Long-overdue framework considered vital to the UK’s sustainability agenda and future as global transition finance hub.  Incorporating transition-focused economic activities into a UK taxonomy could help ensure the UK’s emission reduction goals are met by providing the right incentives for moving away from carbon-intensive industries, say experts. This could see the UK introduce transition planning into its taxonomy ahead of…

Systemic nature of physical climate risk requires investors to engage with the enabling environment on adaptation and resilience. Engagement with policymakers, companies and a wide range of other stakeholders is essential to investor efforts to protect portfolios against the physical risks of climate change, according to a new report. Guidance from the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)…

Utilities accused of gaslighting investors and policymakers over transition role, as report challenges viability of hydrogen on path to net zero.  Canadian pension funds are putting beneficiaries at risk by failing to scrutinise global gas utilities’ plans to utilise hydrogen to forge a role in the low-carbon transition.   A report by campaign group Shift has revealed that some of Canada’s…

BlackRock’s latest fund – the BFM Brown to Green Materials fund – has become the first UK-domiciled strategy to adopt the Sustainability Improvers label under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), the firm confirmed as it announced the fund’s launch. The fund seeks to meet client demand from UK wealth investors for local access to opportunities related to…

A selection of the major stories impacting ESG investors, in five easy pieces.  This week, EU and US policymakers prepared for big shifts impacting sustainable investment, amid further evidence that climate risk is financial risk. Omni-shambles ahead? – Lobbyists and policymakers are gearing up to put flesh on the bones of the European Commission’s plans to streamline the requirements of…