"Current Developments in ESG Investing: Greenwashing, Climate Change, IPCC, COP 26 and Modern-Day Slavery"
(hosted by the UTS Finance Department at the UTS Business School on 16 Sept. 2021)

Four experts discussed current developments in ESG investing, including Greenwashing, Climate Change, IPCC, COP 26 and Modern-Day Slavery:

1. Mary Leung, CFA (CFA Institute, Head of Advocacy, Hong Kong)
2. Sheela Veerappan (Head of Australia and New Zealand at Principles for Responsible Investment)
3. Tim King, CFA (Melior Investment Management, Founder & CIO)
4. Dr Rob Waterworth (The Mullion Group, CEO)

Discussion Topics include:
- ESG Investing / Lay-of-the-land
- Climate change, IPCC report and COP 26
- Modern-day Slavery
- ESG Indexes and Standards - "leading the way" or "handle with care"?

Relevance for Professional Practice:

The momentum around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments in the financial sector is accelerating and shows no signs of slowing down. ESG factors serve as quantifiable drivers and risk factors in investments and corporate finance and provide an assessment of a company’s sustainability and societal impact. ESG scores and index rankings also serve as a visible indicator for a company's innovation, adaptability and preparedness for changing regulation in light of some of the world's most urgent challenges.

Undoubtedly, among these most urgent challenges is climate change. Evidence is provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the United Nation’s climate science body –which produces reports on the state of the climate crisis. The latest IPCC report is being called a “code red for humanity” by the United Nations, providing the most sobering report card on climate change and the Earth’s future – humanity has less than a decade to turn things around. Combating climate change entails mobilising investment in areas such as renewable energy, doing significant amounts of retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency and electrification, and accelerating the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure. Our expert panel will discuss whether current climate pledges are ambitious enough to meet required goals and will take a close look at the role of ESG investments in dealing with climate change and other urgent global challenges, including Modern-day slavery.

Whilst progress is to be applauded, a recent Wall Street Journal article highlights that investors must take a close look behind the financial force-for-good's green shine: regulators are coming after sustainable investing firms to protect investors from deceit and suboptimal investment outcomes. Accordingly, a recent Financial Time article echoed the voices of some experts who call for high bars for ESG regulation. Industry participants and investors must get ready for changes in the ever-growing world of E, S and G investing. Our experts will take a close look whether ESG scores and measures in finance lead the way to a better world or amount to ticking boxes in financial markets.

For enquiries please email: engagement-finance@uts.edu.au

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