GenZero’s Post

"We anticipated climate tensions in a heavy election year, but the recent election cycle has thrown up some surprises. What are the implications for the climate agenda?" Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Lnm84E By Matt Christensen, Global Head of Sustainable & Impact Investing at @@Allianz Global Investors #SustainabilityNow #AchievingSustainability #Sustainability #ClimateTensions #Elections #risk #opportunity #impact #investments

The EU Parliament elections in June this year will see a surge for more climate-skeptic parties. This outcome could signal a significant shift in the EU's climate policy as highlighted in a recent Bloomberg NEF article. Stronger right-wing parties in Brussels and Strasburg may steer the policy focus from mitigation to adaptation. The landscape of opportunities for green businesses may in turn be redefined. Uncertainty poses challenges, but may also open a realm of opportunities for innovators: * Adaptation Solutions: Companies specializing in climate adaptation technologies, such as coastal defense, drought-resistant agriculture, and urban heat management, may find growing market opportunities as policies pivot towards managing the impacts of climate change. * Al Innovations in Energy Transition: Innovative, and potentially low capital-intensive approaches in the energy sector are needed to bridge the gap between current energy systems and a more sustainable future. * Decentralized Efforts: The role of local and regional initiatives becomes crucial. This scenario opens doors for companies to collaborate with local governments and communities, and establish tailored sustainability ecosystems. * Green Finance: Demand for sustainable investments remains robust. Financial institutions and fintech that can effectively leverage and democratize green finance, whether through sustainable bonds or other instruments, will likely find a receptive market. * Collaboration with Emerging Markets: The EU's role in international climate negotiations and partnerships could be redefined, creating opportunities for private sector engagement in global sustainability projects, especially in developing countries. Green innovators should stay agile and responsive. Companies have to align with evolving policies and societal needs to navigate this uncertain landscape and play a key role in driving sustainable transformation. This is especially crucial in the face of the trifecta of global political shifts: a more right-wing European Parliament, the possibility of Donald Trump returning as US president, and escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Let's discuss how your business can turn these emerging challenges into opportunities. #GreenTransformation #EUelections

While recent literature has been examining the "real" impact of sustainable investing (from the motivations behind it to the direct impact on firm behavior), little has been explored on its spillover effect on political behavior and public policy outcomes. But does the option to invest sustainably reduce political support for climate regulation? This study by CSP Collaborators Florian Heeb, Julian Kölbel, Stefano Ramelli and Anna Vasileva responds by looking into Switzerland's 2023 climate referendum. Some of the key takeaways include that: 🌿 Investing in a climate-conscious fund doesn't crowd out individual climate policy support 🗳 Voters do not consider sustainable investing a substitute for political action Read this working paper in full here: https://lnkd.in/eHyrNdKW #SustainableInvesting #ClimateAction #ClimateRegulation #ClimatePolicy

Here’s a good explainer by Net Zero Investor (to which I contributed in a small way) about the possible consequences of May’s EU elections. I spoke about the perceived trade-off between longer-term sustainable investment and shorter-term concerns about workers’ interests and energy security. This means that the timing and outcomes of initiatives such as the reform of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and the creation of new sustainable investment product labels are, for now, uncertain. #esg #sfdr #climate #politics

One of the prevailing narratives in the run-up the June 2024 elections to the European Parliament is that there will be a widespread voter-backlash against EU policies to combat #climatechange not least the #GreenDeal However, the findings from a recent study commissioned by the Jacques Delors Institut - Berlin, gGmbH Jacques Delors Institute & Hertie School, of voters in key countries #France #Germany & #Poland tell a different story: 1.A majority of voters in these three countries ARE concerned about climate change, do NOT think climate regulation will cost them their jobs, & still wish for more ambitious climate policy 2. How policies designed to achieve these goals matters a great deal, especially for the pivotal voters in the middle ground. Unsurprisingly, the extremes are clear with left- and green-leaning voters supporting almost all climate policies & supporters of far-right parties rejecting nearly all of them. When it comes to voters of liberal & conservative parties, this group supports ambitious climate policy in general but it is sceptical about concrete measures that would impose direct costs on them as individuals. Bringing these voters on board will require a stronger focus on green #industrialpolicy & #offsetting measures for effective but unpopular policies like #carbonpricing. 3. There is support for joint #investment at EU level overseen by Brussels through the establishment of a new EU-wide investment instrument, especially if it combines climate goals with economic security. In contrast, voters are wary green industrial policies or subsidies when controlled by other EU countries ➡️https://t.co/AcQUi1YN9l #GreenTransition #EuropeanElections #PublicOpinion

