by UNEP Inquiry
Stock markets are a tool for sustainable investment; they bridge the gap between investors needing liquidity in the short-term and ventures with longer term horizons. They enhance the governance of those enterprises by making more information available to investors, both directly through the disclosures required from listed companies, and indirectly through the ‘wisdom of the crowd’ revealed in share prices. At least that is the theory.
by UNEP Inquiry
Following the success of a new global climate agreement at COP21 in Paris, attention is now focusing on practical measures to mobilise the trillions necessary to deliver the transition to a low-carbon, green economy. This year holds out the promise of being the “year of green finance”. China has established a Green Finance Study Group in the
by Cary Krosinsky Maya Forstater
Considering the design of a sustainable financial system means answering questions in the trillions. How much annual investment is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals? How much for the ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy? How much of our assets are at risk because of damage to the environment? How much of fossil fuel-based assets may turn out to have been overvalued? And what volumes of assets are managed by investors that recognize they need to pay attention to these questions?
by Mark Halle
In every country concerned there must have been a moment during the anti-tobacco campaign at which the balance of advantage shifted—subtly, perhaps tentatively, but changing things fundamentally and forever. At that point, the right to live life without being subjected to cigarette smoke became the new norm. Not long after, the notion that it was OK to smoke in trains, in cinemas, and even in pubs, was regarded as a retrograde curiosity. Indeed, we look back at the days of smoke-filled rooms the way we might at memories of using the telex, or booking an overseas call at the post office. Campaigners can take much solace from tipping point theory. Getting to the tipping point can be long, discouraging and full of set-backs, but once past it, the entire game changes.
by Simon Zadek
Funding sustainable development involves big numbers. Financing shortfalls to implement UN-backed Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries amount to US$ 2.5 trillion each year. Most estimates suggest the need for US$ 6 trillion a year in infrastructure investment, much of which needs to be greened. More broadly, there is a need to align the projected US$ 20 to 25 trillion in annual investments globally on sustainable development.
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