Sustainability Now is a weekly podcast from MSCI ESG Research covering news and investment research on major market trends and emerging sustainability issues. Hosts Mike Disabato and Bentley Kaplan walk through the latest developments, from the climate impact on investment portfolios to corporate actions and trending investment topics. Each episode distills the research and news that MSCI's analysts consider most important for the week.
Episodes
2027: The Year of the Carbon Market
The carbon markets could be made or broken in 2027. That’s when CORSIA, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, enters its mandatory phase. The scheme has been running since 2021, and its second voluntary phase ends this year. CORSIA requires airlines to offset the growth in their international emissions using several tools, including buying and retiring carbon credi
AI Disruption: The Market’s Verdict
AI will disrupt companies across almost every sector, but not equally. We look at how much of a company’s workforce cost AI could automate, what makes a business model resilient to it, and whether markets have already priced in the difference.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI R&DGuest: Liz Houston, MSCI R&D
BYO Umbrella: The Trillion-Dollar Adaptation Opportunity
Climate adaptation is already a trillion-dollar market, and it's set to keep growing — but most companies aren't labelling it as one. We map where the real opportunity sits, how to tell durable demand from a good story, and why backing adaptation doesn't mean giving up on the energy transition.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI R&DGuest: Mathew Lee, MSCI R&D
The Gap Between Climate Shock and Recognition
AT&T filed many weather-related 8-Ks before it finally named hurricanes as a business risk in its annual report. It isn't an outlier: more than 80% of companies acknowledge physical climate risk is material, but fewer than a third lay out the details of what that means for their business. With a record-breaking El Niño set to peak in December, host Mike Disabato talks with MSCI's Jas
Riding Shotgun: Mega IPOs and Founder Control
Founders are increasingly keeping outsized voting control when companies like SpaceX go public. In this episode, we explore how this growing trend, known as control skew, has lined up with performance across a decade of major US IPOs.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI R&DGuest: Jonathan Ponder, MSCI R&D
Can AI Really Extract Emissions Data?
An AI agent can pull emissions data in seconds. But can it tell you whether two companies’ numbers actually mean the same thing? We look at the risks hiding behind AI’s speed and precision.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI R&DGuest: Tanguy Sene, MSCI R&D
Sustainable Finance Summit, Part 4: Rheia Khalaf and Harlan Tufford
This is the episode four of four we did in partnership with Finance Montreal, recording panelists at their Sustainable Finance Summit. And, fittingly, this last one is on AI.In this episode, Rheia Khalaf, who leads financial sector collaborations at Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, discusses what she sees when a large, traditional company - the kind that turns like a tanker - decid
Sustainable Finance Summit, Part 3: Matthew Lawton and Rik Logtenberg
This is the third of four episodes we did in partnership with Finance Montreal, recording panelists at their Sustainable Finance Summit.In this episode, Matthew Lawton, Head of Impact Fixed Income at T. Rowe Price, discusses what makes a blue economy bond credible and impactful, from the alignment of the issuer to the credibility of the proceeds. He explores why emerging markets are leading the gl
Sustainable Finance Summit Pt. 2: Eric Usher and Brian Kernohan
This is the second of four episodes we did in partnership with Finance Montreal, recording panelists at their Sustainable Finance Summit.In this episode, Eric Usher, head of the UN Environmental Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), discusses why banks and insurers continue to make progress on their climate commitments despite recent headlines. He explores the global pace of the electric-vehicle
Sustainable Finance Summit Pt.1: Sarah Kapnick and John E. Morton
This is the first of four episodes we did in partnership with Finance Montreal, recording panellists at their Sustainable Finance Summit. Today you'll hear from Dr. Sarah Kapnick, the ex-chief scientist of NOAA and how global head of climate advisory at JPMorgan, talking about the weirdening of our natural world is impact all our resources - from drought and the Colorado River to the soil hea
Hormuz and the Fertilizer Fault Line
When conflict disrupted gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, attention focused on gas prices and shipping lanes. But the shock travelled further — quietly rippling through fertilizer markets, where some producers were hit far harder than others, revealing how location-based risk can emerge deep within a supply chain.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI Sustainability & Clima
BP’s AGM Was Contentious: This Proxy Season Could Be Too
After the SEC stepped back from shareholder proposal oversight, courts stepped in. We take a look at early signals from this year’s proxy season and whether we're seeing a structural shift in shareholder rights.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Sustainability & ClimateGuest: Jonathan Ponder, MSCI Sustainability & Climate
Is This How Oil Ends?
