ESG is the private equity industry’s next frontier | Corporate Knights

Private equity (PE) is well placed to lead sustainable investing. The industry is large – so large that society won’t be able to tackle the climate crisis and other major challenges without the active participation of PE firms and their portfolio companies. In the last 15 years, the industry has been a steadily growing area…

Anti-ESG movement dials up the drama in the US – Capital Monitor

It was announced last month that the Indiana Public Retirement System could lose $6.7bn over ten years in reduced investment returns if it implements a bill barring the fund from investing with managers that use ESG. “And now we’re seeing a reaction to the reaction in states like Indiana and many other ‘reddish’ states where…

Beware, The Culture Warriors Have New Strawmen: Dangers of “ESG” and “Woke Capitalism” | Sustainability Update

New threats to ESG detected in America’s Red-controlled states:  The internal culture wars now include an unlikely frontal assault on the alleged “dangers” posed to institutional investors (state and city pension funds and the states; public financing) by professional asset managers who embrace sustainable investing approaches and who factor ESG analysis for their portfolio decision-making…

Agenda – ‘Fertile Soil’ for Activism Drives Rise in Proxy Fights

The deadline for dissidents to throw director candidates in the ring is looming for companies with spring annual meetings. Investors are intending to nominate opposing board candidates and have launched a flurry of proxy battles as companies work to resolve demands behind the scenes. Indeed, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 22 this year, activists announced…

How CFOs further value creation by leading on sustainability | PwC

CFO leadership of sustainability initiatives is crucial for long-term value creation—as well as for ESG objectives. It starts with fundamentals: many CFOs are already fielding questions from investors, and most companies can expect to face a barrage of reporting and compliance requirements in the coming years. Here is where they can build trust among stakeholders,…

The danger in the Republican anti-woke response to SVB’s collapse

It’s just like blaming every celebrity’s health challenge on the vaccine. It’s also like the humbug Wizard of Oz desperately telling Dorothy to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. With not even the tiniest molecule of evidence or documentation, right-wing zealots are blaming corporate failures on diversity initiatives and “woke” strategies disconnected…

UK pension funds target BP and Shell directors over climate goals- FT | Reuters

Two of the UK’s largest pension schemes will vote against the renewal of top directors at BP Plc (BP.L) and Shell Plc (SHEL.L) at their annual meetings unless both companies strengthen commitments to tackling carbon emissions, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The plan by Britain’s Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and Borders to Coast, which…