ESG

We live in a world full of complex transitions – whether in climate, technology, global trade or demographics – that are reshaping the way that we live and manage our businesses; most recently, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic has added a global health crisis to the mix, which has shown how complexity often leads to fragility at the time of greatest need.

Change is on the horizon, and where there is change, there is disruption, Mercer’s global strategic research director advises investors to be clear on timeframes, be prepared for business as unusual and position portfolios for climate change. The next decade is likely to prove more challenging — now is not the time to give up on diversification.

Only 16 of the 74 largest public pension plans in the US mention ESG or responsible investing in their public documents. Scott Kalb looks at why the US is so far behind.

Scientific Beta has critiqued the proposals of the TEG on climate benchmarks, arguing they are unduly influenced by commercial interests and do little to discourage greenwashing or support decarbonisation efforts in the real economy.

Designing a 1.5°C asset portfolio to mobilise capital for a sustainable future requires some big thinking and intensive collaboration, not to mention transformational change that extends way beyond the borders of the investment industry. So what role do investors play?