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.
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Digging deeper: Human rights and the extractives sector
The report examines significant human rights issues in the extractives sector value chain, and summarises the key outcomes and insights of a PRI-coordinated (Principles for Responsible Investment) engagement with companies. Importantly, the report highlights the key elements that investors should consider when engaging with mining, oil and gas companies.
Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity
The nine planetary boundaries offer an approach to global sustainability where humanity can safely operate and avoid major human-induced environmental change on a global scale. The article argues that three of the planetary boundaries are already transgressed, including: climate change, biodiversity loss and the global nitrogen cycle.
A portfolio approach to impact investment
This paper is a practical guide on how to build and analyse a portfolio of impact, which is based on a graphical assessment of impact investments along the dimensions of impact, risk and return. The framework offers insight into the construction of a target profile, mapping individual investments and aggregate portfolios, as well as risk management.
The toll from coal: An updated assessment of death and disease from America’s dirtiest energy source
Emissions from the coal-fired power plant industry in the form of fine particle pollution, global warming, ozone smog, acid rain and regional haze, cause significant negative effects on human beings. Research shows that death or disease from coal-based electricity production in the United States, can be reduced if the pollution from coal plants is addressed.
Human rights: The foundation of sustainable business
In December 2018, the world celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Two of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact are derived directly from the Universal Declaration. The United Nations Global Compact is advocating for businesses to stand up for human rights, promoting uptake of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute (IRRCi)
The Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute (IRRCi) is a nonprofit research organisation that funds environmental, social and corporate governance research, as well as research on the capital market context that impacts how investors and companies make decisions.
Business Call to Action
Business Call to Action works in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, challenging businesses to develop inclusive business models that empower and engage low-income populations.
Implementing inclusive business models: How business can work with low-income communities
This paper makes the case for why businesses should implement inclusive business models and engage low-income populations along their value chains. It identifies common market constraints of inclusive business models and how to overcome them.
Global standards miss the nuance in local child labour
Research conducted by Young Lives on improving the current issue of child labour provided from a view that differs from the conventional approach: improving working conditions is more constructive than merely banning child labour altogether, as doing so would miss the social and economic nuances such as relationship ties, supporting families and gaining skills.
Nature
Nature is a set of international journals publishing peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology. Nature also produces news articles, videos and podcast episodes relating to recent developments in these fields.
Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: A shared responsibility
A 2018 report on worldwide investments in harmful cluster munitions. Two arms manufacturers recently ended production of cluster munitions, and more financial institutions and states are acting to end money going to producers. Despite declining investment from financial institutions, there are seven companies in the report still manufacturing.
Young Lives
Young Lives is an international, not-for-profit organisation that conducts research aiming to shed light on the drivers and impacts of child poverty, and generate evidence to help policymakers make a real difference. Some of its current projects are based on young marriage and parenthood, gender inequality and education.
United Nations Global Compact
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is is a voluntary initiative committed to global sustainability through their support to companies and stakeholders. UNGC was formed to promote the implementation of ten key principles of sustainability, to businesses globally, and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is the world's leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance factors and to support its network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions.
PAX
PAX works together with committed citizens and partners to protect civilians against acts of war, to end armed violence and to build a just peace.
University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg (German: Universität Hamburg, also referred to as UHH) is a comprehensive university in Hamburg, Germany. The University is northern Germany’s largest and most diverse centre of research.