Sky Blog
Do you know the difference between “carbon neutral” and “net zero”? If not, you have plenty of company. In a new paper, we show that few people can distinguish between these and similar terms and find that, while providing more …
Firms’ green claims have become ubiquitous in recent years. Products are “recycled” or “responsibly sourced,” financial instruments are “green” or “ESG,” firms promise to become “carbon neutral” or “net-zero,” and so on. But can the recipients of such claims assess …
A large number of companies globally have announced net zero greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions targets, most of which are likely to require some form of carbon offsetting. Many consumers are also interested in offsetting their carbon footprint. The development of …
On September 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released nine principles for net-zero financing and investment by financial institutions.[1] The Principles focus on “scope 3” financed and facilitated greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., indirect emissions included …
Perhaps the most important current development in corporate governance is the growing divide between the United States and the European Union on core questions of fiduciary duty when it comes to ESG. I want to describe this growing divide, to …
As public interest and scrutiny into environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues continue to rise, companies face an ever-evolving landscape relating to their ESG disclosures. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed rules that could require increased ESG disclosures. …
On October 19, 2022, 19 Republican state attorneys general (the AGs) launched a coordinated investigation by issuing civil investigative demands (CIDs) to six major US banks. The CIDs seek information related to the banks’ membership in the United Nations’ Net-Zero …
Many of the world’s largest firms have recently announced their intention to reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades. The financial sector claims to have mobilized over $130 trillion in support of the net zero transition, and 33 percent of …
Last year, major investors took unprecedented steps through engagement efforts and proxy voting to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the climate transition and board and workforce diversity and inclusion, with focus given to disclosure and reporting of key ESG metrics …
Climate change is one of today’s most salient policy challenges. Under the Paris Agreement, 195 governments agreed to limit temperature increases to well below 2, preferably 1.5, degrees centigrade relative to pre-industrial levels. Since the magnitude of global warming is …