On February 28, the Strait of Hormuz shut down, stranding 20% of the world's crude exports and 20% of global LNG capacity. Energy crises usually send the world running back to coal; but this time, coal generation outside China actually fell, while wind, solar, and batteries picked up the slack. Host Mike Disabato talks with MSCI's Chris Cote about whether a war in the Middle East just a
Are Investors Missing Biodiversity Risk?
For years, biodiversity risk has been a blind spot for investors — difficult to measure and even harder to link to financial performance. But that’s starting to change. In this episode, we explore how more granular, location-based data is helping investors see where companies are truly exposed to nature-related risks. Host: Gabriela da la Serna, MSCI Research & DevelopmentGuest: Bettina Meyer,
Pricing the Unpredictable
As climate risk accelerates, insurers face a core challenge — pricing a future that no longer resembles the past. While some are adopting forward-looking models, much of the industry still reacts after losses occur, raising questions about resilience across the financial system.Guests: David Carlin, D.A. Carlin & Company; Pam Palena, MSCI Research & DevelopmentHost: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Re
Transition Risk vs. Temperature Alignment: What Really Drives Fund Outcomes?
Carbon footprints tell you where a fund has been. But do they tell you how it’s positioned for the road ahead?In this episode, we unpack new research from Positioning Portfolios for the Energy Transition (link to paper) analyzing more than 37,000 funds representing USD 50 trillion in assets. The research finds that funds with stronger energy transition positioning were associated with higher histo
From Cloud to Kill Chain
Sustainable investors are redrawing their red lines. As defense spending rises, the definition of “controversial weapons” is being reexamined — from nuclear value chains to AI-enabled systems in the kill chain. Where those lines fall could reshape portfolios. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Research & DevelopmentGuest: Mike Disabato, MSCI Research & Development
Don’t Build a Stadium There!
The 2026 World Cup is bringing the world to North America this summer. But the stadiums hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet face a problem no amount of ticket revenue can solve: the climate they were built for isn't the climate they're operating in. We look at which venues are most exposed to heat waves, flooding, and even the ground sinking beneath them, why this problem go
Sustainability: From Narrative to Fundamentals
Laura Nishikawa, Head of Emerging Risks R&D at MSCI sits down with Jenn-Hui Tan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Fidelity International, as part of the MSCI Prospectives Podcast to discuss the next phase of sustainable investing. As the public narrative grows noisier and more politicized, they look past the headlines to the economic fundamentals shaping the transition and portfolio management.
Cyberattack in Aisle Three
As food retailers work to digitize and enhance their logistics and supply networks, they’re becoming more exposed to cybersecurity risks. In this episode, we discuss how a wave of recent cyberattacks has exposed vulnerabilities across the sector — how prepared companies really are, and why investors may want to sit up and take notice.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI Research & DevelopmentGuest
Carbon Markets Seem Static. Prices Don't.
Flat prices, steady volumes — carbon markets in 2025 might seem uneventful. But dig a little deeper, and a clearer picture emerges: buyers are paying more for quality. We explore how media scrutiny, new rating systems, and evolving buyer expectations are reshaping how carbon credits are valued.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Research & DevelopmentGuests: Nicholas Baldwin & Utkarsh Akhouri, MSCI
How to Manage Human Rights Risks
For years, institutional investors treated human rights as a checkbox exercise, something to monitor after the fact. But a new wave of regulation and stakeholder pressure is forcing a fundamental shift from passive oversight to active due diligence. In this episode, we explore how forward-thinking investors are moving beyond retroactive screening to implement proactive human rights risk management
REPLAY: The Sustainability & Climate Trends to Watch for 2026
When policy and markets move in different directions, the results can be surprising. In this episode, we explore five sustainability and climate trends we'll be watching in 2026. From AI-boosted clean tech and central banks enforcing climate risk rules, to investors reckoning with physical hazards in private equity and the rise of state ownership in strategic sectors. We unpack how materialit
The Sustainability & Climate Trends to Watch for 2026
When policy and markets move in different directions, the results can be surprising. In this episode, we explore five sustainability and climate trends we'll be watching in 2026. From AI-boosted clean tech and central banks enforcing climate risk rules, to investors reckoning with physical hazards in private equity and the rise of state ownership in strategic sectors. We unpack how materialit
Did the EU Fix SFDR
