#esg strategies for companies

[corpseedgroup]

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it refers to a framework that evaluates the sustainability and ethical impact of a company or investment. ESG metrics are quantitative and qualitative measures used to assess a company's performance in these areas. Here's a brief overview of each component of the ESG framework:

[thoughtlessarse]

In early 2020, Bernard Looney had one clear goal as the incoming chief executive of BP: to convince the world to see the oil company differently. For a time, he did exactly that. In a glossy, high-concept London campaign launch, the BP boss set out 10 new aims for the company, the most significant being BP’s transformation to a net zero energy company by 2050. Within months, he reinforced the rebranding with a pledge to cut the company’s oil and gas production by 40% from 2019 levels by the end of the decade. At the time, his strategy even won the approval of Greenpeace – a feat few oil executives can boast. But by early 2023, BP had watered down the 40% cut to a 25% reduction after the war in Ukraine caused oil prices to surge, doubling the company’s profits. Within months, its greenest ever chief executive was ousted from the company amid revelations about undisclosed relationships with colleagues. His green plans have followed suit. It emerged last week that BP plans to abandon its curbs on fossil fuel production in favour of targeting several new investments in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico. The news angered climate campaigners, but surprised very few. BP’s green retreat has arguably been the most brazen in the industry – from a grandstanding green agenda to a fresh focus on fossil fuels – but the backtrack from environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards is gaining pace among the world’s biggest companies and investors. The term ESG was first coined by the UN in a 2004 report entitled Who Cares Wins. It provided companies and investors with a model for implementing the ideals of responsible investing in their spending plans.

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[upcomingtradera]

[busstalks]

Best 10 Business Strategies for year 2024

In 2024 and beyond, businesses will have to change with the times and adjust their approach based on new and existing market realities. The following are the best 10 business approach that will help companies to prosper in coming year

1. Embrace Sustainability

The days when sustainability was discretionary are long gone. Businesses need to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) values into their business practices. In the same vein, brands can improve brand identity and appeal to environmental advocates by using renewable forms of energy or minimizing their carbon footprints.

Example: a fashion brand can rethink the materials to use organic cotton and recycled for their clothing lines. They can also run a take-back scheme, allowing customers to return old clothes for recycling (not only reducing waste but creating and supporting the circular economy).

2. Leverage AI

AI is revolutionizing business operations. Using AI-fuelled solutions means that you can automate processes, bring in positive customer experiences, and get insights. AI chatbots: AI can be utilized in the form of a conversational entity to support and perform backend operations, as well.

With a bit more specificity, say for example that an AI-powered recommendation engine recommends products to customers based on their browsing history and purchase patterns (as the use case of retail). This helps to increase the sales and improve the shopping experience.

3. Prioritize Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is of utmost important as more and more business transitions towards digital platforms. Businesses need to part with a more substantial amount of money on advanced protective measures so that they can keep sensitive data private and continue earning consumer trust. Regular security audits and training of employees can reduce these risks.

Example: A financial services firm may implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all online transactions, regularly control access to Internet-facing administrative interfaces and service ports as well as the encryption protocols to secure client data from cyberattacks.

4. Optimizing Remote and Hybrid Working Models

Remote / hybrid is the new normal Remote teams force companies to implement effective motivation and management strategies. Collaboration tools and a balanced virtual culture can improve productivity and employee satisfaction.

- Illustration: a Tech company using Asana / Trello etc. for pm to keep remote teams from falling out of balance. They can also organise weekly team-building activities to keep a strong team spirit.

5. Focus on Customer Experience

Retention and growth of the sales follow-through can be tied to high quality customer experiences. Harness data analytics to deepen customer insights and personalize product offers making your marketing campaigns personal: a customer support that is responsive enough can drive a great level of returning customers.

Example – For any e-commerce business, you can take user experience feedback tools to know about how your customers are getting along and make necessary changes. Custom email campaigns and loyalty programs can also be positively associated with customer satisfaction and retention.

6. Digitalization Investment

It is only the beginning of digital transformation which we all know, is key to global competitiveness. For streamlining, companies have to adopt the use advanced technologies such as Blockchain Technology and Internet of Things (IoT) in conjunction with cloud computing.

IoT example : real-time tracking and analytics to optimize supply chain management

7. Enhance Employee Skills

Develop Your Employees: Investing in employee development is key to succeeding as a business. The training is provided for the folks of various industries and so employees can increase their skills that are needed to work in a certain company. Employee performance can be enhanced by providing training programs in future technology skills and soft skills and job satisfaction.

Example: A marketing agency can host webinars or create courses to teach people the latest digital marketing trends and tools This can help to keep employees in the know which results in boosting their skills, making your campaigns successful.

