ECONOMY

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Busting Myths About ESG and Sustainable Investing

"Anti-ESG" rhetoric on political campaign trails and cable news breeds misinformation and creates misunderstanding about the use of environmental, social and governance factors in business. This week we're breaking down some of the most common myths we see out there about ESG and what it means for businesses and investors.

Mary Mazzoni

August 16, 2023

Finance

Red and Blue States Are Hit Equally By Climate, Labor Woes, Says Investment Banker

Amid climate change denial and cries of “go woke, go broke” from the extreme right, at least one large U.S. investment bank has identified bipartisan support for sustainability investments that are likely to yield big returns without political drama. 

Dave Armon

July 7, 2023

Finance

This Company Wants to Rebuild Trust in Carbon Offsets

Despite skepticism, Aspiration argues carbon offsets are a necessary part of the path to net-zero and trust in the carbon credit market can be rebuilt with patience, global standards and learning from the past.

Amy Brown

June 22, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Better Tomorrow, Today

Americans Are Facing a Gap in Racial and Generational Wealth. Northwestern Mutual is Working to Help Close It.

From investing in communities of color and ensuring programs and processes are equitable for clients and employees alike, companies like leading financial services company Northwestern Mutual are working to drive sustainable change on the racial wealth gap.

3p Editors

June 14, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

What Are Anti-ESG Funds, and Should Sustainable Investors Be Worried?

We've read plenty about the burgeoning "anti-ESG" movement, led primarily by a small set of right-wing politicians and pundits. But have you heard of "anti-ESG" investment funds? Yes, such an animal exists, and a Morningstar analysis published last week offers a closer look.

Mary Mazzoni

June 14, 2023

Finance

The Carrot or the Stick: Which Inspires Business to Be More Sustainable?

TriplePundit spoke with Dr. Steven Cohen, a professor of public affairs at Columbia University and author of the new book "Environmentally Sustainable Growth," about how the profit motive can catalyze forward motion on sustainability where shame and guilt have failed.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 25, 2023

Finance

These Venture Capitalists Are on a Mission to Put Companies on Path to Net Zero From Day One

Can venture capital save the planet? The industry is betting a serious amount of money in climate tech startups to prove it can — or at least do its part. Hence the recent launch of the Venture Climate Alliance, a coalition of firms looking to build an industry-wide movement to combat climate change and transition to net zero.

Amy Brown

May 12, 2023

Finance

Now is the Time for Investors to Engage with Companies on Nature

With biodiversity loss quickly accelerating across the globe, investors increasingly recognize the quantifiable risks in their portfolios — and many are engaging with companies to take bold actions that reduce their impact on nature.

Leslie Cordes

May 5, 2023

Finance

This Consultancy Connects Diverse Startups with Legacy Companies to Drive Innovation

VentureFuel offers a fresh take on traditional innovation models. It connects established companies with diverse startups to tackle two problems at once: stifled innovation within larger companies and abysmally low levels of diversity in startup funding.

Amy Brown

May 4, 2023

Finance

Private Equity is Made for ESG Investment, But Don't Leave Money on the Table

Private equity and ESG initiatives have something very important in common: They're both in it for the long haul. This investment banker and environmental, social and governance (ESG) expert explains how to make the most of it.

Chris Hagler

April 6, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

The Business Case for Second Chances

Second Chance Month is observed nationally every April, with successive White House proclamations over the past six years. So, what are second chance hiring, housing and finance policies, and why are they necessary? Let's take a closer look and explore how major U.S. businesses are getting involved. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 5, 2023

Finance

Anti-ESG Efforts to Restrict Responsible Investing Will Cost Taxpayers Billions

Anti-ESG legislation in a number of states is poised to cost taxpayers and retirees billions. Now, a group of companies and investors are standing up for their right to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making to safeguard investments for the long term.