The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is a corner stone of the EU’s plan to cut carbon emissions and achieve its climate goals. But it has undergone numerous changes, with the most recently announced on Nov. 20. Our question was whether these revisions preserved the SFDR’s stated purpose: promoting transparency and ensuring comparability in how sustainable a financial product tru
When Scandals Are Market Signals
Oil spills, labor violations, data breaches. When controversy strikes, should investors pull out, or hold their nerve? We unpack fresh analysis on what happens when portfolios steer clear of scandal-prone firms and the surprising impact on returns.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Sustainability & ClimateGuest: Drashti Shah, MSCI Custom Index Solutions
Your Guidebook to a Bumpy Energy Transition
The energy transition is underway, but it’s not a smooth ride. In this episode, we unpack why progress has been so uneven, from surging EV sales to rising coal demand. We explore how tech, cost, and policy are shaping risks and opportunities for investors.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI Sustainability & ClimateGuest: Anthony Chan, MSCI Sustainability & Climate
The Choice Between Data Centers and Carbon Emissions
We are in the era of data centers. They are being built with the speed and intensity of factories during the industrial revolution, and with the same sort of capital attraction. But their high emissions, which are under-reported by companies (we will tell you why!), have left both real estate and tech investors with a dilemma: take advantage of the data center boom or have a portfolio with low emi
The Next Frontier of Sustainability: Measuring Biodiversity Risk
Carbon, selfishly, has dominated the sustainability conversation for some time. But what about the often-overlooked foundation of our everything in our economy: biodiversity. How can you measure that if its basically everything? We show you how in this episode, exploring how every business, from agriculture to technology, depends on the health of ecosystems, and how investors can now quantify thos
Before the Storm Hits
Do hurricanes affect the market? Join us as we cover new research that tracks the financial fallout of storms on company equity. Through asset exposure and climate models, we’ll discuss how storm paths connect to stock prices and why investors may want to take notice, before the next hurricane hits.Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Xinxin Wang, MSCI ESG Research
Paying the Price: Climate Costs Outpace Corporate Preparedness
As the planet continues to warm, physical climate risk is no longer an abstract future concern. It is financially material today. The question now is where those risks will materialize and how are companies prepared for those risks. We can help you find out - just by listening to this episode!Report discussed: https://www.msci.com/research-and-insights/blog-post/the-bill-is-due-physical-hazard-re
When Climate Hazards Collide
Climate change doesn’t just arrive one disaster at a time. It stacks crises on top of each other: drought followed by flood, heat followed by fire; shocks that turn small problems into big financial hits. In this episode, we talked about how compounding climate hazards are reshaping the bottled water industry, what a 2024 Nestlé scandal reveals about the future of water quality, and why investors
How Company Ownership Shapes Performance
Controlled companies now outnumber widely held ones. New MSCI research shows that this market shift has significant implications for shareholder returns. Guest: Jonathan Ponder, MSCI ESG ResearchHost: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research
Sustainability Matters in the Bond Market
We already know there is a clear link between ESG ratings and the cost of capital. But the question remains: do ESG ratings matter for bonds and their credit spreads? Should fixed income investors care? Listen to this week’s episode to find out!Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Jakub Malich, MSCI ESG ResearchLink to paper discussed in episode: https://www.msci.com/research-and-insights/
What Sustainability Reporting Really Looks Like in 2025
As a new policy landscape emerges in North America, are companies scaling back on sustainability reporting? And will investors go with the flow? Join us as we look at live trends in company disclosures and where the 2025 proxy season is headed. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Julia Morello & Jonathan Ponder, MSCI ESG Research
What Flood Maps Miss
As the physical risks from climate change grow, so does our reliance on accurate maps to assess them. In this episode, we dig into the limitations of publicly available flood maps and explore how data and modeling in the marketplace have evolved - often surpassing the capabilities of standard public tools. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Kate Towey, MSCI Climate Risk Center
Sustainability and Fundamentals: 12 Years On
Let’s venture beyond the portfolio and into the engine room of company performance. In this episode, we explore how ESG Ratings relate to core business fundamentals like profitability, sales variability, and asset turnover. It’s a new piece of a much bigger picture that connects sustainability with financial performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Yu Ishihara, MSCI ESG Research
