Taking a closer look at climate-focused equity investing
Aug 29, 2023
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In this episode, Martina Jung and Daniel Morris discuss climate-focused equity investing and the importance of finding strategies that provide good returns while having a positive impact on the environment. They explore BNP Paribas' approach to integrating the fight against global warming into their investment process and highlight key developments since the Paris Agreement, including the EU's commitment to carbon neutrality and the opportunities it brings for investors.
Climate-focused strategies enable investors to manage future climate risks and benefit from long-term opportunities while supporting companies with a climate-friendly strategy.
The climate-aligned investment strategy integrates the fight against global warming into the investment process by selecting European companies with decarbonization strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement, reducing carbon intensity yearly, and incorporating strong ESG practices.
Deep dives
Key Developments in Climate Action since the Paris Agreement
Since the Paris Agreement, numerous measures have been implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize the economy. The European Union has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, introducing Paris-aligned benchmarks to encourage sustainable investments. Additionally, new requirements for banks and investment firms were imposed to integrate sustainability into their products and suitability assessments. These legislative and government actions highlight the increasing importance of climate-focused investment strategies for investors.
Climate Aligned Investment Strategy and its Benefits
The climate aligned investment strategy integrates the fight against global warming into the investment process. European companies with decarbonization strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement are selected for the portfolio using an in-house climate alignment assessment methodology. The strategy requires companies to disclose carbon emissions and have emission reduction targets. Companies must align with decarbonization pathways defined by institutions, such as the International Energy Agency, or meet requirements set by the United Nations. The portfolio's carbon footprint must be at least 50% below the benchmark, and efforts are made to reduce carbon intensity yearly. The strategy also incorporates strong ESG practices, excluding companies with poor performances or controversial activities. Investing in a portfolio aligned with the Paris Agreement offers opportunities to support climate-friendly companies, identify future risks, exploit long-term climate change opportunities, and leverage regulatory and policymaker support.
Within the thematic investing approach, climate-focused strategies allow investors to invest in companies with a climate-friendly strategy and so do good while earning a return. Such strategies can enable them to manage future (climate) risk, benefit from long-term opportunities and leverage strong support from regulators and policymakers in the fight against climate change. Listen to this Talking Heads podcast with Martina Jung, Portfolio Manager for European Equities, and Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist. They discuss developments since the 2015 Paris Agreement and ways to implement sustainability-related criteria in stock selection and portfolio construction.