8. Diversify Supply Chains

The ongoing pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of global supply chains. …diversify its supply base and promote the manufacturing of drugs in Nigeria to eliminate total dependence on a single source. In return, this approach increases resilience and reduces exposure to the risks of supply chain interruption.

- E.g., a consumer electronics company can source components from many suppliers in various regions. In so doing, this alleviates avoidable supply chain interruptions during times of political tensions or when disasters hit.

9. Make Decisions Based on Data

A business database is an asset for businesses. By implementing data, they allow you to make decisions based on the data that your analytics tools are providing. For example, sales analysis lets you track trends and better tailor your goods to the market.

Example: A retail chain can use data analytics to find out when a customer buys, and it change their purchasing policies. This can also reduce overstock and stockouts while overall, increasing efficiency.

10. Foster Innovation

Business Growth Innovation is Key A culture of creativity and experimentation should be established in companies. Funding R&D and teaming with startups can open many doors to both solve problems creatively but also tap into new markets.

Example: A software development firm could create an innovation lab where team members are freed to work on speculative projects. Moreover, work with start-ups on new technologies and solutions.

By adopting these strategies, businesses can navigate the turbulence for 2024 and roll up market — progressive.AI with an evolving dynamic market, being ahead of trends and updated is most likely will help you thrive in the business landscape.

[ophilosoraptoro]

So we're all familiar with the diversity and gender quotas being forced on companies through ESG, by BlackRock and State Street. We all know it's supposedly in the name of Diversity/Inclusion/Equity. However, when it comes to gender quotas specifically, I suspect it's also another facet of the New World Order depopulation agenda.

Women who work outside the home tend to seek out jobs in certain fields. Careers which are considered male dominated are that way because women often don't want them. It's the reason you don't see women garbage collectors ever.

Now if those careers that women aren't interested in are forced to have a 50/50 split between men and women to comply with ESG, the companies involved seem to have two options. 1) They can either incentivize women to apply for the position by offering much higher pay than they normally would - impractical, and possibly illegal. 2) They can stop hiring men untill the gender divide is even. Regardless of the strategy used to maintain a 50/50 gender split, it will result in few men working.

What does this have to do with depopulation? Glad you asked.

Men being denied employment to maintain quotas will have a direct impact on their romantic and sexual relationships. Women tend to prefer dating men who make more money than them. If gender quotas are keeping men unemployed, those men are going to be seen as less sexually desirable on average, meaning less opportunities for relationships or reproduction. And the population declines.

[elsa16744]

The Rise of Ethical Investing: Aligning Wealth with Values 

In an age where consumers and investors alike are becoming more conscious of the impact their financial decisions have on the world, the concept of ethical investing has surged to the forefront of the investment landscape. Ethical investing is not just a passing trend; it is a profound shift in how individuals and institutions approach their financial strategies. This movement reflects a growing desire to align personal values with financial objectives, ensuring that the pursuit of profit does not come at the expense of societal well-being. 

Understanding Ethical Investing 

Ethical investing, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or sustainable investing, involves choosing investments based on ethical principles, alongside traditional financial criteria. Investors who engage in ethical investing typically seek to support companies and industries that align with their values, whether those values are environmental sustainability, social justice, corporate governance, or other moral considerations. 

This approach to investing goes beyond merely avoiding industries like tobacco, alcohol, or weapons manufacturing, which have traditionally been viewed as unethical. Ethical investing also encompasses proactive investment in companies that are making positive contributions to society, such as those leading in renewable energy, fair labor practices, and community development. 

The Principles Guiding Ethical Investing 

At its core, ethical investing is guided by the principle of doing no harm while fostering positive impact. This can be broken down into several key principles: 

Environmental Responsibility: Investors focus on companies that prioritize sustainability and minimize their environmental footprint. This includes businesses that invest in clean energy, reduce waste, and promote biodiversity. 

Social Impact: Ethical investors seek out companies that contribute to social well-being. This might include businesses that promote fair wages, diversity and inclusion, or those that support local communities. 

Corporate Governance: Strong governance is crucial in ethical investing. Investors look for companies with transparent practices, strong leadership, and accountability to their stakeholders. 

Avoidance of Harmful Industries: Many ethical investors choose to exclude industries that they deem harmful, such as fossil fuels, arms manufacturing, or companies involved in unethical labor practices. 

The Growth of Ethical Investing 

The rise of ethical investing can be attributed to several factors. One of the most significant is the increasing awareness of global issues such as climate change, social inequality, and corporate corruption. As these issues have gained prominence, so too has the desire among investors to ensure their money is being used to support positive change. 

Another driving force behind the growth of ethical investing is the shift in investor demographics. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more likely to prioritize ethical considerations when making investment decisions. This younger generation is not only concerned with financial returns but also with how their investments can contribute to a better world. 

Furthermore, technological advancements have made it easier for investors to access information about companies' ethical practices. With the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, investors now have more tools at their disposal to assess the ethical impact of their investments. 

