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The anti-ESG backlash has begun

Pro or anti-ESG bills introduced. Credit: Energy Monitor

March 3, 2023 - 7:00am

Over the last year, Republican criticisms of the ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) movement have grown fiercer. Deriding it as “woke, a “scam and even “a worldwide human satanic organised effort”, GOP figures have attacked ESG over what they perceive is a front for an increasingly political — namely Left-wing — agenda. 

Now Republicans are waging their anti-ESG offensive at a legislative level — and with some success. As of January 2023, nearly half of all US states either have some kind of anti-ESG restriction or have blacklisted ESG actions, according to an Energy Monitor analysis. In fact, anti-ESG “developments” have rapidly outpaced pro-ESG measures over the past three years, illustrating how this once relatively anonymous campaign is going mainstream.

Although “developments” are rather broad in definition, ranging from strongly worded letters by state legislators to the banning of ESG in legislation, the chart below shows that an anti-ESG backlash appears to be underway. Indeed, anti-ESG developments were virtually non-existent between January 2020 to January 2021, but soon start to rise significantly after January 2022. This was most evident in Republican states.

Total regulatory developments introduced each month. Credit: Energy Monitor

Of the 73 anti-ESG developments since 2020, over half (55%) were directed at the broader ESG spectrum, while a further 29% targeted the energy and climate sector. The remaining 12 developments were aimed at social corporate practices (primarily firearms-related). The success of these measures has, however, been variable: according to Energy Monitor’s analysis, more than 50% of pro- and anti-ESG measures failed or died in committee, while roughly one in three have already passed and one in ten are pending. 

These developments barely constitute a dent in the ESG industry, which is worth $4.5 trillion in the US alone and is expected to double in size by 2026. Nonetheless, the movement is gathering momentum at not just a state level, but at a federal one too. This week, Republicans (and a selection of Democrats) voted to end a controversial rule by the Biden administration that allows retirement funds to consider climate change and other factors when choosing companies to invest in. The White House responded by promising to veto the resolution.

Still, this has not deterred GOP presidential contenders (past and present) from jostling to spearhead the anti-ESG campaign. Reacting to the vote, former vice-president Mike Pence tweeted his “disappointment” that “President Biden is putting ESG and woke policies above hard-working Americans’ retirement accounts!” And last month, Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced legislation “to protect Floridians from the Woke ESG Financial Scam”. There is even an anti-ESG fund manager planning to run in the 2024 Republican primaries.

The ESG fightback may only be in its infancy but, as John Masko notes in UnHerd, it’s a problem that can’t be ignored for much longer.


is UnHerd’s Newsroom editor.

james_billot

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Terry M
Terry M
1 year ago

Investment companies have a fiduciary responsibility to investors. That means they need to focus ONLY on making money. Ridiculous predictions of doom in hundreds of years do NOT factor into the equation. Civil suits from investors should punish companies that ESG.

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Terry M

The people advocating for today’s ESG would suddenly cringe with horror if the acronym became GCV, Guns and Christian Values.

jonathan carter-meggs
jonathan carter-meggs
1 year ago
Reply to  Terry M

Totally agree. ESG is another level of bureaucracy and cost that offers nothing but lower returns to investors and skews markets. Who are the self-appointed guardians of ESG and how do they get paid?? If I was still in finance now would be a good time to open a fund that offered “ESG FREE!”.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago

Such funds do exist.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago

Such funds do exist.

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Terry M

The people advocating for today’s ESG would suddenly cringe with horror if the acronym became GCV, Guns and Christian Values.

jonathan carter-meggs
jonathan carter-meggs
1 year ago
Reply to  Terry M

Totally agree. ESG is another level of bureaucracy and cost that offers nothing but lower returns to investors and skews markets. Who are the self-appointed guardians of ESG and how do they get paid?? If I was still in finance now would be a good time to open a fund that offered “ESG FREE!”.

Terry M
Terry M
1 year ago

Investment companies have a fiduciary responsibility to investors. That means they need to focus ONLY on making money. Ridiculous predictions of doom in hundreds of years do NOT factor into the equation. Civil suits from investors should punish companies that ESG.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

Anything that halts the fascist eco sandaloids and their naive internet zombie legions of myopic followers, is superb news!

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

Anything that halts the fascist eco sandaloids and their naive internet zombie legions of myopic followers, is superb news!

