Sustainability Now

Recent U.S. tariffs have rattled global trade, prompting businesses to rethink their supply chains. The significance of traceability emerges as a key factor in managing risks related to sustainability and regulatory compliance. Various industries face unique challenges in ensuring transparency, especially retail and electronics. The impact of tariff pressures may force companies to change suppliers, potentially risking environmental and social standards. Discover how geospatial data can improve supplier assessments and resilience in uncertain times.

Amid a market sell-off, experts discuss the impact of ESG indices. Historical downturns reveal a tendency to ignore sustainability. However, during crises like COVID-19 and the Ukraine invasion, companies that prioritize ESG showed resilience. Positive returns emerged for high ESG-rated firms amidst geopolitical turmoil and market fluctuations. The conversation highlights how effective sustainability risk management correlates with reduced stock volatility, proving that prioritizing sustainability can be a sound investment strategy even in chaotic times.

The podcast dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding defense investments and their alignment with sustainability. It questions whether the defense industry truly has an ESG problem, especially as Europe ramps up military spending. The discussion highlights the paradox of ESG ratings for defense firms, challenges faced by fund managers with controversial 'sin stocks', and the regulatory complexities of defining various types of weapons. Ultimately, it tackles the fine line between national security and sustainable practices.

Cole Martin from MSCI ESG Research presents a deep dive into the soaring egg prices in the U.S., revealing that avian flu isn't the sole villain. He discusses structural vulnerabilities in the egg industry and investigates allegations of price gouging among producers. The conversation highlights the stark differences in egg pricing between Canada and the U.S. during disease outbreaks and touches on how climate change impacts avian flu dynamics. This engaging discussion not only impacts breakfast tables but also investors' strategies.

In February 2025, the EU Commission proposed the first Omnibus Package of sustainability rules, with the aim of simplifying and reducing EU sustainability reporting requirements. But did it work? Has the outcome been "good" or "bad"? And what are these new rules set to do to the future of sustainable finance in the EU? Listen to this episode of ESG now to find out!NOTE: The first 12:10 of this episode provides a background of what the Omnibus proposal actually proposes. If you just want our takes on the good, the bad, and the future of this proposal, skip that section!Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Simone Ruiz-Vergote, MSCI ESG Research

Banks face growing pressure from regulators to assess the risks climate change poses to their loan portfolios. Some regions, like Europe, are tightening standards, while others, like the U.S., remain hesitant. Our latest research reveals that banks with high exposure to industrials—especially in APAC—could see default risks rise by 50% over the next decade. Will global banks adapt, or are we heading toward a financial blind spot? Find out on this episode of ESG now!Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Anja Ludzuweit and Guilherme de Melo Silva, MSCI ESG Research

Oil and gas are in, renewables are out — at least, that’s what the headlines say. But what’s really happening in energy markets? We take a closer look at shifting U.S. policies, investor reactions, and how global energy trends might shape the future. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Mathew Lee, Chris Cote & Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Research

Investing for higher returns and lower risks through sustainability data is key. Discover how corporate governance can serve as a financial warning system and impact stock prices significantly. Learn the importance of evaluating toxic emissions in assessing operational efficiency within industries. As market dynamics change, the need for continuous research and adaptable investment strategies becomes clear. Enhance your investment approach by focusing on sustainability factors that optimize risk management.

What are climate scenarios? Can I do them myself, or do I need a supercomputer and an advanced degree to make them work? They are certainly important in this day and age, especially as once-in-a-lifetime destructive events seem to be becoming the norm. That’s why we decided to do an episode demystifying the whole process of climate scenario analysis. Luckily, our guest today, James Edwards, along with his co-authors, Nathan Faigle and Wenmin Li, wrote a practical guide on the topic called How can I use climate scenarios? A practical guide (link below). Thanks to their work, we were able to gather some useful tips on how even we, the humble listener, can conduct our very own climate scenario analysis. Enjoy!Report: https://www.msci-institute.com/insights/comment/how-can-i-use-climate-scenarios-a-practical-guide/Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: James Edwards, MSCI Climate Risk Center

Fires continue to rage in Southern California, destroying homes and businesses and leaving thousands stranded. But Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are unfortunately not unique when it comes to wildfire risk. So where is the next fire likely to be? And what can investors do about it? We discuss on this week's episode of ESG now.Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Katie Towey,  MSCI Climate Risk Center