Biodiversity in the Balance: Revisiting Portfolio Risks
On the occasion of COP16, this article updates previous research from Morningstar Sustainalytics showing how investing in companies facing high levels of risk associated with biodiversity loss can have a material effect on long-term portfolio performance.
Controversies Over ‘Forever Chemicals’: Navigating the US Landscape of PFAS Regulations
The new US EPA drinking water standards and the CERCLA designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances show increased regulatory oversight and the expanding scope of potential liabilities across the supply chain. This report explores the latest regulatory developments concerning PFAS in the United States.
Mobilizing the Private Sector for COP16: A Critical Juncture for Biodiversity Action
This article highlights the key role of the private sector in addressing biodiversity loss ahead of the October COP16 summit. It leverages data from Morningstar Sustainalytics' engagement program to reveal how companies recognize biodiversity as a material issue, whether they give the issue board-level oversite, and whether they have a strategic approach to addressing nature and biodiversity loss.
Clearing the Air With Canada’s Oil & Gas Sector: The Interplay and Actions of Stakeholders on Greenwashing
Governments, corporations, and investors are under pressure to ensure transparency around their decarbonization strategies. This article covers the stakeholder responses to growing concerns of greenwashing risks in Canada’s oil and gas sector.
Progress on the Global Reporting Initiative's New Banking Sector Standard: Highlights and Latest Developments
In April 2024, members of the GRI Banking Technical Committee met to discuss the key topics to be included in the draft GRI Banking Sector Standard. Read on to learn more about reporting requirements for banks.
Why Looks Could Kill: An ESG Perspective on GLP-1 Medications for Cosmetic Weight Loss and Diabetes
GLP-1 medications' proven efficacy for weight loss caused global demand for these treatments to soar. While the heightened demand is promising for biopharmaceutical companies, it also introduces an array of ESG challenges that this article explores.
Cementing a Sustainable Future: Raw Materials Risk Management in the Construction Materials Industry
Explore trends in raw material use in construction, focusing on scarcity, environmental impact, and decarbonization. Learn about key risks and management strategies to address future challenges in the industry.
Semiconductor Fabs and Raw Materials: Strategies to Manage the Growing Risk of Supply Bottlenecks
The widespread adoption of computing applications, such as autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and 5G communication technology, is significantly boosting demand for semiconductors. This article looks at the underlying factors contributing to the semiconductor industry's resource strain and strategies to managing this growing risk.
Shifting Gears: The Auto Industry’s Transformation and the Rise of Chinese EV Manufacturers
The rise of China's electric vehicle manufacturers represents more than just commercial success – it reflects profound changes across the auto industry worldwide. Discover how this impacts market trends, ESG performance, and investment strategies.
The Downside of Digital Transformation for Utilities: Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
This article highlights the increasing materiality of data privacy and cybersecurity risks for utilities. It outlines the sector’s digital transformation and the ensuing cybersecurity vulnerabilities that have followed. It also shows how companies are responding to these risks and the changing regulatory landscape.