News

This Reuters newsletter has some seriously thought-provoking developments encouraging us to take stock of where we are in the fight against global warming. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that global temperatures have a 66% chance of temporarily reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2027, which means the world has failed to make sufficient progress on slashing climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

“There must be urgency in our action. The global climate crisis is more evident by the day, and today’s actions are crucial. Carbon must become a priority, equal to money in all future decision-making.”

Read the full report here.

Over 80% of Businesses Plan to Increase Spending on Environmental Sustainability Goals Over Next Year: Honeywell

A large majority of companies are planning to increase spending over the next 12 months on environmental sustainability initiatives across categories including energy efficiency and emissions reduction, according to a new survey released by industrial products, solutions and technologies company Honeywell, as sustainability goals continue to emerge as the top priority for executives. (Source: ESGtoday.com)

“Our data shows that companies aren’t wavering in their commitment to sustainability. Not only are leaders keeping it at the top of the priority list despite other looming challenges, but they are also increasingly taking actions.” ~ Vimal Kapur, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honeywell

Click here to access Honeywell’s 2Q 2023 Environmental Sustainability Index.

Over 70% of Businesses View ESG as a Revenue Enabler

The argument that ESG harms profitability is “more than a myth—it’s misinformation that leads to poor business decision-making,” according to a new study released by IBM, which found that more than 70% of executives view ESG as a revenue enabler, and that consumers increasingly focus on companies’ sustainability performance when making purchasing and employment decisions. (Source: ESGtoday.com)

“ESG leaders are 43% more likely to outperform on profitability—and 52% more likely to say ESG efforts have a huge impact on profitability.”

“72% of executives say ESG needs to be a higher priority in their organization.”

Read the full report here.

Montreal, April 18, 2023 – BDC today announces the creation of its new $150-million Sustainability Venture Fund dedicated to investing in businesses developing technologies that will support Canada and the world to meet sustainability and climate targets.

The Fund is a key component of BDC’s commitment to sustainability and part of its contribution to help advance Canada’s 2050 net-zero ambition. It will invest in technologies in line with four key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) leveraging Canada’s strengths and areas of opportunity: sustainable communities and cities, responsible production and consumption, climate action as well as clean and affordable energy.

“Innovation is imperative to speed the transition to net-zero, as much as it can spur the growth of our economy. With the new fund, we have an immense opportunity to ensure that Canadian start-ups have access to the capital they need to compete and drive meaningful impact to Canada’s journey to reach net-zero and meet its sustainability targets.” ~ Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC

Read the full article here.

New study from Bain & Company and EcoVadis

ESG activities, regarding sustainability, diversity and employee satisfaction, correlate with stronger financial profitability and growth for private companies, revealed a joint study by Bain & Company and EcoVadis released today.

Four correlations between ESG activities and business results:

1. Companies with more women on the executive team have better financial results.
2. Renewable energy usage correlates with higher EBITDA margins in carbon-intensive industries.
3. Companies that focus on ethics, environmental and labor practices within their supply chains are more profitable.
4. ESG leaders have higher employee satisfaction; companies with the most satisfied employees grow faster and are more profitable.

Read the full article here.

A liveable future for all is possible, if we take urgent climate action: flagship UN report.

A major UN “report of reports” from the authoritative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), outlines the many options that can be taken now, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change.

The study, “Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report”, released on Monday following a week-long IPCC session in Interlaken, brings into sharp focus the losses and damages experienced now, and expected to continue into the future, which are hitting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems especially hard

Read the full article here.

UN Photo / Mark Garten

BlackRock's Larry Fink says “not our place to be telling companies what to do” on climate, and more...

Investment giant BlackRock will continue to view climate risk as an investment risk, according to the firm’s Chairman and CEO Larry Fink’s annual letter to investors released today, that addressed a series of claims by anti-ESG politicians, such as accusations that BlackRock forces companies to reduce emissions, or that the firm “boycotts” energy companies.

Read the full article here.

The IFRS's International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) website has a variety of articles that can be sorted by topics, including Sustainability.

View the ISSB news page.