Mary Riddle

April 4, 2023

Finance

Responsible Investment Requires a Deep Understanding of Water Risks and Opportunities

Water stewardship presents a path to sustainable investment that avoids "greenwashing." Companies interested in true sustainability should pay close attention to the risks and opportunities associated with water, this investment advisor says.

Cindy Bohlen

March 31, 2023

Finance

Invest in Climate Tech the Right Way to Make Money While Cutting Carbon

Investments in climate tech have outstripped those in the broader clean technology space. But can the sector avoid the same bubble that clean tech experienced? This venture capital executive offers actionable tips on how investors can responsibly support climate tech while also earning solid returns.

William Lese

March 30, 2023

Finance

Who Pays For Climate Change? Where Countries Falter, Corporations Fund

At the COP27 climate talks in November, world leaders agreed to establish a loss and damage fund to help developing countries cope with the impacts of climate change. But it will be years until the fund is up and running — leaving many questions unanswered, chief among them: Who pays for the climate crisis?  

Patrick McCarthy

March 24, 2023

Finance

SVB's Collapse Puts the Future of Climate Tech Into Question

Silicon Valley Bank was a top funder for climate and clean tech startups. Its collapse has left a funding gap and plenty of questions. We spoke with Justin Bean, an impact-focused tech executive and author of "What Could Go Right," for some answers.

Mary Riddle

March 23, 2023

Finance

Not Waiting For the SEC: More Companies Dig Into Climate Disclosures

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to release its long-awaited climate disclosure rules in April. But polling from Workiva and PwC indicates that many large companies are not waiting to make progress on their climate-related disclosures.

Mary Riddle

March 16, 2023

Finance

Salesforce Boosts Black-Led Nonprofits with Unrestricted Funding

Research finds that increasing access to capital for nonprofits led by people of color and underrepresented groups is critical to closing the wealth gap . Unrestricted funding removes many of the barriers associated with traditional giving that can box underrepresented groups out.

Gary E. Frank

March 6, 2023

Finance

Contradicting Skeptics, New Research Links ESG Performance to the Bottom Line

New research from the Center for Sustainability and Excellence points to the benefits of environmental, social and governance performance. We spoke with Nikos Avlonas, president of CSE, about what the research means for businesses that take ESG seriously.

Amy Brown

February 27, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Black-Owned Businesses Are Outperforming, But They Need More Support

The broader business community has an opportunity to offer their support to amplify the impact Black-owned businesses have in local communities and the economy. 

Mary Mazzoni

February 8, 2023

Finance

More Investment is Needed for For Sustainable Aviation To Take Off

"We're beginning to see the kind of commitment we need for sustainable aviation to really take off," but more outside capital is key to push things forward, says Niklas Lund, CEO of aviation investment group Rockton.

Amy Brown

February 6, 2023

Finance

Coal is Totaled. Will Coal-stalgia Continue to Impede Renewable Energy Investment?

A new report from the climate think tank Energy Innovation found the cost of maintaining an existing coal plant is greater than the cost of constructing a new wind or solar farm. Is the U.S. ready to let go, or will cultural coal-stalgia hold us back?

Patrick McCarthy

February 3, 2023

Finance

Carbon Markets Are Far From Perfect, But Businesses Say They’re Essential

Carbon markets have come under intense scrutiny in recent years due to lack of oversight. Yet almost 90 percent of business leaders believe carbon credits will play a key role in their companies' plans to decarbonize. Can carbon credit rating agencies bring clarity?

Mary Riddle

January 27, 2023

Finance

New Taxonomy Released to Combat Greenwashing in Investments

These NGOs claim 1 in 3 activities deemed sustainable in the EU Taxonomy actually cause planetary harm. In response, they've released their own independent, science-based version of the Taxonomy to provide investors with more accurate criteria to assess their work.

Mary Riddle

January 26, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Municipal Green Bonds: The Next ESG Battleground

The municipal green bond market could help ensure economic health and resiliency in the era of climate change. But city taxpayers are set to miss out as red-state policymakers continue to wage war against ESG (environment, social and governance) investing.

