The Climate Deserves Better than 12%
For several years, the financial industry has been multiplying initiatives to measure companies' climate performance and engagement. Scarcely a day goes by without a new fund or index being launched on the basis of this climate data, with the primary declared objective of the investments' positive impact on the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
However, a study conducted as part of the EDHEC-Scientific Beta 'Advanced ESG and Climate Investing' research chair shows that the reality of traditional climate investing strategies does not live up to the promises and the communication from their promoters. Speaking of climate investment when the companies' climate performance only accounts on average for 12% of the weight of their stocks in the portfolios is at best a misnomer and at worst misinformation with regard to responsible investors who are engaged for the climate.
This greenwashing also has negative consequences on the potential impact of investment strategies for combatting climate change.
To shed light on this question, itemise the greenwashing risks of traditional climate investing strategies and promote new practices, EDHEC has organised a virtual presentation of the portfolio greenwashing study on September 21, 2021.
About EDHEC
Operating from campuses in Lille, Nice, Paris, London and Singapore, EDHEC is one of the world’s top 15 business schools. Fully international and directly connected to the business world, EDHEC commands a strong reputation for research excellence and the ability to train entrepreneurs and managers capable of breaking new ground. EDHEC functions as a genuine laboratory of ideas and produces innovative solutions valued by businesses. The School’s teaching is inspired by its research work and a focus on “learning by doing”, all with the aim of equipping people with the skills to succeed in business.