The Benefits of Ethical Investing 

Ethical investing offers a range of benefits that extend beyond the moral satisfaction of aligning investments with personal values. Here are some of the key advantages: 

Positive Impact: One of the most significant benefits of ethical investing is the ability to drive positive change. By choosing to invest in companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility, investors can help support businesses that are making a difference. 

Long-Term Value: Companies that adhere to ethical practices are often more sustainable in the long term. They tend to have better risk management, are less likely to be involved in scandals, and are better positioned to adapt to changing regulatory environments. This can lead to more stable and potentially higher returns over time. 

Alignment with Personal Values: Ethical investing allows individuals to align their financial decisions with their personal values. This can lead to greater satisfaction and a sense of purpose, knowing that their investments are contributing to causes they care about. 

Increased Awareness: Engaging in ethical investing can increase awareness of global issues and encourage more informed decision-making. Investors become more knowledgeable about the impact of their financial choices and may become advocates for positive change. 

Challenges in Ethical Investing 

While ethical investing offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges is the difficulty in defining what constitutes "ethical" behavior. What one investor considers ethical may differ from another's perspective. This subjectivity can make it challenging to create a one-size-fits-all approach to ethical investing. 

Another challenge is the potential trade-off between ethical considerations and financial returns. While many ethical investments have performed well, there may be instances where prioritizing ethical criteria could lead to lower returns compared to traditional investments. However, this trade-off is becoming less of a concern as more evidence emerges showing that ethical investments can perform on par with or even outperform conventional investments. 

Additionally, the lack of standardization in ESG ratings and reporting can make it difficult for investors to assess the true ethical impact of a company. Inconsistent reporting practices and the potential for "greenwashing" – where companies exaggerate their ethical credentials – can complicate the investment process. 

The Future of Ethical Investing 

The future of ethical investing looks promising as more investors recognize the importance of aligning their financial decisions with their values. As global challenges such as climate change and social inequality continue to dominate the agenda, the demand for ethical investment options is likely to grow. 

To support this growth, it is essential for the investment industry to continue improving transparency, standardization, and education around ethical investing. By providing investors with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions, the industry can help ensure that ethical investing becomes the norm rather than the exception. 

In conclusion, ethical investing represents a powerful way for individuals and institutions to use their financial resources to drive positive change. By aligning investments with values, investors can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world while still achieving their financial goals. As the movement continues to gain momentum, ethical investing is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance. 

[xettle-technologies]

The impact of sustainability in fintech: reflections from the summit

In recent years, the Fintech industry has witnessed a paradigm shift towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making processes. This transformative trend took center stage at the latest Fintech Summit, where industry leaders converged to explore the intersection of sustainability and financial technology. Among the prominent voices shaping this discourse was Xettle Technologies, a trailblazer in Fintech software solutions, whose commitment to sustainability is driving innovation and reshaping the future of finance.

Against the backdrop of global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, the imperative for sustainable finance has never been greater. The Fintech Summit provided a platform for thought leaders to reflect on the role of technology in advancing sustainability goals and fostering a more resilient and equitable financial ecosystem.

At the heart of the discussions was the recognition that sustainability is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic imperative for Fintech firms. By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, products, and services, Fintech companies can mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and unlock new opportunities for growth and value creation. Xettle Technologies’ representatives underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting how it is embedded in the company’s culture, innovation agenda, and business strategy.

One of the key themes that emerged from the summit was the role of Fintech in driving sustainable investment. Through innovative solutions such as green bonds, impact investing platforms, and ESG scoring algorithms, Fintech firms are empowering investors to allocate capital towards environmentally and socially responsible projects and companies. Xettle Technologies showcased its suite of Fintech software solutions designed to facilitate sustainable investing, enabling financial institutions and investors to align their portfolios with their values and sustainability objectives.

Moreover, the summit explored the transformative potential of blockchain technology in advancing sustainability goals. By enhancing transparency, traceability, and accountability in supply chains, blockchain can help address issues such as deforestation, forced labor, and conflict minerals. Xettle Technologies’ experts elaborated on the company’s blockchain-based solutions for supply chain finance and sustainability reporting, emphasizing their role in promoting ethical sourcing, responsible production, and fair labor practices.

In addition to sustainable investing and supply chain transparency, the summit delved into the role of Fintech in promoting financial inclusion and resilience. By leveraging technology and data analytics, Fintech firms can expand access to financial services for underserved populations, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and build more inclusive and resilient communities. Xettle Technologies’ representatives shared insights into the company’s initiatives to support financial inclusion through digital payments, microfinance, and alternative credit scoring models.