Tina Casey

January 25, 2023

Finance

U.S. Energy Dept. Revives the Loan Programs Office, a Tesla-Scale Decarbonization Tool

The Loan Programs Office is a small but influential government financial resource that counts an early loan to Tesla Motors among its success stories. After doing little under Trump, the office now has a nearly $400 billion loan authority to invest in clean tech companies.

Tina Casey

January 24, 2023

Finance

How Two Women in Bolivia Launched Microfinance in Latin America

Microfinance is a powerful tool to tackle poverty; to that end, the Latin American social nonprofit Pro Mujer is helping women launch their own businesses.

Carmen Correa

January 3, 2023

Finance

From the Ground Up: How Companies Can Help Drive Financial Inclusion

Join Merck KGaA, CNote and 3p this Wednesday to learn more about how companies can use an innovative model to meet their DEI targets.

3p Editors

December 12, 2022

Finance

We Can’t Only Rely on Banks to Expand Financial Inclusion — Companies in Other Sectors Must Step Up, Too

A long road lies ahead until financial inclusion for all is reality; 3p will host a webcast on new ideas to fund entrepreneurs - join us on Wed., Dec. 14.<br />

Leon Kaye

December 6, 2022

Finance

New Rule Supports Corporate Responsibility, but Anti-ESG Fever is Still Rising

Investors who support the ESG movement scored a win last week when the federal government issued a new rule loosening sustainable investing restrictions.

Tina Casey

November 29, 2022

Finance

COP27 a Reminder That Swapping Out Debt for Conservation Funding Has Big Potential, But It’s Not Perfect

At COP27, debt-for-nature swaps to help fund conservation funding are emerging as a promising path to halting biodiversity and ecosystem loss.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 14, 2022

Finance

As Prices of Essentials Spike, Corporate Profits Surge

Companies in the food, energy, retail and real estate sectors are capitalizing on inflation fears, and corporate profits have risen to a level not seen since 1950.

Mary Riddle

November 7, 2022

Finance

Why Companies Focused on ESG Perform Better

Almost 70 percent of large companies EY surveyed experienced higher than expected financial gains from their ESG and sustainability initiatives.

Mary Riddle

November 3, 2022

Finance

Ahead of COP27, Climate-Vulnerable Countries Consider Plans to Stop Paying Debt

As COP27 approaches, a group of nations very vulnerable to climate change, or the "V20," seek to swap debt payments for climate change adaptation projects.

Mary Riddle

October 20, 2022

Finance

Why Impact Investing Needs Philanthropy and Catalytic Capital

It's worth considering what the growth of impact investing could mean for philanthropy and foundations, and the dynamic role they have long played.

Debra Schwartz

October 18, 2022

Finance

Global Climate Finance Leader Accused of Falling Short on Transparency

A new report found that $7 billion out of $17 billion earmarked for World Bank-funded climate finance projects could not be independently verified.

Kate Robertson

October 7, 2022

Finance

This ETF Seeks to Make Affordable Housing a Reality for Americans Excluded from the Real Estate Market

This fund invests in mortgage-backed securities to boost affordable housing within communities that mortgage companies have long underserved.

Leon Kaye

September 9, 2022

Finance

Despite Ongoing Attacks, ESG Investing Keeps Surging

Political leaders' pushback against ESG investing is ignoring market forces — and that many fund managers seek security and stability, not quick returns.

Leon Kaye

September 8, 2022

Finance

Big Food Boasts Pricing Power While Gouging Consumers

Sure, inflation now appears to be flatlining, but food prices are still very high — could those stock buybacks within the world of Big Food be a factor?

