Sustainability Now

Jakub Malich and Anett Husi from MSCI ESG Research discuss how companies with better ESG ratings have a lower cost of capital, impacting financial performance. They explore the relationship between ESG ratings and capital access, sustainability's impact on cost of capital, and the correlation between ESG factors and cost of capital across industries.

Our demand for electricity is growing for the first time in decades. Nuclear energy is being proffered as the answer to our voracious energy-appetites. But are investors capable of propping up an industry with so much complexity and risk? This episode provides an answer.Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Research

Meggin Thwing Eastman from MSCI ESG Research discusses impact materiality vs financial materiality, the EU's CSRD, and the importance of clear, measurable data for aligning investments with social and environmental concerns.

When it comes to climate altering carbon emissions, investors, like asset managers and banks, used to only measure their direct carbon emissions from their buildings and purchased electricity. But now, they are being asked by regulators, stakeholders, and clients to report on the emissions associated with their investment portfolios – a much more complicated and vital task. In this episode, guest Carrie Wang explains to host Mike Disabato why portfolio carbon footprinting is so important to the future of investing and so complicated. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Carrie Wang, MSCI ESG Research

They may not be new, but climate funds have recently hit their stride. From managing transition risk, to targeting technology opportunities, to aligning with the Paris agreement – these funds come in all shapes and sizes and with pretty diverse objectives. On this episode we catch you up on where climate funds stand today, and how differently they’re evolving in public and private markets.Host: Margarita Grabert, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Rumi Mahmood, MSCI Sustainability Institute

ESG experts Meggin Eastman and Simone Ruiz-Vergote discuss ESMA's new guidelines on sustainability funds, addressing greenwashing concerns and the importance of clear naming conventions. They explore the implications of fund names, the surge in sustainability funds, and the challenges for fund managers in complying with ESMA regulations.

Michael Disabato from MSCI ESG Research discusses the challenges and solutions in decarbonizing the airline industry. They explore sustainable aviation fuels, electric planes, carbon credits, and net zero goals. The conversation dives into the hurdles of transitioning to green technologies, scaling up production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Alcoholic beverage companies are trying to navigate through a changing world, one where tastes are evolving, and resources are getting scarcer. In this episode, delve into the significant challenges and innovative strategies the alcoholic beverage industry is employing to combat this shift in drinking trends.Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Cole Martin, MSCI ESG Research

Everyone is talking about AI, but on today’s episode we focus on the technology’s potential to disrupt health care. Then, we switch things up to look at how wildfires are exacerbating physical, legal and financial risks for electric utilities in the U.S. Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Namita Nair & Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG Research

Coal still makes up a big cut of China’s energy mix. But the country’s growth in renewables is undeniable. As climate targets are laid down and climate change accelerates, figuring out China’s emissions trajectory is tricky. And that’s OK – we love a tricky discussion. Host: SK Kim, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Cody Dong & Siyao He, MSCI ESG Research