World Bank’s US$225 million nine-year deal will generate high-quality carbon credits via reforestation projects.  Investors believe a first-of-its-kind bond tackling deforestation in Brazil has set a precedent for transactions seeking to increase private investment into climate solutions in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).  Last week, the World Bank unveiled details of its Amazon Reforestation Outcome Bond, which aims to…

New metrics allow investors to factor chemical risks into ESG strategies with more precision. A group backed by Apple and Google has released a framework designed to help investors and businesses address one of the gravest environmental threats facing humanity: chemical pollution. The Safer Chemistry Impact (SCI) Fund is a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to provide blended finance to organisations and…

Two US right-wing think tanks responsible for 75% of this year’s anti-ESG shareholder resolutions say they are just getting started. At Walt Disney’s annual shareholder meeting in April this year, 19-year-old California-native Chloe Cole told a harrowing story. Born female, Cole began gender transition treatment at the age of 12. This included taking puberty blockers at age 13, and undergoing…

The August 2024 edition of the ESG Policy Digest covers a wide range of policy tools and solutions emerging worldwide to power sustainability-driven capital markets. At the international level, the Global Reporting Initiative and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are refining reporting standards with an interoperability mapping resource to support alignment across both frameworks. The International Accounting Standards…

Starbucks is the latest company to appoint one individual to both positions, prompting governance-related concerns.   Global coffee chain Starbucks’ recent leadership shake-up has reinvigorated discussions among investors as to whether the positions of CEO and chair should fall to a single person within a company.   Last week, the US-headquartered company announced it had poached Brian Niccol from fast food…

Renewable energy is a key aspect of global sustainability efforts. This shift from fossil fuels not only aligns with environmental goals but also presents a promising opportunity for financial growth by providing individuals and financial institutions numerous investment opportunities in sustainable energy production. Investing in renewable energy is more than just a trend; it’s a strategic decision with substantial long-term…