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 25, 2022

Finance

Investors Need Transparent Reporting as ESG Funds See Record Investment

Consistent guidelines are needed to boost environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, prevent greenwashing, and encourage companies to enact more sustainable business practices.<br /> <br />

Andrew Kaminsky

August 16, 2022

Finance

What U.S. Asset Managers Say About the SEC’s Proposed Rules on Climate-Related Disclosures

Eight of the 10 largest asset managers in the U.S. replied to the SEC’s request for comment on climate-related disclosures, and here's some of their feedback.

Mary Riddle

August 9, 2022

Finance

How China’s Solar Domination Challenges the World

The U.S. and its allies must deploy clean technology technologies to counter China’s human rights abuses, including those within its solar industry.

Keith Krach

July 26, 2022

Finance

U.S. Companies Are More Than Ready for Uniform Sustainability Reporting Frameworks

A proposed SEC rule would help efforts to slow climate change, conserve nature and address this century’s other global sustainability challenges.

Sheila Bonini

July 25, 2022

Finance

Amidst Criticism, ESG Reporting Should Be Reformed, Not Abandoned

Ambiguous language, confusing acronyms and unclear definitions detract from the insight that ESG reporting is meant to provide. 

Andrew Kaminsky

July 21, 2022

Finance

The War in Ukraine Is a War on Food

Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed an already-teetering global food market into a tailspin, and a confluence of crises is poised to create a global hunger emergency. 

Mary Riddle

July 11, 2022

Finance

A Strong Pitch Deck Can Make All the Difference, Especially for Women Entrepreneurs — So This Agency is Stepping Up

Only 2 percent of venture capital in the U.S. went to women entrepreneurs in 2021; a pitch deck can make all the difference, so this agency is stepping up.

Janice Phelan

July 11, 2022

Finance

The Disclosure Divide: How Proposed SEC Requirements Change the Reporting Landscape

A proposed SEC rule on climate disclosure could force alignment between what companies say about climate, versus what they actually do.  

Mark Allegrini

June 30, 2022

Finance

Driving to Green Economy Resembles Waze Trip, Says State Street CEO

The journey to a net-zero world will follow a route that’s less like Google Maps and more like Waze, says the CEO of State Street.

Dave Armon

June 30, 2022

Finance

Yes, Decarbonization Can Absolutely Generate Business Opportunities

The decarbonization technologies needed to create a low-carbon economy will generate promising business opportunities over the next several years.

3p Editors

June 13, 2022

Finance

Companies Have Cash — They Should Keep It Where It Counts

The path to financial advancement is blocked for the 22 percent of Americans who are unbanked or underbanked, but safe, secure options definitely exist.

Tim Chen

June 7, 2022

Finance

High Pump Prices: Oil Lobby Says Blame Russia and Biden, But Economists Say It Ain’t So

A recent report shows how the U.S. energy sector in the is using the war between Russia and Ukraine to push for the expansion of fossil fuel production.<br />

Andrew Kaminsky

June 6, 2022

Finance

Environmental Due Diligence is a Major Play for M&A Risk Mitigation

The new world of M&A must include a wide range of procedures in order to mitigate any risks, and that includes a focus on environmental due diligence.

Jeffrey McBride

June 3, 2022

Finance

Turns out, Immigrants Do Have a Large Role in Securing a Sustainable Economy

Data from the American Immigration Council underscore the role that immigrants play in the U.S. economy - as in making it more sustainable and secure.

Gary E. Frank

May 27, 2022

Finance

Food Waste Innovation: Good for Business, Essential for the Earth

About 1.3 billion metric tons of food waste are generated annually worldwide, yet this massive problem also offers economic and social impact opportunties.

Tonya Bakritzes

April 27, 2022

Finance

Developing the ‘S’ and ‘G’ in ESG Investing

Social and governance issues play a huge role in helping investors secure ROI and manage risk, yet these areas of ESG investing still lie under the radar.

Rasha Rehman

April 25, 2022

Finance

ESG Reporting: How Transparent Are You?

