Climate Accountability and Truth - Part 2

In a recent survey by the Responsible Investment Association, they asked people if they'd like to know more about investing in the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Responsible Investments. The results? 73% of people wanted to know more about how they could invest and what types of ways there are to do this.

Today we are going to speak to that 73% that wanna hear more – are you in that group?

Here are our top 10 reasons to hear more:

Warmer oceans, bigger storms, more wildfires, drought, floods, record breaking heat, our children, food supply, the unknown future and the results of doing nothing?

When we think about climate or investing with impact on the planet, what are most crucial areas to improve upon?

Here's our best list of areas to consider investing in:

• Energy Sources – wind, solar, nuclear and renewable fuels
• Energy Transmission /Distribution– workings of the electricity grid and distribution needs to be upgraded for efficiencies
• Energy Efficiency – how we use electricity - semiconductors, light bulbs, power management and storage
• Sustainable Food/Agriculture – GPS farming equipment to reduce overspray of pesticides, organic food & meat alternatives
• Transportation – electric vehicles and mass transit
• Packaging and Recycling – using recycled materials for packaging and learning how to properly recycle electric vehicle batteries
• Waste Management and Pollution Controls

If we take a step back and think to ourselves, are we going to need all of these changes/advancements in the next 10 years? …the answer is YES…we need this YESTERDAY!

An even better question is, what do you think will, not could, happen if we choose to ignore innovation, care for the planet and environment sustainability?

Where to begin this journey to learn more? Begin with commitment when considering your values in terms of investments, and ensure those investments are aligned with your values. Then consider your goals, time to hold this investment and your thoughts about risk you are willing to take in this investment alignment.

Once the above goal and objectives are set, there are a couple of key items to be aware of for discussion and to watch out for when considering Investments in the Responsible Investment or Impact investment space.

Advocacy and Engagement – does the Responsible Investment or investment fund have an advocacy commitment engaging government and industry regulators for far reaching or positive change

Thematic or Impact Commitment – does this investment focus on thematic or an impact approach within the environment

Screening – certain types of investment/funds exclude tobacco and weapons as examples

ESG Integration- Environment, Social and Governance metrics in consideration of investments chosen or held – does the fund or stock hold this commitment

In selecting Responsible Investments not all investments are the same nor do they include the independent oversight which certifies key metrics are being met – or, which are missing from the investment mandate – marketing, also lives in this space- care and review required.

Our process involves considering Thematic or Impact Investing as the key value commitment to Responsible Investing. Second in our review process takes a deeper dive and measures the adoption of ESG consideration and Screens noted or in some cases unclear or absent in the investment type.

There are many flaws with ESG ratings and the investor needs to be aware of how actual versus claims can vary - that is where we are key to assist with the review process - to avoid funds or investment claims of ESG when in fact they are "greenwashing" with overstated Responsible Investment mandates.

Our commitment to you in this area when considering Responsible Investments is to ensure you we have done the work and to guide the conversation of values and alignment to be the best Responsible Investment options, funds and ideas from providers that are investing the time and effort – and like us, doing the work.

We are ready for the conversation with you on values, and alignment when you wanna hear more about Responsible Investments - please reach out.

If you think someone you know would love to read this newsletter, please forward it to them. Sharing is caring.

Lastly, If you're doing an RRSP contribution this year, don't wait until the last day!

Our quote this week comes from a personal favourite author, Simon Sinek:

"Words may inspire but only action creates change"