Furthermore, the summit highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing sustainability goals. Recognizing the interconnected nature of sustainability challenges, participants underscored the need for cross-sectoral collaboration between Fintech firms, financial institutions, governments, civil society, and academia. Xettle Technologies reiterated its commitment to collaboration, emphasizing its partnerships with industry stakeholders to drive collective action and scale impact.

Looking ahead, the future of sustainability in Fintech appears promising yet complex. As Fintech firms continue to innovate and disrupt traditional financial systems, they must prioritize sustainability as a core principle and driver of value creation. Xettle Technologies’ visionaries reiterated their commitment to sustainability, pledging to harness the power of technology to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient financial ecosystem for future generations.

In conclusion, the Fintech Summit served as a catalyst for reflection and action on the role of sustainability in shaping the future of finance. From sustainable investing and supply chain transparency to financial inclusion and resilience, Fintech has the potential to drive positive change and advance sustainability goals on a global scale. Xettle Technologies’ leadership in integrating sustainability into its  Fintech solutions exemplifies its dedication to driving innovation and creating shared value for society and the planet. As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability will be key drivers of success in building a more sustainable and resilient financial future.

[ymw011]

Unveiling the Job Market: How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance Services in 2024?

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, the job market plays a pivotal role in shaping career aspirations and industry trends. As we step into 2024, professionals and aspiring individuals  are eager to uncover the opportunities awaiting them in the realm of finance services, particularly in the United States. This article sheds light on the abundance of opportunities available in the finance services. 

Exploring the Finance Job Market Landscape:

Quantifying Opportunities:

How many jobs are available in finance in the USA?

Analyzing recent statistics and projections to gauge the scale of employment opportunities.

Factors influencing job availability, such as economic conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.

Diverse Sectors, Diverse Opportunities:

Breaking down the finance sector into subcategories, including banking, investment management, insurance, and consumer services.

Highlighting the unique job prospects within each sector and the skill sets required to excel.

Identifying emerging roles and specialties that are gaining prominence in response to market demands and industry shifts.

Finance in the Digital Age:

Examining the impact of technology on job creation and the transformation of traditional finance roles.

The rise of fintech companies and their contribution to job growth, particularly in areas like digital banking, payment processing, and financial analytics.

The demand for professionals with expertise in data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence within the finance sector.

Investment Management: A Thriving Field:

How many jobs are available in investment management?

Unveiling the job opportunities within investment firms, asset management companies, and hedge funds.

The significance of skilled portfolio managers, financial analysts, and risk assessment specialists in driving investment strategies and maximizing returns.

Exploring the global reach of investment management careers and the potential for growth in international markets.

Consumer Services: Meeting the Needs of Individuals:

Evaluating the job market within consumer-focused finance services, including retail banking, wealth management, and financial advising.

The demand for client relationship managers, financial planners, and retirement advisors in assisting individuals with their financial goals.

The role of personalized financial services and digital platforms in catering to the diverse needs of consumers and enhancing their financial literacy.

Trends Shaping the Future:

Anticipating future job trends in finance services and the skills that will be in high demand.

The growing importance of sustainable finance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, leading to opportunities in green finance and impact investing.

The influence of geopolitical factors, regulatory reforms, and demographic shifts on the finance job market landscape.

Conclusion:

As we go through 2024, the finance job market in the United States continues to offer a lot of opportunities across various sectors. Whether aspiring to go into investment management, consumer services, or the dynamic world of fintech, individuals with the right skills and expertise are well-positioned to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. By staying abreast with market trends, honing relevant skills, and embracing innovation, professionals can seize the abundant opportunities awaiting them in the realm of finance services.

[investmentassistant]

Overview of WL COMPANY DMCC financial marketplace

The company we want to talk about today is called WL COMPANY DMCC. WL Company DMCC (License Number DMCC-89711, Registration Number DMCC19716, Account Number 411911), registered in Dubai, UAE whose registered office is Unit No BA95, DMCC Business Centre, Level No 1, represented by the Director, Stephanie Sandilands.

DMCC is the largest free trade zone in the United Arab Emirates, which is located in Dubai. It was established in 2002 and now serves as a commodity exchange that operates in four sectors: precious goods; energy; steel and metals; agricultural products.

Main services and activities

WL COMPANY DMCC is a financial marketplace, the direction of which is financial services, consulting, management, analysis of services, provision of services by third parties to the end user. The list also includes:

• Investment ideas;

• Active product trading;

• Analytical support for traders;

• Selection of an investment strategy in the market using various assets.

WL COMPANY DMCC operates on the MetaTrader 5 trading platform. There is a convenient registration, detailed instructions, as well as the ability to connect a demo account for self-study.

Among the main services:

1. Trading.

2. Social Services.

3.ESG Investment.

4. Analytics.

5. Wealth management.

Company managers will help with registration, with opening an account, with access to the platform. After training (if required), you can make a minimum deposit of 500 USD and start trading.

