Library | ESG issues

Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is a holistic approach to problem-solving that focuses on how different parts of a system interact and influence each other over time. It helps leaders see beyond individual components like departments, markets, or financial statements to understand the broader dynamics, feedback loops, and long-term impacts of decisions. This perspective improves risk management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency by recognising interconnected relationships rather than isolated events.

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

Australian Sustainable Finance Capability Framework: Updated pilot version

Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI)
The updated Australian Sustainable Finance Capability Framework outlines key competencies for roles in sustainable finance across Australia. It integrates First Nations perspectives, focuses on social and environmental sustainability, and guides skill development in areas such as strategy, risk management, and reporting to support sector-wide capability uplift.
Research
17 October 2024

CIM's impact report 2024

Conscious Investment Management
CIM’s FY2024 Impact Report details investments in social and affordable housing, disability accommodation, and carbon farming. The portfolio supported 260 homes, 114 SDA dwellings, and biodiversity-focused climate projects, while applying rigorous impact measurement. The report reflects lessons from emerging sectors and First Nations partnerships.
Research
10 October 2024

Recalibrating feedback loops: Guidance for asset owners and institutional investors assessing the influence of system-level investing

The Investment Integrated Project (TIIP)
This report guides asset owners in assessing how their investments affect systemic environmental and social issues. It introduces a framework to align investment practices with system-level goals and improve financial system resilience. Case studies explore climate change, income inequality, and racial inequity to illustrate practical applications.
Research
7 December 2023

The imperative for impact management: Clarifying the relationship between impacts, system-wide risk and materiality

The report argues that managing environmental and social impacts is essential for sustainable financial performance. It connects impacts to both entity-specific and system-wide risks, urging enterprises, investors, and policymakers to adopt a unified, evidence-based impact management approach aligned with global sustainability goals and evolving disclosure standards.
Research
1 June 2023

Reconsidering the macroeconomic damage of severe warming

This study finds that accounting for global weather conditions significantly increases projected macroeconomic damage from climate change. Global GDP losses by 2100 may rise from ~11% to ~40% under high emissions. Incorporating global effects also reduces the optimal warming threshold from 2.7°C to 1.7°C, aligning with Paris Agreement targets.
Research
31 March 2025

Landing the economic case for climate action with decision makers

Boston Consulting Group
The report outlines strategies to better communicate the economic rationale for climate action to decision makers. It examines barriers, including limited capacity and political constraints, and recommends clearer economic framing, stronger narratives, and alignment with national development goals to drive engagement and support for climate policies.
Research
11 March 2025

Doughnut Design for Business - Core Tool

Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
​The Doughnut Design for Business Core Tool is a workshop resource that guides companies in aligning with Doughnut Economics principles. It focuses on transforming key business aspects—Purpose, Networks, Governance, Ownership, and Finance—to foster regenerative and distributive practices. Developed through pilot workshops with over 300 businesses, it offers practical steps for strategic redesign.
Online tool/database
2 November 2022

Closing the gap: Investing in natural capital to meet the SDGs

Green Growth Knowledge Partnership
The report analyses the investment required to address the natural capital gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in 40 countries, finding that investing US$7.4 trillion could generate returns exceeding US$152 trillion, greatly benefiting air quality, human health, ecosystems, and reducing premature deaths and resource depletion globally.
Research
4 June 2024

Building disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure through public–private partnerships

Australian Government
The report discusses leveraging public–private partnerships (PPPs) to build disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure in Southeast Asia, addressing funding gaps, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and integrating resilience measures. It highlights Australian practices, aligning climate, disaster, and inclusion goals for sustainable infrastructure development.
Research
10 October 2024

Reframing child labour due diligence for businesses and investors in increasingly regulated and resilience challenged supply chains

The report explores reframing child labour due diligence in supply chains, emphasising systemic solutions, collaboration, and addressing root causes. It critiques current top-down models, highlighting their inefficiencies and unintended consequences.
Research
16 November 2024

Leveraging food security and environmental sustainability in achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from a global perspective

The study investigates the relationship between food security, environmental sustainability, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 63 countries from 2010–2021. Key findings highlight that promoting agricultural exports, sustainable farming, and reducing food imports positively impact economic growth and alleviate poverty. Environmental degradation negatively affects growth, affirming the need for green policies to achieve SDGs inclusively.
Research
12 September 2024

Transition today: A progress update - How investors can support climate transition across portfolios

Mercer
The report explores how investors can support climate transitions through decarbonisation, alignment with transition pathways, and investments in climate solutions. It emphasises systemic risks, scope 3 emissions, and capital mobilisation to developing economies, offering actionable strategies to integrate climate goals into investment portfolios.
Research
1 November 2024

Natural Capital Initiative

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Natural Capital Initiative (NCI) is a UK-based partnership of science organisations dedicated to promoting sustainable management of natural capital. By facilitating dialogue among academics, policymakers, and businesses, NCI supports evidence-based decision-making to enhance ecosystem services and biodiversity.
Organisation

The behavioral economics guide 2024

The Behavioural Economics Guide 2024 provides an overview of advancements in behavioural economics, its application to policy, and current challenges. Key topics include using behavioural insights to address social issues, boost democratic trust, and mitigate environmental impacts. Practical tools like framing and priming are explored to influence consumer behaviour positively. The guide highlights the field's integration across disciplines and offers practical insights for policymakers, emphasising data-driven, ethical behavioural interventions.
Research
2 September 2024

Towards a new economic paradigm 2.0: Innovating to integrate decision-making across nature, people, society and the economy

Capitals Coalition (CapsCo)
The report explores systems-level innovations for integrating nature, people, society, and economy in decision-making. Through the Capitals Protocol, Governance Framework, and Integrated Decision-Making Requirements, it advocates for a shift beyond financial metrics, promoting holistic value assessments to foster sustainable business practices and societal well-being.
Research
2 July 2024

Asian cropportunities: Supplying raw materials for plant-based meat

Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)
This report highlights Asia's potential to supply raw materials for the plant-based meat industry. Key ingredients such as soy, wheat, and alternative crops like konjac and jackfruit are evaluated for their nutritional, environmental, and economic potential in Asian markets. The report suggests ways Asian countries can leverage local crops and production capacities to meet growing demand, boosting food security and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Research
5 December 2020
PREV
1 of 5
NEXT