Rick Frazier
Rick Frazier
1 year ago

“These developments barely constitute a dent in the ESG industry, which is worth $4.5 trillion in the US alone and is expected to double in size by 2026.”
These ESG numbers that continually get thrown around simply never add up. For example, a trends report from the US SIF Foundation states, “Total US-domiciled assets under management (AUM) using SRI [socially responsible investing] strategies grew from $8.7 trillion at the start of 2016 to $12.0 trillion at the start of 2018.”
In January 2020, my colleagues and I used Bloomberg’s fund screening function to screen for general attributes associated with any and all types of U.S. domiciled ESG funds. We derived a total of about $230 billion. Since Bloomberg doesn’t track every public fund, we estimated another $50 to $70 billion could be added to this total. Using $300 billion seemed to be a credible estimate, representing a little over 1% of total U.S. market assets based on the Wilshire 5000 full market cap of $33.8 trillion as of 12/31/19.
Just a cursory glance at the total assets in some of the largest ESG funds should be enough to make anyone question how these ESG trillions are being calculated.

Rick Frazier
Rick Frazier
1 year ago

“These developments barely constitute a dent in the ESG industry, which is worth $4.5 trillion in the US alone and is expected to double in size by 2026.”
These ESG numbers that continually get thrown around simply never add up. For example, a trends report from the US SIF Foundation states, “Total US-domiciled assets under management (AUM) using SRI [socially responsible investing] strategies grew from $8.7 trillion at the start of 2016 to $12.0 trillion at the start of 2018.”
In January 2020, my colleagues and I used Bloomberg’s fund screening function to screen for general attributes associated with any and all types of U.S. domiciled ESG funds. We derived a total of about $230 billion. Since Bloomberg doesn’t track every public fund, we estimated another $50 to $70 billion could be added to this total. Using $300 billion seemed to be a credible estimate, representing a little over 1% of total U.S. market assets based on the Wilshire 5000 full market cap of $33.8 trillion as of 12/31/19.
Just a cursory glance at the total assets in some of the largest ESG funds should be enough to make anyone question how these ESG trillions are being calculated.

Rehoboth Organic
Rehoboth Organic
1 year ago

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing

Rehoboth Organic
Rehoboth Organic
1 year ago

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing

Graeme Laws
Graeme Laws
1 year ago

ESG is a scam. Passively managed funds make less money than actively managed funds. ESG funds are actively managed. They are a wizard marketing ploy to halt the growth of passive funds. Follow the money. Simples.

J Bryant
J Bryant
1 year ago
Reply to  Graeme Laws

Passively managed funds make less money than actively managed funds.
I’m guessing you meant to write that passive funds make more money, on average, than actively managed funds?

Billy Bob
Billy Bob
1 year ago
Reply to  J Bryant

I was thinking that too, I believe he’s got it the wrong way round

Billy Bob
Billy Bob
1 year ago
Reply to  J Bryant

I was thinking that too, I believe he’s got it the wrong way round

J Bryant
J Bryant
1 year ago
Reply to  Graeme Laws

Passively managed funds make less money than actively managed funds.
I’m guessing you meant to write that passive funds make more money, on average, than actively managed funds?

Graeme Laws
Graeme Laws
1 year ago

ESG is a scam. Passively managed funds make less money than actively managed funds. ESG funds are actively managed. They are a wizard marketing ploy to halt the growth of passive funds. Follow the money. Simples.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago

What a peculiar article and chart. This reads more like conspiratorial dogma than a genuine observation of trends.

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

You mean you like ESG and resent politicians legislating against it?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Richard Craven

The article seems to be creating a narrative almost out of thin air, painting whole states as anti-ESG on minimal observations. Astroturfing comes to mind.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

It’s more about states that disallow investment of various state controlled funds. Not an insignificant amount.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

It’s more about states that disallow investment of various state controlled funds. Not an insignificant amount.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Richard Craven

The article seems to be creating a narrative almost out of thin air, painting whole states as anti-ESG on minimal observations. Astroturfing comes to mind.

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

You mean you like ESG and resent politicians legislating against it?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago

What a peculiar article and chart. This reads more like conspiratorial dogma than a genuine observation of trends.

Tony Price
Tony Price
1 year ago

One would have thought that retirement funds have some sort of duty to consider the future of the planet as affected by climate change when considering investments. After all, they are in it for a much longer term than most investors, and it is the medium and long term which climate change affects. It is not possible to deny that climate change is occurring, and the overwhelming (by a massive amount) of those who study such matters consider human activity to be the prime cause; investment funds work on probability so that must be a major factor in their considerations.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

I deny it… there you are.. done!

