News

Norwegian oil fund continues ESG engagement ahead of renewables push

The manager of the giant Norwegian sovereign wealth fund reported it was continuing to engage heavily with firms on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, but was yet to get off-the-mark in its renewable energy investments.

Moody's raises forecast for social and sustainability bonds by $50bn

Moody's Investors Service has raised its 2020 forecast for social and sustainability bonds by $50 billion, as these types of bonds are increasingly issued to help finance the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Impact investors should aim for explicit integration of human rights - report

Human rights should be more explicitly integrated in the investment decision-making process of impact investment funds, according to a report prepared for the European Parliament.

EU carbon market update: 17 August 2020

In the absence of major price drivers from the weather or energy markets, the EU Allowance market is in limbo this week, while preparing for a sharp increase in auction supply in September, says Tom Lord*.

Canada 'transition' taxonomy delayed

Canada's taxonomy of 'transition'-aligned economic activities, initially scheduled to be launched next month, has been delayed after it failed to secure the necessary level of support, Environmental Finance has learned.

WCI Carbon Market Update, 17 August 2020

BHP increases climate pressure on industry associations

Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP has enhanced its policy towards industry associations as it looks to ensure its climate lobbying aligns with the Paris Agreement.

Apex launches private company ESG ratings service for investors

Financial services firm Apex has launched a platform offering an environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating and scoring service for private companies, allowing investors to generate sustainability insights for their entire portfolio.

RMS estimates insured losses of up to $5bn from Isaias

RMS, a specialist risk modelling firm, has predicted that total insured losses from hurricane Isaias, which swept through the Caribbean and the US east coast earlier this month, will range between $3 billion and $5 billion.

Deutsche Bank: corporate green bond issuances on rise

Corporate interest in green bonds will increase following the recent issues from tech companies Google parent Alphabet and Visa, according to Deutsche Bank, which acted as a manager on both issuances.