Investors have taken action through engagement and exclusion but are being encouraged to double up efforts to increase transparency in the sector. Research conducted by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) has revealed the extent to which tech companies are failing to take responsibility for fuelling the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the crucial role that investors can play in…

On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). This new law requires big companies, both within and outside the EU, to ensure they’re not causing harm to people or the environment through their business practices. Essentially, it means these companies have to thoroughly check and address any potential human rights violations or environmental…

Investors call for greater clarity and certainty on regulatory expectations around sustainable finance disclosures. Convergence of ESG fund rules is still some way off, according to leading regulators, disappointing the hopes of asset managers and clients for alignment that would reduce costs and complexity. Speaking at the UK Investment Association’s (IA) Sustainability and Responsible investment Conference, regulatory experts said major…

Shareholders argue the company’s aggressive legal action undermines shareholder rights and the US SEC’s authority.   Tensions are rising between oil and gas major ExxonMobil and its climate-focused shareholders, as investors push back against the company’s intimidation tactics.  Exxon filed a lawsuit in January against investment manager Arjuna Capital and activist group Follow This in response to their shareholder proposal, which…

A selection of the major stories impacting ESG investors, in five easy pieces.  People and planet have been put on an equal footing by standards setters. Capital investments – The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) finally confirmed its next move, having completed much of the heavy lifting on its standards for climate and general sustainability disclosures. Following an extensive consultation…

Storebrand Head of Climate and Environment Emine Isciel stresses the need for governments to take effective measures to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, specifically on the alignment of financial flows. As countries begin the countdown to the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Colombia later this year, the pressure is mounting on governments to develop ambitious – and…