Sustainability & people
All about the wider issues that come out of the sustainability transitions including human rights, social factors & human capital
The transitions will be harder and easier than we think.
There is a tendency to gloss over some of the challenges in delivering the sustainability transitions, to simplify what it is we need to do. And as a result our sustainability plans and proposals can jar with the people who actually have to deliver the change on the ground. This
Sunday Brunch: stop right now, thank you very much
Transitions are tough but barriers can be overcome if we take the right sequence of steps.
Reputation and recruitment
The reputation of your business is almost certainly having an impact on your most important long term asset, the ability to recruit the best people. Not just entry level graduates, but all through the organisation. This might not generate the same headlines as the short term share price impact, but
Staying above water: a systemic response to rising flood risk
This is the title of a recently published report from Marsh McLennan. It highlights the alarming rate at which flood risk is growing globally, estimating that currently 18% of the global population is exposed. Even limiting post-industrial average global temperature rises to 2oC could double that percentage. The key
ESG funds are ubiquitous in Europe - job done?
According to an article in the Financial Advisor Magazine, asset managers trying to sell funds in Europe are finding it “increasingly difficult” to do so unless their products are registered as ESG positive - quoting a study by analysts at Goldman Sachs. At one level this should be a cause for
Sunday Brunch: transition and triathlon
Understanding that transition is a series of steps will be crucial in engaging stakeholders.
How we can 'fix' artisanal mining
Artisanal mining is a key sustainability challenge. But it's importance goes beyond this. The solutions found can also help sustainability professionals as they look to address the wider financial issues faced by mining companies.
Human rights is not just a values issue
It is increasingly understood that human rights is no longer just a values and ethics question. It's also now very much an investing issue, one that can have a very direct impact on a company's long term value creation.
Coping better with extreme events
Sustainability is not just about mitigation (actions that reduce future risks). In some cases the challenge is much more immediate, we also need to invest in adaption. Helping us to cope with events that are happening now.
Sunday Brunch: premiumisation as a sustainability strategy?
One part of making coffee more sustainable could be in making it more premium. Obviously also aligned with paying coffee farmers a fair price, and providing farming best practice support. Good coffee should be more like manuka honey and fine wine.
Only as strong as the weakest link in the supply chain
A company’s supply chain is inexorably connected to its successes and its failures. It can have material impact on value.
Sunday Brunch: the binary chasm
Sustainability argument's have become binary. Part of this is due to use being more tribal. But a part is also our desire to over simplify. Sustainability investment is complex, and nuanced. We need to reflect the reality of the world in our 'asks' of companies, or nothing will change.