Key Impact Points: Over Three Quarters of Companies Now Obtain External ESG Assurance In 2023, 79% of FTSE 100 companies obtained external assurance over some ESG metrics—up by 4% from 2021. This trend underscores the increasing importance of accurate ESG data for investors and other stakeholders. As more companies prepare
Key Impact Points: Overview BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has reduced its support for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) proposals in the wake of increasing Republican scrutiny. According to BlackRock’s latest proxy voting report, the company supported only 4% of environmental and social proposals in the 2023-24 proxy year,
Key Impact Points: The Issue Financial institutions are under increasing pressure to eliminate deforestation from their portfolios as part of broader efforts to meet net-zero targets and reduce the financial risks associated with climate change and nature degradation. However, while initiatives like Finance Sector Deforestation Action (FSDA) are making strides,
Pitchbook’s Q2 2024 Clean Energy Report highlights key trends, investments, and innovations within the clean energy sector, focusing on venture capital (VC) activity, emerging technologies, and notable company developments. As the clean energy landscape evolves, VC investment plays a critical role in shaping the industry’s future, especially in areas such
Biodiversity’s Economic Consequences Biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, threatening ecosystems and the economic benefits they provide. This poses substantial risks for businesses, investors, and financial markets. New regulatory efforts, like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and frameworks from central banks, aim to address these risks.
Impact Points: Why it matters Amid the ongoing climate crisis, the UK’s new government faces a historic opportunity. Strategic climate finance policies not only position the country as a leader in the global net-zero transition but also promote long-term economic resilience. The first 100 days of leadership are critical to
Key Impact Points: What’s Happening Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the critical shortage of developmental finance, noting it is hindering developing economies from achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The financing gap is a staggering $4 trillion annually. The Bigger Picture Addressing the third Voice of Global South Summit virtually, Sitharaman
Key Impact Points: A Major Step Toward Marine Pollution Reduction in the Caribbean The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has officially launched its first Call for Proposals under the Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility. This $24.7 million initiative is dedicated to funding innovative projects that apply circular economy principles to combat
Key Impact Points: Etihad Rail Sets Path for Green Bonds and Sustainable Projects Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has unveiled a Sustainable Finance Framework designed to support its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. The framework, launched on Wednesday, outlines how the company
Key Impact Points: A New Era in Sustainable Investment Private investors are increasingly embracing innovative financial models that link returns to measurable development outcomes. In a landmark move, the World Bank priced a 9-year, $225 million Amazon Reforestation-Linked Bond on August 13, 2024. This principal-protected bond offers a unique structure,