Main advantages and disadvantages of WL COMPANY DMCC

Before going directly to the benefits of the marketplace, it is worth saying a few words about the loyalty program. Depending on the amount of investment, the user receives one of three grades. Each of them gives certain privileges. The program itself makes it possible to get the maximum effect from investments in a short time.

Now about the benefits of WL COMPANY DMCC:

1. Availability of a license in the jurisdiction of the DMCC trading zone.

2. No commission when making SFD transactions on shares.

3. More than 6700 trading instruments.

4. High professional level of support.

5. Very strong analytical support (client confidence level 87%).

6. Weekly comments and summaries from WL COMPANY experts.

7. Modern analysis software.

8. Large selection of investment solutions.

9. Own exclusive market analysis services in various areas.

10. Own analytical department with the publication of materials in the public domain.

11. Modern focus on social services.

The feedback from WL COMPANY DMCC clients highlights the positive characteristics of the work of marketplace analysts, the convenience of a personal account, the speed of processing positions, analysis tools, and low commissions.

Negative reviews relate to the freezing of the system, delays in withdrawing funds for a day, and the small age of the company. Also, for some users, the application for withdrawal of funds was not processed the first time, and someone could not instantly replenish the deposit. North American traders complain that WL COMPANY DMCC only has a presence in Dubai.

At the same time, the financial group received several significant awards:

• Best MetaTrader 5 Broker 2022

• The Most Reliable Fintech Service 2023

Outcome

According to the information received, it can be concluded that WL COMPANY DMCC can be called a good financial marketplace in the modern market. By registering with the DMCC, the company can be called reliable and trustworthy. There are also negative reviews, but they relate mainly to the technical component.

For August, 2023 WL COMPANY DMCC has about 12000 clients worldwide. The main regions are North America, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Traders can act independently or use the advice of marketplace experts.

[pureconsultantde]

PMO-Beratung

Website: https://www.pureconsultant.de/de/beratung/project-management-office-beratung/

Address: Hohenstaufenring 57a, 50674 Köln, Germany

Pure Consultant bietet professionelle PMO-Beratungsdienstleistungen an. Unser erfahrenes Team von PMO-Beratern steht Ihnen zur Seite, um maßgeschneiderte Lösungen zu entwickeln und eine effektive PMO-Transformation in Ihrem Unternehmen zu ermöglichen. Wir bringen umfassende Expertise im Bereich PMO Consulting ein, um individuelle Strategien zu entwerfen und die Effizienz Ihres Projektmanagements zu steigern. Unsere Fokussierung liegt darauf, Ihre Organisation durch effektive Schulungen und praxisnahe Anleitung auf dem Weg zu einem effizienten PMO zu begleiten.

Provenexpert: https://www.provenexpert.com/pcg-pure-consultant-gmbh/

Xing: https://www.xing.com/pages/pcgpureconsultantgmbh

Trustpilot: https://de.trustpilot.com/review/pureconsultant.de 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/pcgpureconsultantgmbh

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[corpseedgroup]

Have you ever heard the term ESG Sustainability Performance Metrics? Or wondered about its significance in today's world? If yes, then this article can be an enlightening read for you. The best way to start is with the definition. ESG Sustainability Performance metrics, or we can say, ESG metrics are nothing but a set of criteria used worldwide to assess how a company is performing in terms of sustainability and social responsibility.

[leviathangourmet]

As if there wasn't exhaustive enough evidence that "ESG" is nothing but a scam, the Financial Times was out this week with a piece detailing how many companies with good ESG scores pollute just as much as their lower-rated rivals.

Don't say we didn't warn you; we have been writing about the ESG con for years now, which along with other "sustainable" investments continues to see hundreds of billions of dollars in inflows from investors. 

The FT added to our skepticism by revealing this week that Scientific Beta, an index provider and consultancy, found that companies rated highly on ESG metrics - and even just the 'Environmental' variable alone - often pollute just as much as other companies. 

Researchers look at ESG scores from Moody’s, MSCI and Refinitiv when performing the analysis. They found that when the 'E' component was singled out, it led to a “substantial deterioration in green performance”.

Felix Goltz, research director at Scientific Beta told the Financial Times: “ESG ratings have little to no relation to carbon intensity, even when considering only the environmental pillar of these ratings. It doesn’t seem that people have actually looked at [the correlations]. They are surprisingly low.”

He added: "The carbon intensity reduction of green [ie low carbon intensity] portfolios can be effectively cancelled out by adding ESG objectives."

“On average, social and governance scores more than completely reversed the carbon reduction objective,” he continued. “It can very well be that a high-emitting firm is very good at governance or employee satisfaction. There is no strong relationship between employee satisfaction or any of these things and carbon intensity."

“Even the environmental pillar is pretty unrelated to carbon emissions,” he said. 

