nations Environment Programme
The Adaptation Gap Report series provides yearly updates on global progress in climate change adaptation. It assesses the status of adaptation planning, implementation, and finance, highlighting the increasing gap between the need for adaptation and the actions taken.
Benchmark/series

Adaptation, loss and damage: A global climate impact fund for climate justice

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
This report delves into climate justice amid anthropogenic climate change, advocating for a pilot Global Climate Impact Fund (GCIF). The fund aims to distribute the financial responsibility for the climate change transition based on attribution and contribution studies, employing standardised criteria. The report emphasises prioritising long-term resilience and sustainable development pathways.
Research
27 November 2023

Survival of the richest: How we must tax the super-rich now to fight inequality

Oxfam
This briefing paper highlights how taxing the super-rich is crucial in fighting inequality and addressing the multiple crises we are currently facing. The report provides practical solutions to raise taxes, while showcasing how decreasing economic inequality leads to decreasing gender, race, and colonial inequality.
Research
11 January 2023

Climate governance study 2024: Moving from vision to action

Australian Institute of Company Directors
This study reveals that Australian directors increasingly prioritise climate change as a material governance issue. However, stakeholders are pulling in a variety of directions, making it challenging for organisations to execute their climate strategies. Policy uncertainty poses the most significant obstacle for climate governance, although the implementation of mandatory climate reporting from July 2025 presents an opportunity for greater accountability.
Research
5 March 2024

Towards financing large-scale holistic landscape restoration in Europe: Recommendations for EU policy actors to attain inspirational, social, natural and financial returns

Commonland
The report provides financing recommendations for large-scale holistic landscape restoration in Europe, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and food and water insecurity. It emphasises the effectiveness of landscape finance in promoting healthy ecosystems, offering practical frameworks for policymakers to accelerate impactful activities and align natural and community needs for comprehensive restoration.
Research
30 November 2023

Overcoming the myths of mainstream economics to enable a new wellbeing economy

This report discusses the flawed theoretical pillars of mainstream economics that support unsustainable environmental, social, and economic outcomes. The paper identifies paradoxes and delusions in theories related to efficiency, wealth, well-being, and economic growth. It argues that adopting a new approach that prioritises well-being can help overcome these challenges.
Research
13 August 2019

'Signals of seriousness' for human rights due diligence

Shift
This discussion draft proposes a list of "signals of seriousness" that could inform administrative assessments of companies' HRDD efforts under potential EU legislation. The document provides comprehensive guidance on human rights and environmental due diligence and highlights key features of HRDD practices, offering critical insights to regulators seeking to enforce the proposed legislation.
Research
5 February 2021

Deconstructing ESG ratings performance: Risk and return for E, S and G by time horizon, sector, and weighting

MSCI Inc.
This article evaluates the relevance of key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and the importance of their pillars regarding risk and return using a comprehensive analysis of market performance. It additionally compares the weighting and performance of each pillar and key ESG issues.
Research
8 January 2021

Building capacity for the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework: What can we learn from countries' experiences and UNFCCC processes?

World Resources Institute
This report outlines the necessity of capacity building to enhance transparency in the Paris Agreement. The report uses 13 case studies to highlight challenges in implementing transparency requirements and six lessons for effective capacity building. International initiatives and support programs are discussed to inform the construction of transparent and sustainable climate governance.
Research
26 March 2019

RIAA's benchmarking impact investing series

Responsible Investment Association Australasia
This is a series of benchmark reports providing comprehensive insights into the impact investing market in Australia. It covers investor motivations, market size, and performance metrics, aiding stakeholders in understanding and enhancing their impact investment strategies.
Benchmark/series
PREV
29 of 48
NEXT