Climate change affecting investment decisions
Investment decisions are increasingly impacted by climate change information, according to new research by the Carbon Disclosure Project released on February 11. Of the 80 institutional investors that signed the information request sent out by CDP, three-quarters said they factor climate change information into their investment decisions and asset allocations. More than 80% of respondents said they consider climate change to be important relative to other issues impacting their portfolio. Four-fifths of respondents said they found CDP data useful and valuable. Institutional investors cited carbon risk and potential legislation as the primary motivators for utilizing CDP data. Contact: The Carbon Disclosure Project www.cdproject.net
UK is world’s most divided nation on climate change
The UK is the most divided nation in the world about climate change, according to new research released recently, to coincide with the annual Oxford lecture, hosted by international environmental charity Earthwatch. The global survey of 12 markets found that almost a quarter of people in the UK (24%) do not believe that climate change is happening, or are unwilling to adapt their lifestyles to help the planet. But at the same time, the UK also boasts the most environmental campaigners, with almost a third of people (31%) deeply committed to tackling climate change. The research was conducted for the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which Earthwatch is a partner. Contact: Earthwatch www.earthwatch.org.uk
Major airlines call for a global approach to aviation emissions at Copenhagen
On February 12, four of the world’s leading airlines called for CO2 emissions from international aviation to be included in a new global climate deal. The agreement will be negotiated by world leaders at the United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen in December. Emissions from international aviation, which currently contribute around 2% of global CO2 emissions (source: IPCC), were not included in the Kyoto Protocol commitments and are not currently managed under an international climate change treaty. The new industry coalition, the Aviation Global Deal (AGD) Group, brings together Air France/KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic and airport operator BAA. Contact: The Climate Group www.theclimategroup.org
Toyota launches ‘Aim Zero Emissions’ blog
Toyota Motor Europe has launched a new blog entitled “Aim: Zero Emissions” at www.aimzeroemissions.eu. The blog will cover a broad range of topics around sustainable mobility, sustainable production and environmental initiatives in the community, among others. “We believe that environmental sustainability is the single biggest challenge facing our industry and our society this century. Our reaction to this belief affects not only our products but every aspect of our business and every person in it,” said Colin Hensley, the author of the blog and General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Planning at Toyota Motor Europe. Contact: Toyota Motor Europe www.toyota.eu
Report warns businesses about growing water scarcity impacts from climate change
Global climate change is exacerbating water scarcity problems around the world, yet few businesses and investors are paying attention to this growing financial threat, according to a report issued on February 26 by Ceres and the Pacific Institute. The report asserts that decreasing water availability, declining water quality, and growing water demand are creating immense challenges to businesses and investors who have historically taken clean, reliable and inexpensive water for granted. These trends are causing decreases in companies’ water allotments for manufacturing, shifts towards full-cost water pricing, more stringent water quality regulations and increased public scrutiny of corporate water practices. Contact: Ceres www.ceres.org
Study identifies methods to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics
A new report which examines the role that the logistics and transport sector plays in reducing emissions, both in its own operations and by influencing shippers and buyers to undertake broader supply chain improvements was released on February 25. The report, titled ‘Supply Chain Decarbonization’, was produced by Accenture and the World Economic forum, and quantifies and ranks opportunities to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions generated by the logistics and transport sector. According to the report, logistics and transportation activities contribute approximately 5% of the 50,000 mega-tonnes of carbon-dioxide emissions generated by all human activity annually. Contact: Accenture www.Acenture.com
Global investors call on car manufacturers to provide greater transparency
On March 4, global investors, including Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and Ceres released new climate disclosure guidelines for the auto industry and called on car manufacturers to strengthen their reporting on the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. Investors acknowledged the financial constraints facing the global auto industry, but cited mounting regulatory and other pressures as reasons why disclosure standards must improve. The framework encourages companies to disclose this information using their existing communication channels, including GRI reporting, CDP responses, financial reports, sustainability reports, analyst briefings, and mandatory reports to securities regulators such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: Ceres www.ceres.org
Microsoft helps businesses manage their carbon footprint and identify cost-saving opportunities
On February 9 Microsoft announced the release of the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard. The new toolset claims it will enable midsize companies to collect auditable data on four of the core environmental performance indicators identified by the Global Reporting Initiative for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including direct on-premise fuel consumption and the carbon footprint of their power usage with utilities. Contact: Microsoft www.microsoft.com
COMMENTS