Vice-president for ESG outreach and research at Moody’s, Keeran Beeharee, added: “[There is a] perception that ESG assessments do something that they do not. ESG assessments are an aggregate product, their nature is that they are looking at a range of material factors, so drawing a correlation to one factor is always going to be difficult.” “In 2015-16, post the SDGs [UN sustainable development goals] and COP21 [Paris Agreement], when people began to really focus on the issue of climate, they quickly realised that an ESG assessment is not going to be much use there and that they need the right tool for the right task. There are now more targeted tools available that look at just carbon intensity, for example,” he added.

MSCI ESG Research told the Financial Times its ratings “are fundamentally designed to measure a company’s resilience to financially material environmental, societal and governance risks. They are not designed to measure a company’s impact on climate change.”

Refinitiv told FT that “while very small, the correlation found in this study isn’t surprising, especially in developed markets, where many large organisations — with focused sustainability strategies, underpinned by strong governance, higher awareness of their societal impact and robust disclosure — will perform well based on ESG scores, in spite of the fact that many will also overweight on carbon”.

Global director of sustainability research for Morningstar Hortense Bioy concluded: “Investors need to be aware of all the trade-offs. It is not simple. In this case, investors need to think carefully about which aspects of sustainability they would like to prioritize when building portfolios: carbon reduction or a high ESG rating.”

[kh-envs3000-w23]

Unit 10 Blog – Nature Interpretation: Personal Ethics & Beliefs

In our final concluding blog for this course, I find myself going back to the beginning, not the beginning of the course, but to what started me on my decision a year ago to take time off from a career in finance, to study environmental science at this university. Having worked in corporations for over 27 years, I have seen first-hand, how difficult it is to convince executive leads, board members and shareholders on the relevance and urgent need to become more sustainable, to care about the environment. Especially, when at times, I helped model the trade-offs of investment in other competing initiatives, with far higher immediate returns. During that time, we have come a long way, and many of those same companies now have ESG strategies (Environment, Social, Governance), and have even hired small teams to lead the way forward in becoming more sustainable. At the same time, many of those corporations have grown 5-10 fold or more, the growth of these companies, along with the emissions, waste, resource use and pollution generated, cannot be covered off with their new (at times) tepid sustainability goals. Now…these companies are not solely to blame, there is a demand fueled by population growth, global world development, and by increased consumerism in developed countries.

My reason for studying environmental science, is the same fuel for my personal ethic: More is needed, and until we change the minds of governments and corporations, and most importantly, the voters, consumers, employees, and shareholders, we will not succeed. My personal ethic is this: We all have a responsibility to learn, to teach, to engage others to see the scientific truth about our world and we are running out of time. To do this, we need to engage humankind to understand why it is important to protect nature, and why nature is so important to all species. Tim Merriman writes, "We still need to help the world’s decision-makers understand the vital importance of the effects we have on the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean, and we must continue to help all people understand how individual behavior contributes to both the problems and the solutions.” (Beck, at al., 2018, pg. 459) As per the Stockholm Resilience Center, we have the left the safe operating zone for 6 out of 9 of our planetary boundaries. (Stockholm Resilience Center, 2023). When I read this a year ago, I was shocked, and panicked and felt helpless against this. At the time, however, I did not understand how much is being done by so many globally to reverse the tide. I had heard about the Paris Climate Accord, and although a positive step, it was not going to be nearly enough. At that point, I hung my head thinking once again, politicians are going to get this wrong. In November 22, under COP-27 (The 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), more was done, and funds committed to help vulnerable nations as they become the first to feel the ravages of climate change. I am more hopeful, and I believe that the world has woken up to climate change. However, there is still much to do and to turn the tides of public neglect, disregard, or negation of the seriousness of the situation, we must not only open their hearts but also create a path of possibility that has us all believing that we can make a difference and that we can bring our home back from the brink.  

Stockholm Resiliency Center 2022

Nature Interpretation for me, is one path to bring people into nature, with a feeling of safety. To let them see and appreciate not only the peace, beauty, and awe of it, but to understand the importance of it and the threats to it. This would be my focus or first responsibility in interpretation. To do this, it is also an interpreter’s responsibility to know the subject matter, and to engage the audience, while ensuring that everyone’s needs and pre-existing beliefs are considered. Nature must be inclusive, to be reflective of the world we live in. Richard Louv writes, "Interpretation enriches experiences, advances physical and mental health, benefits the environment, promotes cultural   heritage, enhances community welfare, and recognizes the importance of diversity, equality, sustainability, science, and truth" (Beck et. al, 2018, pg. 476).

My approach would be to balance between finding ways to engage through humour, fun, and instilling a sense of adventure, but tempering that with the goal to engage children and adults to understand the importance of giving back. In Chapter 21 of our text, there were many examples of how we can become more involved even just in a small way, by understanding our own localities. Enos Mills wrote, “"A nature guide in every locality who, around his home or in the nearest park could show with fitting stories the wild places, birds, flowers, and animals, would add to the enjoyment of everyone who lives in the region or who visits it.” (Beck et al., 2018, pg. 458).

