Net Zero

The latest developments in sustainable finance

The report will underpin international climate negotiations at this year’s COP26

In this full-length PDF version of an RI Long Read article, Duncan Austin argues that the need for net zero reveals there have been two interpretations of sustainability all along.Four decades after sustainability first emerged as a concept, we are witnessing a critical ‘net zero moment’. First gradually, and now suddenly, companies are making ‘net zero’ pledges to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. This represents a substantial and welcome upgrade of ambition regarding climate change, but poses the obvious challenge. In March 2021, a survey by Standard Chartered found that 64 percent of senior corporate executives do not believe that net zero commitments are commercially viable, contradicting the longstanding ESG narrative that ecological sustainability is a ‘win-win’ – good for profit and planet.Download the PDF to read the article.

Governments must ensure that financial systems align with climate targets, argue Iskander Erzini Vernoit and Kate Levick. Here’s how.

The latest developments in sustainable finance

£500bn advisor to develop framework assessing ‘effectiveness’ of investment managers’ stewardship as part of seven-point climate plan

There is room for carbon offsetting in Net Zero strategies, despite the current controversy, argues Richard Burrett

Brunel’s Faith Ward discusses recent developments as Biden kicks off his climate summit

Move comes as Net Zero Banking Alliance is convened and development of Net Zero Insurance Alliance announced