When U.S. voters head to the polls in November to decide a likely showdown between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, they will join the ranks of about two billion people voting worldwide this year.In a record year for democracy, nations that are home to more than half the global population will have elections, including Indonesia in February, India by May and the United States and Britain later in the year. The countries holding elections are responsible for more than 40% of the world's planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions. After the hottest year on record in 2023, what could the elections mean for efforts to fight climate change? Where do Biden and Trump stand on climate change? The 2024 elections in the United States, which is responsible for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the No. 2 emitter after China, could have a significant impact on the government's environmental approach. Biden has made climate action a pillar of his presidency, passing the most significant climate change legislation in U.S. history in 2022, with billions in tax credits aimed at incentivising clean energy. But the country also hit record oil production in 2023, with the president discouraged from curbing supply in light of rising fuel prices that could hurt his re-election. It is a fine line he needs to walk as a Trump reelected would be a global disaster. https://lnkd.in/g32VGwum

If governments prioritise reelection, consumers want cheap convenience and businesses seek to maximise their profits, who is supposed to be leading on climate change? Among the most fundamental problems of democracy is its inherent shortsightedness. Political parties are only willing to implement pro-climate policies where it is electorally sustainable to do so and there are times where it is not rational for businesses to put the environment before their profits without government support. In this context, the way we behave as consumers and citizens is crucial. Find out why 👇 https://lnkd.in/ecAY7y7w

This is a new level of thinking about what the climate crisis means! For people, governments, companies, investors. Switzerland violated human rights by not taking appropriate action against the climate crisis. This is what the European Court of Human Rights ruled. 2’000 elderly Swiss women had sued. We often think climate action depends on political will and people’s willingness to pay. Now it turns out that the laws that define the self-understanding of western democracies (like human rights) obligate European countries to take climate action. Note that this is not an activist statement. It's a court ruling! This ruling is a game changer.  It states that current market policies may be in conflict with human rights! For investors this is a reminder that climate risk is financial risk.  The companies best prepared to perform in the world of tomorrow will be most valuable—and hence are the best investments. Picture: Christian Hartmann/Reuters on CNN. #klimaseniorinnen #climateaction #Inyova #ImpactInvesting #makingimpactinvestingmainstream

This should be the norm going forward. The only way the United States will achieve its climate goals is by incentivizing sustainable business development AND disincentivizing extractive business practices. Making companies liable and leaving it up for people to dispute in courts will take too long, which is why policy must change. I am in full favor of reinterpreting fiduciary duty to include the major stockholders of a company, as well as probable/reasonable investors in the open market. This inclusion would require industry to assess the long-term viability of their planned profit, and encourage sustainable problem-solving as the default practice within all markets.

🌍 Takeaways from the European Parliament Election: Climate Policy at a Crossroads As the dust settles on the European Parliament elections, several critical insights emerge, especially concerning climate policy. Here’s a concise breakdown: 🚨 Shift in Climate Focus Despite a strong performance in 2019, Green parties across Europe have seen a decline in seats. This shift occurs as climate change, while still a concern, is overshadowed by more pressing economic challenges according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. 🚨Political Landscape The elections have resulted in a more right-leaning Parliament, potentially complicating the passage of ambitious EU climate policies. However, the core of Europe’s leading green policies is expected to remain intact. 🚨The Green Deal’s Future The EU's Green Deal, a comprehensive package of environmental policies enacted over the past five years, is robust but faces challenges in implementation to meet EU climate targets. The political narrative may shift towards viewing climate action as either a tool for social redistribution or a geopolitical strategy. 🚨Steady Course Despite the changing dynamics, the pro-European centre's retention of a majority in Parliament ensures that Europe’s green transition will not reverse. 🚨Call to Action This election underscores the need to reengineer the politics of climate action to reconnect with societal needs, adapting to the evolving political and economic landscape. #Enerace #EU #EuropeanParliament #ClimatePolicy #EUElections #GreenDeal #Sustainability #PoliticalAnalysis #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalPolicy #SustainableEurope #GreenPolitics #ClimateCrisis