Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first public appearance of ESG in the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) whitepaper “Who Cares Wins.” My favorite part of the paper is this “Throughout this report we have refrained from using terms such as sustainability, corporate citizenship, etc., in
Report Overview The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a universal framework for addressing urgent global challenges. Private equity (PE) investors are uniquely positioned to drive positive change and economic growth, particularly in emerging markets where the need for development is acute. This report, produced by the SDG Working
Key Impact Points: The three European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA, and ESMA – ESAs) have published a joint Opinion on assessing the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). The ESAs advocate for a coherent sustainable finance framework that supports both the green transition and enhanced consumer protection, learning from the current
Key Impact Points: The BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) has struck a groundbreaking deal with Microsoft, promising up to 8 million nature-based carbon removal credits through 2043. This landmark transaction, the largest of its kind, underscores the significant potential for environmental restoration in Latin America. Restoration and Reforestation Strategy
Key Impact Points: Progress Made, But More Needed: Ceres Report Analyzes Insurers’ Climate Disclosure Alignment Major U.S. insurance companies are making strides in disclosing their climate-related risks and strategies, but significant gaps remain, according to a new report by Ceres. The report, Navigating Climate Risks: Progress and Challenges in U.S.
Key Impact Points: The EU Council has adopted its position on the green claims directive to tackle greenwashing and aid consumers in making genuinely green decisions. A 2020 study revealed that over half of environmental claims are vague or misleading, prompting the directive to establish minimum requirements for substantiating and
Key Impact Points: Deloitte’s Report on Green Energy Transition outlines the urgent need for strategic financing to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The transition requires substantial investment, with projections indicating a need for $5 trillion to $7 trillion annually, yet current investments fall short, at less than $2
Key Takeaways: The Sustainability Balancing Act European companies are grappling with integrating sustainability into their strategies while facing ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. This has led some to scale back their sustainability ambitions. However, experts emphasize that sustainability remains a core business imperative – not just a “good thing to
Key Impact Points: Expanding Economic Opportunities Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that provides economic relief and protects the planet through the distribution of shoes and clothing, received a $150,000 grant from Bank of America to expand its 4Opportunity program to the Dominican Republic. This expansion will create jobs by enabling individuals in
Key Impact Points: Strategic Partnership to Drive Sustainable Land Management The Rainforest Alliance, a leading international non-profit organization, and Mirova, a sustainable investing affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at scaling up locally led and Nature-based Solutions. This collaboration seeks to unlock significant benefits for