Energy in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, the United States enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping tax-and-spending package containing some 35 provisions affecting the energy sector. Here, we highlight the most significant measures and examine how the legislation could reshape energy-investment decisions for both corporations and investors.Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Chris Cote, MSCI ESG Research
Making Food Healthier
Junk food is at the center of the political conversation in America and globally, with discussions about ultra-processed and artificial foods, and the changes we need to make to food, and how hungry we are but none of the food is "good." It is a thing! But what does it mean for food companies? And what does it mean for our social pillar where we look at opportunities in nutrition and hea
From Targets to Tactics: How We’re Scoring the Energy Transition
The energy transition isn’t a straight line. Investors are increasingly look to understand where and how emissions create portfolio risk. In this episode, we explore MSCI’s new energy transition framework and take a closer look at materiality-weighted emissions, a new metric that draws a bolder line to company performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Chris Cote & Guido Giese
An Update on the Carbon Credit Markets
How is it going with the carbon credit markets? Are they pricing credits accurately? Is the vitally important Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation also known as CORSIA that relies on functioning carbon credit markets working out? Listen to this episode of Sustainability Now to find out!Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Utkarsh Akhouri and Nicholas Baldwin, M
A Breakthrough in the Fight Against Superbugs
Could Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche’s late-stage antibiotic trials signal new hope against antibiotic‐resistant pathogens? On this special REPLAY episode (originally aired August 2024), we take a deep dive into the state of antimicrobial resistance, from hospital wards to farm fields. As these microscopic threats drive up healthcare costs, jeopardize food security, and reshape insurance risk
Adapting to a Hotter Future in Asia
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of adaptation finance in helping Asia face the escalating impacts of climate change. As the region experiences rising temperatures and extreme weather events, the demand for resilience-building solutions is greater than ever. With a growing population, rapid urbanization, and a heavy reliance on agriculture, Asia is uniquely vulnerable, but also
Aerospace, Defense and Tariff Turbulence
Tariffs and tangled supply chains: This week, we explore how commercial aerospace and defense companies are navigating a new wave of trade restrictions. From Boeing to Lockheed Martin, what do transparency and oversight mean when the stakes — and the sky —are high? Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
The Physical Risks of Reshoring
From car factories to aluminum smelters to textiles, the purported goal of the Trump administration is to 'reshore' American manufacturing. Its a goal, in part, supported by his predecessor, Joe Biden, who enacted the CHIPS act to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to America. So, let's say manufacturing does come back and companies expand their current factories to meet demand.
Borderline Traceable: Tariffs Meet the Transparency Test
Newly imposed U.S. tariffs have triggered market volatility and strategic recalibrations across industries. In this episode, we explore the role of supply chain traceability in managing risk — from regulatory exposure to sustainability trade-offs. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Aura Dron, MSCI ESG Research
In Times of Crisis, Sustainability Matters
As I type this, we are in the midst of a market sell off. So, it’s a perfect time to look at what happened to our ESG indexes during the last market sell offs. Worrisome times!Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Xinxin Wang, MSCI ESG Research
Can Bombs and Bullets Be Sustainable?
Does the defense industry have an ESG problem? Is there such a thing as an ethical bomb? These are questions emerging as the European Union ramps up investment in its defense sector as part of a broader rearmament effort. In this episode, we examine whether these concerns are well-founded or simply a dubious proposition. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Olga Emelianova, MSCI ESG Resear
It's the Egg-conomy, Stupid
Egg prices in the US have soared, but is avian flu the only culprit? This week, we crack open the structural issues in the egg industry, from supply chain vulnerabilities to price-fixing allegations. Plus, what it all means for investors — and your breakfast. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Cole Martin, MSCI ESG Research
EU's Omnibus Proposal: What You Need to Know
In February 2025, the EU Commission proposed the first Omnibus Package of sustainability rules, with the aim of simplifying and reducing EU sustainability reporting requirements. But did it work? Has the outcome been "good" or "bad"? And what are these new rules set to do to the future of sustainable finance in the EU? Listen to this episode of ESG now to find out!NOTE: The fir
Are Banks Ready for Climate Risks?