Buena Vista
Buena Vista
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Rubbish.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

can I came to your next flat earth society meeting ?

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

“the overwhelming (by a massive amount) of those who study such matters consider human activity to be the prime cause”
Not so massive actually:
https://dailysceptic.org/2022/11/11/41-of-climate-scientists-dont-believe-in-catastrophic-climate-change-major-new-poll-finds/?highlight=climate%20change

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

There is a difference between accepting that the climate is changing. And accepting the ‘catastrophic’ climate change. The big, globally funded lunatic green lobbies that give the movement a bad name are the catastrophy, militant sort. Giving the previously chill and pretty reasonable green movement with a hippy vibe – a bad name. Let’s remember there are varying takes on this subject. That not everyone is a militant green nutter that thinks the world is ending for raising environmental concerns.

Jim R
Jim R
1 year ago
Reply to  B Emery

Yes the climate is changing. But here’s the real shocker: the climate has never not been changing. The solar cycle is much stronger than any effect carbon is likely to have. And a single massive volcano could erupt tomorrow that would make send us into decades of winter. We should spend our money building our resilience to climate changes, not magically thinking we can ever render the climate to be stable.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim R

I think that’s a really fair point on the fact the climate has always been changing, that big natural events can cause massive, fast alterations, that is part of what makes this such a difficult subject to make head and tail of. It is a contested subject and it should be really, its a massive thing to try and comprehend and model. I think that’s fair to say ‘stable’ is not what the target should be. We have had periods throughout history of warmer temperatures.
This can’t be about sacrificing freedoms for some weird rushed in ‘green’ dystopia, that would be the wrong thing to do. I think the bigger movement has got lost on that, especially driven by the bigger business and organisations involved that are actually pretty far removed from the original green movements. I think the climate debate distracts in some ways from other environmental issues we could give more coverage to and actually solve, and in solving them it would help to restore balance perhaps anyway without getting hung up specifically on temperature changes all the time.
Resilience to whatever changes, yes.

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim R

We need volcano control, now!

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim R

I think that’s a really fair point on the fact the climate has always been changing, that big natural events can cause massive, fast alterations, that is part of what makes this such a difficult subject to make head and tail of. It is a contested subject and it should be really, its a massive thing to try and comprehend and model. I think that’s fair to say ‘stable’ is not what the target should be. We have had periods throughout history of warmer temperatures.
This can’t be about sacrificing freedoms for some weird rushed in ‘green’ dystopia, that would be the wrong thing to do. I think the bigger movement has got lost on that, especially driven by the bigger business and organisations involved that are actually pretty far removed from the original green movements. I think the climate debate distracts in some ways from other environmental issues we could give more coverage to and actually solve, and in solving them it would help to restore balance perhaps anyway without getting hung up specifically on temperature changes all the time.
Resilience to whatever changes, yes.

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim R

We need volcano control, now!

Jim R
Jim R
1 year ago
Reply to  B Emery

Yes the climate is changing. But here’s the real shocker: the climate has never not been changing. The solar cycle is much stronger than any effect carbon is likely to have. And a single massive volcano could erupt tomorrow that would make send us into decades of winter. We should spend our money building our resilience to climate changes, not magically thinking we can ever render the climate to be stable.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

lol, dailysceptic – not exactly a site with integrity.

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

And the BBC is?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

Well yeah, when compared to some bloke’s blog that used to be called lockdownsceptics. Why would you form an opinion on information from here unless it meets your needs for confirmation bias?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

Well yeah, when compared to some bloke’s blog that used to be called lockdownsceptics. Why would you form an opinion on information from here unless it meets your needs for confirmation bias?

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

And the BBC is?

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

There is a difference between accepting that the climate is changing. And accepting the ‘catastrophic’ climate change. The big, globally funded lunatic green lobbies that give the movement a bad name are the catastrophy, militant sort. Giving the previously chill and pretty reasonable green movement with a hippy vibe – a bad name. Let’s remember there are varying takes on this subject. That not everyone is a militant green nutter that thinks the world is ending for raising environmental concerns.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Rocky Martiano

lol, dailysceptic – not exactly a site with integrity.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Mega corps are not what we need fronting any green movement I don’t think. They should stick to business and stay out of government. Esgs are not a good way to go about fixing stuff I don’t think.

tim richardson
tim richardson
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Fund managers receive market data every single day.

