auctusESG

  The “Restore Our Earth” 2021 Earth Day theme serves as yet another reminder of devastating effects of industrialisation, deforestation and pollution (among many others) on our planet. It is a clarion call for urgent action that goes beyond mitigation and adaptation measures, but rather restorative interventions that focus on natural processes, green technologies and innovative thinking. The theme also dispels the myth that climate action should only focus on mitigation and adaptation to address climate change, but instead urges consideration of action and interventions beyond these measures.  "Natural-based solutions are palpable measures that can help in reducing carbon emissions, preventing coastal storms, sea-level rise, inland flooding and extreme heat." But what kind of natural processes or interventions can be used to address the myriad effects of climate change? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the World Bank Group and the World Resources In...

Social issues are now among the most pressing concerns globally, be it challenges in poor and vulnerable households, unemployment, lack of support and incentives for companies to retain their staff, or hindrance in liquidity provisions to small and medium businesses that employ millions.  Now, at the forefront, these issues are not just values-based but have become material business ones, and the COVID crisis has only elevated this theme. "ESG integration becomes imperative in the capital markets as ‘S’ factors can help investors to understand how employers deal with contract workers, whether they have a strong work from home policy, or if they cut employees loose or pay them during disasters." The focus of non-financial factors, like ESG, has historically been on governance and environmental metrics, but COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of social risk management for a business’ social license to operate along with the fact that it needs to be integrated into its wi...