Banks face growing pressure from regulators to assess the risks climate change poses to their loan portfolios. Some regions, like Europe, are tightening standards, while others, like the U.S., remain hesitant. Our latest research reveals that banks with high exposure to industrials—especially in APAC—could see default risks rise by 50% over the next decade. Will global banks adapt, or are we headi
Crude Awakenings: The Shifting Energy Landscape
Oil and gas are in, renewables are out — at least, that’s what the headlines say. But what’s really happening in energy markets? We take a closer look at shifting U.S. policies, investor reactions, and how global energy trends might shape the future. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Mathew Lee, Chris Cote & Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Research
How to Make Money and Not Lose Money (Historically)
The quest for higher returns with lower risk is a fundamental principle of successful investing. Study after study shows that investors can use sustainability data to identify more profitable, less risky companies with higher long-term returns. But what about protecting your portfolio from massive drawdowns? Or better yet, seeing which sustainability data points matter most for which industries? W
Demystifying Climate Scenarios
What are climate scenarios? Can I do them myself, or do I need a supercomputer and an advanced degree to make them work? They are certainly important in this day and age, especially as once-in-a-lifetime destructive events seem to be becoming the norm. That’s why we decided to do an episode demystifying the whole process of climate scenario analysis. Luckily, our guest today, James Edwards, along
Where is the Next Fire?
Fires continue to rage in Southern California, destroying homes and businesses and leaving thousands stranded. But Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are unfortunately not unique when it comes to wildfire risk. So where is the next fire likely to be? And what can investors do about it? We discuss on this week's episode of ESG now.Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Katie Towey, M
High Rollers or Higher Risks? Gambling Goes Digital
One of Australia's biggest casinos is in big trouble, plagued by money laundering investigations and a dwindling pool of domestic gamblers. We look at whether the rise of online gambling may make problems like these redundant in future, and what new risks investors may want to be on the lookout for. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: SK Kim, MSCI ESG Research
The Sustainability and Climate Trends to Watch for 2025
Join us as we cover the sustainability and climate trends that our team thinks will shape the year head. We talk about the energy transition opportunities that are emerging in private markets, rising social risks and the tech giants, falling data access for AI models and much more. Here’s to a big, intriguing 2025!Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Liz Houston, Namita Nair & Jonath
The First Ever (Public) Price Forecast for Airline's Carbon Credits
We put out the world’s first price forecast for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)! In it we analyzed the potential demand, supply and prices for credits under CORSIA, and how much the scheme could cost the airline industry in terms of higher ticket prices or lower profits. In this episode we explore the reports findings from one of its main authors, Faris P
What the Market Thinks: A Climate Risk Survey
What do market participants actually think is going to happen to their assets due to climate change? And when do they expect it? And do they think we will ever abandon fossil fuels? Well to answer those questions (and any others!), you need a survey. Luckily, we've got one! We've linked it below, and created a podcast episode about it. Enjoy!Link to the survey: https://www.msci-institute
Powering AI: The Nuclear Option
Energy-hungry data centers are the backbone of AI. And as big tech companies look to meet rising demand for AI capabilities, their emissions are ticking up. So, are net zero ambitions at risk? Or can they be saved by a decades-old energy source in a new guise?Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Yoon Young Chung & Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG Research
The World Electric Vehicles May Create
VW announced it would shut at least three of its German plants, axe tens of thousands of jobs and slash pay by 10%. This is notable because VW is the powerhouse of Germany which typically has been the EU’s industrial engine – meaning jobs, meaning unions, meaning political might. But this is more than a VW story. It is a story of how the energy transition – the transition from pollutive to non-pol
Finally! A Global Carbon Market!
Well not yet. But on October 11, a UN expert group reached a compromise on key elements of a global carbon trading system. If it passes (we go into this, don’t worry), it will resolve nearly a decade of talks on a what is seen as a fundamental tool for the Paris Agreement to be achieved. So, in this episode, we discuss why this global carbon market agreement is so important, and what it will do to
A/Cs and Adapting to Climate Change
Heat waves are getting longer and more intense. And although mitigating climate change will remain a long-term priority, investors will also be thinking about adaptation technologies. The humble air conditioner is an off-the-shelf solution, but does it have any downsides? Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG Research
Does the Environmental Pillar Matter?
Today is the last part of a three part series we've done for ESG now: we examine whether investors should care about incorporating environmental data into equity analysis. In previous episodes we discussed the social pillar and the governance pillar, now its on to the environmental pillar of our ESG ratings model. We look at the environmental pillar as a whole and the themes that build it and
So, About That Climate Transition...