They are bonused annually on total fund performance.

With this kind of short term horizon, it would be difficult for anyone to maintain a long-term focus.

I think it was Mark Twain who has a famous quote about how it is unlikely for any man to be motivated inconsistent with how he is paid.

Jim R
Jim R
1 year ago
Reply to  tim richardson

Actually fund managers mainly take flat fees based on the amount of money in the fund. They make money whether the fund does well or underperforms. But here’s the obscenity that explains all of ESG – fund managers charge nearly double for ESG funds. And of course the ESG funds also underperform, but the you’re not supposed to care. The whole thing is nothing but a charade for separating investors from their money. And almost always the main investors are those who in turn manage other peoples money – pension funds etc. Anyone managing their own money will be singularly focused on return.

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  tim richardson

I think it was……… Upton Sinclair?

Jim R
Jim R
1 year ago
Reply to  tim richardson

Actually fund managers mainly take flat fees based on the amount of money in the fund. They make money whether the fund does well or underperforms. But here’s the obscenity that explains all of ESG – fund managers charge nearly double for ESG funds. And of course the ESG funds also underperform, but the you’re not supposed to care. The whole thing is nothing but a charade for separating investors from their money. And almost always the main investors are those who in turn manage other peoples money – pension funds etc. Anyone managing their own money will be singularly focused on return.

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  tim richardson

I think it was……… Upton Sinclair?

JR Stoker
JR Stoker
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

The climate has always changed, for thousands of years, long before there were many persons on the planet. Colder, warmer, wetter, drier, in different areas at different rates. What is malicious about ESG is the sense that the only thing that can be done is to punish the poor by removing their comforts. We’ll adapt, as we have always adapted. And in 50 years, when it is swinging the other way, we’ll adapt back.
The current fad is just another excuse for the over-powerful to get more controls over the rest of us. Clear off, and take Greta with you.

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  JR Stoker
Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  JR Stoker

You need some lessons from Greta.

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  JR Stoker
Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  JR Stoker

You need some lessons from Greta.

James Longfield
James Longfield
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

No. Funds have one duty which is to maximise the returns for their investors. Full stop. That’s it. Should funds be considering the existence of a superior being, or whether there might be alien life, or whether a man can be a woman (or vice versa)? Stop the nonsense

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago

I guess it depends if one believes the world can be improved by having ethical business practices.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago

I guess it depends if one believes the world can be improved by having ethical business practices.

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

So much is wrong with your statement. How on earth can any sane, educated person claim that man is the prime cause of climate change on a planet that is 4 1/2 billion years old and has gone through massive cycles of ice and heat during that time without human activity? It is utter lunacy in plain sight.
Besides, if you advocate for this ESG movement, what happens when corporations suddenly change course and begin to advocate for gun rights, Christian values and putting an end to abortion? Heaven forbid?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Warren Trees

Some homework for you: Pick up any encyclopedia of your choice and read what it says under ‘Climate Change’.

T M
T M
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

I’ve never seen anyone reference an encyclopedia as the definitive word on a complex controversy. I don’t know if that is quaint, a joke, or just strange.

T M
T M
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

I’ve never seen anyone reference an encyclopedia as the definitive word on a complex controversy. I don’t know if that is quaint, a joke, or just strange.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Warren Trees

Some homework for you: Pick up any encyclopedia of your choice and read what it says under ‘Climate Change’.

Alex Papaioannou
Alex Papaioannou
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

If this is so self evidently the only sound long term investment play for said long term strategy funds, then why do they need to be coerced by government (and eg Blackrock) to make said investments?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Totally agree, they have huge sums and really ought to have policies to invest ethically

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

Who decides on the ethical stance. YOU????? anyone who tries to force me by any means to invest my loose change in a particular manner will be told where to go and may even be pushed in that direction.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Pingel

Sorry, your post wasn’t up and I think my post was only a few seconds behind yours – I’ve basically repeated you… Not intentional.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Pingel

The original comment referred to pension fund investment. Seems to me like a valid moral stance for those funds to make ethical choices.

Julian Farrows
Julian Farrows
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

I wouldn’t worry too much about the planet if I were you, It’ll probably still be here long after we humans cease to exist.

Julian Farrows
Julian Farrows
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

I wouldn’t worry too much about the planet if I were you, It’ll probably still be here long after we humans cease to exist.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Pingel

Sorry, your post wasn’t up and I think my post was only a few seconds behind yours – I’ve basically repeated you… Not intentional.