In listening to the interview with Richard Louv and David Suzuki at the AGO, a few other thoughts were enforced. One, many people, by choice or circumstance have become very disconnected from the natural world, seldom leaving the comfort of their homes and screens. To reach these people, more must be done to build urban parks, or reach out through technology to get their attention to get out and “smell the roses”. Two, as David Suzuki said, we have really become time machines (and not in a good way), we control our time slots and fill them up, but that is not natural. As he speaks, “Nature needs time to reveal her secrets.” He speaks to the need to just spend time, whatever time watching and immersing ourselves. I think a disconnect from nature hurts humans, we need nature to remind us of where we came from, we need nature to help us rebalance and breathe. We need nature to feel awe, to really be inspired.

In closing, I go back to the beginning, we must appreciate the home we have, and live with an eco-centric mind set, while understanding, that we have a job to do to keep our home for future generations. Stan Lee in Spider Man wrote, “With great power, comes great responsibility”.

References

Beck, L, Cable, Ted T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Natural & Cultural Heritage. Sagamore-Venture Publishing. 2018

Stockholm Resilience Center (2023). Planetary Boundaries. Stockholm University. https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html

Richard Louv and David Suzuki at AGO. https://youtu.be/F5DI1Ffdl6Y

[hopeonmyphone]

BTS’s J-Hope Expresses Feelings About Not Having A Physical Album For “Jack In The Box” In 2022

He opens up about his original plans for the album.

BTS‘s J-Hope made his official solo debut on July 15, 2022. While he’s currently completing his mandatory military service, he’s continued to keep ARMYs on their toes with pre-prepared content, including the announcement of a long-awaited physical copy of his debut solo album, Jack In The Box.

While discussing his post-military service six-month plan, J-Hope talked about a gift to ARMYs that is coming sooner, his physical album.

When J-Hope initially released Jack In The Box, it was only available as a Weverse album, and its lack of a physical album caused fans to question if HYBE had mismanaged J-Hope’s solo debut following the company using his promotions to test their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy.

ARMYs advocated for a physical release of J-Hope’s album over the last year, and the BTS member worked hard to make it happen. His agency stated:

J-Hope devoted himself wholeheartedly before his military enlistment to prepare this physical album. He actively participated in the overall planning of the album, incorporating his own style. — BIGHIT MUSIC

In his Suchwita episode, J-Hope revealed how he really felt about the lack of a physical album for his solo debut.

Suga began by saying that he had encouraged J-Hope to release a physical album, telling him that ARMYs would love it.

J-Hope revealed that Jack In The Box originally began as a mixtape, and he had intended to release a Weverse album or an LP if it remained a mixtape.

Instead, the project turned into a full album, and J-Hope acknowledged there was a “bigger need” for a physical album than he had expected.

Suga noted that it’s rare these days for people to purchase physical albums to listen to them while observing that instead, people use them as merchandise.

For Suga, he values physical albums as part of his collection to serve as a memory, which was why he encouraged J-Hope to release a physical version of his debut solo album.

J-Hope acknowledged how much ARMYs wanted a physical copy and admitted the fact he didn’t have a physical copy of his album last year “bothered him a little.” He felt “really sorry” for not having a physical copy for fans who, “thought [he] should make one.”

Pre-ordering for J-Hope’s physical album, Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition), began on July 17, and the album will be released on August 18. Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition) will include three live and two instrumental tracks from J-Hope’s 2022 Lollapalooza performance.

Source: Koreaboo

[brianbrianbrain]

ID. Screenshot of a Twitter post by golden checkmarked user More Perfect Union @ MorePerfectUS: In a presentation to their corporate workforce, 7-Eleven bragged about helping to kill minimum wage laws in eight states.

The company starts workers as low as $9/hr. End ID.

ID. Screenshot of a 7-Eleven presentation. Text is in black unless otherwise states.

Government Affairs, ESG & Licensing

Red text: Gov't Affairs

Opened Government Affairs Office in DC

We helped defeat bills in begin bold 12 states end bold banning sales of flavored tobacco and vape products saving begin bold stores $1.06 billion in sales per year end bold.

Annotation with red rectangle: We helped defeat bils in begin bold 8 states end bold increasing the minimum wage to as high as $27/hr.

We helped defeat bills in begin bold 5 states end bold decreasing or eliminating lottery commissions paid to stores or creating a state sponsored on-line lottery sales website. In Texas, we killed a proposal that eliminated the lottery commission begin bold saving FZs and Corp $14m/yr end bold.

