Thematic Thoughts
Thinking about the big issues around how sustainability links into the world of finance
Sunday Brunch: sustainable finance and the innovation curve
Sustainability is a massive strategic challenge, using the innovation curve can help our preparation. The sustainability transitions will bring change, and executing change is tough. A good strategy is key. Sustainability professionals have a key role in preparing organisations for a new future.
When optimisation can be sub-optimal
"It's a system optimized to work fantastically, when everything's working fantastically." Coco Krumme, "Optimal Illusions: The false promise of optimization" Technology consultant Dr Jeffrey Funk highlighted a really interesting book by the applied mathematician Coco Krumme. An argument that Dr Funk often
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.
Climate change spreading the impact of infectious diseases.
Tropical diseases are coming to a community near you, even if you live in the temperate 'north'. A recent FT article highlighted this topic, which we wrote about last year (perhaps they read our blogs? ). Some health issues that will arise from climate changes and environmental degradation don&
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
Encouraging green steel developments
Some supply side and demand side developments in green steel: * H2 Green Steel has raised close to €1.5 billion through a private placement from existing investors (Altor, GIC and Just Climate) as well as new investors including Hy24, AP2 and Temasek. The proceeds will be used to finance the
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
How much are green buildings worth?
Green buildings are cheaper to operate, more attractive to tenants, and they are future proofed, protecting the landlord against additional refurbishment spending as building standards get tougher. And, they are only slightly more expensive to build. So, if the financial markets are efficient, green commercial buildings should be worth more.
Sunday Brunch: transition and triathlon
Understanding that transition is a series of steps will be crucial in engaging stakeholders.
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.