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Pingel

The original comment referred to pension fund investment. Seems to me like a valid moral stance for those funds to make ethical choices.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

If a business makes a profit. That profit is that businesses earnings. What any business owner does with their profit should be a free choice.
Do you want me to start telling you to invest your spare wages in things deemed ‘ethical’?
Who gets to say what an ‘ethical’ investment is? Isn’t that the problem with esgs, actually they aren’t that helpful?

Doug Pingel
Doug Pingel
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

Who decides on the ethical stance. YOU????? anyone who tries to force me by any means to invest my loose change in a particular manner will be told where to go and may even be pushed in that direction.

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie K

If a business makes a profit. That profit is that businesses earnings. What any business owner does with their profit should be a free choice.
Do you want me to start telling you to invest your spare wages in things deemed ‘ethical’?
Who gets to say what an ‘ethical’ investment is? Isn’t that the problem with esgs, actually they aren’t that helpful?

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

You’ll be one of those people who denigrate as denialists those of us who reject climate catastrophism.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

That’s the “E” part and might be valid. Most disagree about the Social part where DEI comes into play. But DEI is almost always gamed and DEI can be harmful to organizations if merit is of less import. “G” is simple nonsense about board makeup.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

I deny it… there you are.. done!

Buena Vista
Buena Vista
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Rubbish.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

can I came to your next flat earth society meeting ?

Rocky Martiano
Rocky Martiano
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

“the overwhelming (by a massive amount) of those who study such matters consider human activity to be the prime cause”
Not so massive actually:
https://dailysceptic.org/2022/11/11/41-of-climate-scientists-dont-believe-in-catastrophic-climate-change-major-new-poll-finds/?highlight=climate%20change

B Emery
B Emery
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Mega corps are not what we need fronting any green movement I don’t think. They should stick to business and stay out of government. Esgs are not a good way to go about fixing stuff I don’t think.

tim richardson
tim richardson
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Fund managers receive market data every single day.

They are bonused annually on total fund performance.

With this kind of short term horizon, it would be difficult for anyone to maintain a long-term focus.

I think it was Mark Twain who has a famous quote about how it is unlikely for any man to be motivated inconsistent with how he is paid.

JR Stoker
JR Stoker
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

The climate has always changed, for thousands of years, long before there were many persons on the planet. Colder, warmer, wetter, drier, in different areas at different rates. What is malicious about ESG is the sense that the only thing that can be done is to punish the poor by removing their comforts. We’ll adapt, as we have always adapted. And in 50 years, when it is swinging the other way, we’ll adapt back.
The current fad is just another excuse for the over-powerful to get more controls over the rest of us. Clear off, and take Greta with you.

James Longfield
James Longfield
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

No. Funds have one duty which is to maximise the returns for their investors. Full stop. That’s it. Should funds be considering the existence of a superior being, or whether there might be alien life, or whether a man can be a woman (or vice versa)? Stop the nonsense

Warren Trees
Warren Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

So much is wrong with your statement. How on earth can any sane, educated person claim that man is the prime cause of climate change on a planet that is 4 1/2 billion years old and has gone through massive cycles of ice and heat during that time without human activity? It is utter lunacy in plain sight.
Besides, if you advocate for this ESG movement, what happens when corporations suddenly change course and begin to advocate for gun rights, Christian values and putting an end to abortion? Heaven forbid?

Alex Papaioannou
Alex Papaioannou
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

If this is so self evidently the only sound long term investment play for said long term strategy funds, then why do they need to be coerced by government (and eg Blackrock) to make said investments?

Robbie K
Robbie K
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

Totally agree, they have huge sums and really ought to have policies to invest ethically

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

You’ll be one of those people who denigrate as denialists those of us who reject climate catastrophism.

Hardee Hodges
Hardee Hodges
1 year ago
Reply to  Tony Price

That’s the “E” part and might be valid. Most disagree about the Social part where DEI comes into play. But DEI is almost always gamed and DEI can be harmful to organizations if merit is of less import. “G” is simple nonsense about board makeup.

Tony Price
Tony Price
1 year ago

One would have thought that retirement funds have some sort of duty to consider the future of the planet as affected by climate change when considering investments. After all, they are in it for a much longer term than most investors, and it is the medium and long term which climate change affects. It is not possible to deny that climate change is occurring, and the overwhelming (by a massive amount) of those who study such matters consider human activity to be the prime cause; investment funds work on probability so that must be a major factor in their considerations.