Now is the time to get a handle on your company's ESG reporting, and here are four steps your organization can take today to get started.

Jim Wetekamp

March 25, 2022

Finance

Money Talks: SEC Closes the Door on Climate Change Denial

Investors and sustainable business groups are greeting the new disclosure rules proposed by the SEC with enthusiasm, and for good reason.

Tina Casey

March 24, 2022

Finance

What’s Next for LanzaTech, the Carbon Capture Company Going Public?

3p recently spoke with LanzaTech's CEO, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, about the carbon emissions recycling company's business and what it sees in the future.

Chloe Skye Weiser

March 23, 2022

Finance

Incorporating Sustainability into Investments Helps Protect Our Economy and Environment

Employees want and deserve access to retirement investment options focused on sustainability, social impact and economic resiliency.

Mandi McKay

March 16, 2022

Finance

How CBRE Sets the Pace for ESG in Commercial Real Estate

As the world’s largest manager of commercial properties, CBRE is setting the pace for the commercial real estate sector on how to execute an ESG strategy.

Kerry Medina

March 15, 2022

Finance

Black Women Entrepreneurs Are Dominating, But Funding is Still an Issue

Black women entrepreneurs are leading the charge toward recovery from the pandemic, but despite corporate pledges, the business community can do far more to support them with the funding and resources they need. Some recently launched programs look to change the tide.

Mary Mazzoni

February 28, 2022

Finance

The Long Goodbye to Overdraft Fees Continues

Citi has announced that it will eliminate its overdraft fees this summer in a move to expand its financial inclusion programs.

Leon Kaye

February 25, 2022

Finance

Sustainable Investing is Our Best Hope, But Only if We Don’t Squander It

Sustainable investing can help tackle the climate crisis, but we must ensure that these investments actually yield substantial emissions reductions.

Mahesh Ramanujam

February 14, 2022

Finance

Transformational Investing in Communities of Color

Investing in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) offers a path toward creating a more inclusive and equitable economy.

Mary Bruce Alford

February 7, 2022

Finance

Four Things to Know About Small Business Saturday

It seems as if Black Friday has been going on for weeks already, but that doesn’t minimize the importance of Small Business Saturday across the U.S.

Leon Kaye

November 23, 2021

Finance

In the Global Supply Chain Squid Game, Small Businesses Are the Ones Wearing the Green Tracksuits

Supply chain snags are festering everywhere and across almost every industry - for small businesses, the stress is especially palpable and risks loom large.

Leon Kaye

November 9, 2021

Finance

How Local Leaders Can Push Forward on Sustainable Procurement

Local officials and their suppliers can now access a tool that helps them with sustainable procurement policies, thereby boosting climate action efforts.

Rasha Rehman

November 8, 2021

Finance

Invesco Rolls Out Two New ESG Funds

Sustainable investing is here to stay; to that end, Invesco recently launched two new ESG funds, which include companies that must meet certain criteria.

Sarah Lozanova

November 1, 2021

Finance

Department of Labor’s Rule Change Shows ESG Funds Have Staying Power

A recent DOL decision could allow ESG funds and similar financial products to become available to more than 100 million U.S. workers saving for retirement.

Leon Kaye

October 18, 2021

Finance

The Environmental Challenges and Opportunities Facing Food and Beverage Companies

Food and beverage companies need to buy agricultural commodities to make their products. Commodity sourcing can be very challenging.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

August 11, 2021

Finance

Bimbo Is Going All-In on Next-Gen Protein

The Bimbo bear's on an investment tear, looking beyond its core business of baked goods by investing in companies developing alternative sources of protein.

Leon Kaye

August 9, 2021

Finance

New ESG Regulation Out of Europe Redefines Investment Risk

For U.S. firms trying to keep up with the increased focus on ESG within the financial sector, this new EU rule may offer financial advisors some clarity.

Alicia Karspeck

August 1, 2021