A selection of the major stories impacting ESG investors, in five easy pieces. COP16 negotiations have proved a grinding experience in Cali. Colombian blend – In December 2022, the determination of China, holder of the COP15 Presidency, was a critical factor in the signing of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Almost two years later in Cali, it’s now the turn…
Next Round of NDCs Must be Investible
Gina Hanrahan, Senior Specialist, Climate Policy at UN Principles for Responsible Investment, outlines how governments’ climate commitments can send credible investment signals to global markets. Countries are gathering for the next round of UN climate negotiations at COP29 in Baku in November. As they prepare to rachet up their climate ambition, will the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs)…
Holistic Approach Can Close the Biodiversity Funding Gap
Financing the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework requires collective action, according to Samantha Deacon, Global Lead in Biodiversity and Ecosystems at Ramboll. Launched under the banner of ‘making peace with nature’ – COP16 is now drawing to its conclusion, with the international biodiversity community of policymakers, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, businesses and financial institutions awaiting landmark agreements and consensus…
Blended Finance Vital to Achieve NDCs
Policy cohesion and consistency will bolster private investor confidence and scale investment across emerging markets. Closer alignment of blended finance vehicles with climate-related policies will help to meet targets outlined in countries’ soon-to-be-updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), according to new analysis. Blended finance network Convergence’s latest ‘State of Blended Finance: Climate Edition’ report has revealed a strong increase in climate-focused…
Microsoft Replacing Steel, Concrete in New Datacenters with Wood to Cut Carbon Emissions
Microsoft revealed a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the embodied carbon footprint of its datacenters, including pioneering the use of wood in construction to replace steel and concrete. The new initiatives come as Microsoft looks to address the growing emissions impact of its rapidly expanding datacenter footprints. While Microsoft has set 2030 goals to become carbon negative and to…
How to Re-establish the UK’s Lead on Climate Change
Former chair of the Committee on Climate Change Lord Deben believes the country can get back on track to net zero and regain its status as a global leader. When Glasgow hosted COP26 in 2021, bringing together 120 world leaders and more than 40,000 participants, the UK was seen as a world leader in the battle against climate change. Two…
How to Re-establish the UK’s Lead on Climate Change
Former chair of the Committee on Climate Change Lord Deben believes the country can get back on track to net zero and regain its status as a global leader. When Glasgow hosted COP26 in 2021, bringing together 120 world leaders and more than 40,000 participants, the UK was seen as a world leader in the battle against climate change. Two…
Towards a Model of Enlightened Stewardship
Rickard Nilsson, Head of Stewardship Success at Esgaia, explores the route to a broader and more encompassing framework for asset owners and managers. In the evolving landscape of responsible investment, stewardship has taken on increasing importance. Asset owner and manager approaches have been rooted in the traditional view of fiduciary duty, focused on maximising returns for clients and beneficiaries. However,…