It’s climate week in The Big Apple! And the perfect time to take a look at different investment approaches to a low-carbon transition. We talk through financial risks and opportunities for companies, transition funds, and how the things are playing out in bond markets. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Meggin Eastman, Chris Cote & Michael Ridley, MSCI ESG Research
Asset Risks in a Time of Flood
Flooding is one the costliest of all natural hazards and climate change is raising the stakes. In this episode, we discuss the need for precise asset locations and forward-looking climate models to figure out your risk exposure. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Matthias Kemter, MSCI ESG Research
The 2024 Proxy Season
The 2024 proxy season has come and gone. In recent years, environmental and social proposals were abundant and saw record high support among shareholders. But what about this year? In this episode we take you through our findings from the 2024 proxy season, what they mean for sustainable investing, and where the future is liking headed. Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Jonathan Pond
Investing in the Fight Against Superbugs
Antimicrobial resistance is getting worse. Set to impact healthcare, agriculture and insurance, it’s a phenomenon worth paying attention to. On this episode, we take a look at whether there’s an investment case for fighting back against the superbugs. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Namita Nair, MSCI ESG Research
Net-Zero Tracker 2024
We periodically put out this report called the Net-Zero Tracker, and it examines the progress by the world’s listed companies toward curbing climate risk. This episode is a dive into the most important bits of our most recently published report. Link to the Net-Zero Tracker: The MSCI Sustainability Institute Net-Zero Tracker Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Sylvain Vanston, MSCI ESG Re
Does Social Matter?
The social pillar has often been maligned as the ignored sibling of the ESG acronym. In its essence, the social pillar is a measurement of how a company, its employees, its products, and the community it operates in are supported and often challenged. For this episode, we show you why that all matters for measuring a company’s market performance.Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Liz Hou
The Cost of Missing Sustainability Targets
It’s early days for sustainability-linked bonds, where issuers see their interest rates rise after missing sustainability targets. But instead of throwing in the towel after some initial setbacks, we talk about companies that have doubled down on their sustainability commitments. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Guilherme de Melo Silva, MSCI ESG Research
Does Governance Matter?
Good governance is foundational to effective capital markets, promoting accountability, transparency and sound decision-making aligned with investor interests. But how do those potential benefits translate into market performance? Well today, we answer that question for you! We answer the question: does governance even matter.If you want to read the blog mentioned in this podcast, it can be found
Sustainability and the Cost of Capital
Data from over 4,000 issuers, spanning nearly a decade revealed that companies with better MSCI ESG Ratings tended to have a lower cost of capital. It’s big news for investors and another step towards understanding the relationship between sustainability and financial performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Jakub Malich & Anett Husi, MSCI ESG Research
How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Nuclear Energy
Our demand for electricity is growing for the first time in decades. Nuclear energy is being proffered as the answer to our voracious energy-appetites. But are investors capable of propping up an industry with so much complexity and risk? This episode provides an answer.Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Research
What is Impact Materiality?
What is impact materiality, you ask? And how is it different from financial materiality? A fine and important question, listener! In this episode we take you through all the details you need to parse through the most important sustainability-jargon out there. Including, an explanation of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, or the CSRD, which has its first required reporting
Carbon Footprinting Demystified
When it comes to climate altering carbon emissions, investors, like asset managers and banks, used to only measure their direct carbon emissions from their buildings and purchased electricity. But now, they are being asked by regulators, stakeholders, and clients to report on the emissions associated with their investment portfolios – a much more complicated and vital task. In this episode, guest
A Cheat Sheet on Climate Funds
They may not be new, but climate funds have recently hit their stride. From managing transition risk, to targeting technology opportunities, to aligning with the Paris agreement – these funds come in all shapes and sizes and with pretty diverse objectives. On this episode we catch you up on where climate funds stand today, and how differently they’re evolving in public and private markets.Host: Ma
Stop! In The Name Of Sustainability Funds (i.e., ESMA’s New Guidelines)
Maybe a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but that’s not going to fly for sustainability funds in the EU. On this episode we break down ESMA’s latest fund guidelines and discuss their place in a regulatory landscape with all kinds of moving pieces. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG ResearchGuests: Meggin Eastman & Simone Ruiz-Vergote, MSCI ESG Research
Can Airlines Go Green?
Airlines are part of a hard to abate industry for a reason as there is not one straightforward path to decarbonization. In this episode, we discuss the options that airlines have to reduce their direct emissions in the coming decades – and we tell you which ones are more likely to be more viable.Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
Spirits of Change: Alcohol in a Dry World
Alcoholic beverage companies are trying to navigate through a changing world, one where tastes are evolving, and resources are getting scarcer. In this episode, delve into the significant challenges and innovative strategies the alcoholic beverage industry is employing to combat this shift in drinking trends.Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG ResearchGuest: Cole Martin, MSCI ESG Research
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