Latest responsible investment thinking
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What does the data say? Tesla, the halo effect and reasons for CEO departures
28 May 2021
In the latest instalment of our visual series on topical data themes, we look at Tesla’s market cap relative to the European “Big Five” carmakers, the average CSR spending of FTSE 100 companies versus their procurement budget and the most common reasons for a CEO to leave a company.
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Carbon credits: Seeing the wood for the trees
20 May 2021
As governments and companies strive to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero, questions are being asked about the role of natural climate solutions. We analyse differing approaches to offsetting and their impact on forest management.
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Green is not always clean: Rising tide of greenwash brings risks for investors
19 May 2021
Some companies have long sought to mislead the public about their commitments to sustainability, but greenwashing has become more widespread and sophisticated in recent years. Now regulators and investors are fighting back.
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Will companies embrace a more inclusive form of capitalism?
18 May 2021
Just before COVID-19, some of the world’s biggest companies pledged to look beyond the pursuit of profit alone to consider the interests of a wider group of stakeholders, including employees and local communities. But are they ready to back up their words with actions?
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By the people, for the people: Why investors should care about human rights
17 May 2021
Companies cannot thrive without healthy and happy employees, consumers, and communities. Investors must use their influence with companies and other stakeholders to ensure the basic rights of these groups are respected.
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Unlocking carbon capture and storage: An Interview with Stuart Haszeldine
12 May 2021
The professor of carbon capture and storage at the University of Edinburgh discusses why achieving net zero needs multiple technologies and explains the thinking behind the UK’s evolving approach.
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Are sustainable bonds the new smartphones?
10 May 2021
The market for sustainable bonds to fund activities that have a positive impact on the environment or society is booming. But there are many factors to consider before investing. Not least among them is a crucial question: is your money really being used to fund the activities promised?
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What does the data say? Bitcoin, offices and emissions
30 Apr 2021
In our monthly visual series on topical data themes, we look at whether Bitcoin could be the new gold, if COVID-19 has put pressure on London office rents, and the extent to which transport affects the carbon footprint of foods.
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Joana Setzer Q&A: On the climate litigation front line
9 Apr 2021
Joana Setzer from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at LSE discusses the implications on governments and companies of the growing wave of climate litigation.
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Law and climate disorder: Understanding physical, transition and litigation risk
9 Apr 2021
Major listed companies are finding themselves the target of legal action designed to make them move faster towards a lower carbon world. These cases could mark an inflection point; when the conversation turns toward specific responsibilities to move away from fossil fuels rather than broad commitments to change.
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Living in the past: Why are controversy scores so controversial?
8 Apr 2021
Many investors use controversy scores as a filter to avoid firms whose damaging behaviour has hit the headlines, from human rights violations to environmental disasters. But these scores have serious limitations, making them an inadequate tool for investors who want to manage ESG risks and have a positive impact.
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What does the data say? Vaccines, illiquidity and managers called Dave
26 Mar 2021
In the first of a new monthly series, we take a visual approach to illustrate topical data themes in economies, markets and beyond. This month we look at the correlation between stock market performance and vaccinations, the illiquidity premium in real assets, and whether there are still more men called Dave running funds than female managers.
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