When it comes to the “social” element of ESG, few industries under any legal obligation to be proactive. But banking is an exception. Under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, large, FDIC-insured banks are required to serve all segments of… Read More »What Is ESG for Banks?
Of all the conspiracy theories making the rounds today, this one could be the most bizarre. ESG investors are wolves in sheep’s clothing— according to a handful of right-wing politicians and publishers—radicals who will stop at nothing to shackle corporate… Read More »Why esg isn’t “woke”
An unfortunate consequence of the growing demand for environmentally progressive goods and services is “greenwashing.” Also called “green sheen,” greenwashing is deceitful marketing that exaggerates a business’s current or past practices in order for them to appear more environmentally friendly.… Read More »What is greenwashing?
Green bonds are financial instruments designed to support environmental and climate related projects while simultaneously protecting the investment capital and any subsequent income. As a form of “fixed income” investments, bonds will typically provide investors with a set cash flow… Read More »What are green bonds?
The growth of socially responsible investing (SRI) has skyrocketed over the past several years. There is now over $17 trillion, or nearly 1/3rd of all capital under management, within funds that include progressive environmental, social and business governance (ESG) and… Read More »How to change corporate ESG behavior
The annual meetings of Exxon and Chevron, two of the world’s largest oil companies, are seldom controversial. Most agenda items, like director re-appointments and reviews of the financial statements, are routinely rubber-stamped by the participants. Management can customarily count on… Read More »Not a fire, but an opportunity
There are now over 830 registered ESG investment firms. These values-driven funds seek to balance financial returns with the longer term implications of a company’s environmental, social and business governance policies. The desire for these types of investments is steadily… Read More »Is ESG a good investment?