Misc: we helped pass legislation begin bold allowing self-serve gas sales in Oregon end bold, we helped kill moratoriums on Tobacco, Vape and Liquor sales in Chicago (all in one year!), we helped kill the bill creating a state sponsored internet lottery in Massachusetts – the biggest per capita lottery state in the US.

ESG

Completed first ever TFCD report

Set baselines for plastic, food waste reduction and sustainable procurement

Established Philanthropic a strategy and contribution guidelines for the 7-Eleven Cares Foundation

Raised over approximately $17m for Childrens' Miracle Network Hospitals – that's nearly $195 million since our relationships started with Speedway

Red text: Licensing

Developed first ever comprehensive Licensing Database

Renewed over 120,000 licenses in 46 states and 5 Canadian provinces

End ID.

Source

Said the quiet part out loud!

[elsa16744]

The Ultimate Guide to ESG Investing: Strategies and Benefits 

Socio-economic and environmental challenges can disrupt ecological, social, legal, and financial balance. Consequently, investors are increasingly adopting ESG investing strategies to enhance portfolio management and stock selection with a focus on sustainability. This guide delves into the key ESG investing strategies and their advantages for stakeholders. 

What is ESG Investing? 

ESG investing involves evaluating a company's environmental, social, and governance practices as part of due diligence. This approach helps investors gauge a company's alignment with humanitarian and sustainable development goals. Given the complex nature of various regional frameworks, enterprises and investors rely on ESG data and solutions to facilitate compliance auditing through advanced, scalable technologies. 

Detailed ESG reports empower fund managers, financial advisors, government officials, institutions, and business leaders to benchmark and enhance a company's sustainability performance. Frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) utilize globally recognized criteria for this purpose. 

However, ESG scoring methods, statistical techniques, and reporting formats vary significantly across consultants. Some use interactive graphical interfaces for company screening, while others produce detailed reports compatible with various data analysis and visualization tools. 

ESG Investing and Compliance Strategies for Stakeholders 

ESG Strategies for Investors 

Investors should leverage the best tools and compliance monitoring systems to identify potentially unethical or socially harmful corporate activities. They can develop customized reporting views to avoid problematic companies and prioritize those that excel in ESG investing. 

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often invest in sustainability-focused exchange-traded funds that exclude sectors like weapon manufacturing, petroleum, and controversial industries. Others may perform peer analysis and benchmarking to compare businesses and verify their ESG ratings. 

Today, investors fund initiatives in renewable energy, inclusive education, circular economy practices, and low-carbon businesses. With the rise of ESG databases and compliance auditing methods, optimizing ESG investing strategies has become more manageable. 

Business Improvement Strategies 

Companies aiming to attract ESG-centric investment should adopt strategies that enhance their sustainability compliance. Tracking ESG ratings with various technologies, participating in corporate social responsibility campaigns, and improving social impact through local development projects are vital steps. 

Additional strategies include reducing resource consumption, using recyclable packaging, fostering a diverse workplace, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data. 

Encouraging ESG Adoption through Government Actions 

Governments play a crucial role in educating investors and businesses about sustainability compliance based on international ESG frameworks. Balancing regional needs with long-term sustainability goals is essential for addressing multi-stakeholder interests. 

For instance, while agriculture is vital for trade and food security, it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. Governments should promote green technologies to mitigate carbon risks and ensure efficient resource use. 

Regulators can use ESG data and insights to offer tax incentives to compliant businesses and address discrepancies between sustainable development frameworks and regulations. These strategies can help attract foreign investments by highlighting the advantages of ESG-compliant companies. 

Benefits of ESG Investing Strategies 

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience 

The lack of standardization and governance can expose supply chains to various risks. ESG strategies help businesses and investors identify and address these challenges. Governance metrics in ESG audits can reveal unethical practices or high emissions among suppliers. 

By utilizing ESG reports, organizations can choose more responsible suppliers, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience and finding sustainable companies with strong compliance records. 

Increasing Stakeholder Trust in the Brand 

Consumers and impact investors prefer companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices and inclusivity. Aligning operational standards with these expectations can boost brand awareness and trust. 

Investors should guide companies in developing ESG-focused business intelligence and using valid sustainability metrics in marketing materials. This approach simplifies ESG reporting and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. 

Optimizing Operations and Resource Planning 

Unsafe or discriminatory workplaces can deter talented professionals. A company's social metrics are crucial for ESG investing enthusiasts who value a responsible work environment. 

Integrating green technologies and maintaining strong governance practices improve operational efficiency, resource management, and overall profitability. 

Conclusion 

Global brands face increased scrutiny due to unethical practices, poor workplace conditions, and negative environmental impacts. However, investors can steer companies towards appreciating the benefits of ESG principles, strategies, and sustainability audits to future-proof their operations. 

As the global focus shifts towards responsible consumption, production, and growth, ESG investing will continue to gain traction and drive positive change.