At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (30.12.-12-12.2023) in Dubai, the global community made a significant breakthrough. It is the first time in the history of climate conferences, known as "COPs," that all 197 participating countries and the EU have agreed to abandon oil and gas. This was previously solely true for coal. The governments are urged to abandon fossil fuels in their energy systems in the 21-page report that has now been accepted.
Since 2015, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria have gained increasing prominence as a framework for assessing businesses. In that year, the United Nations adopted both its 2030 Development Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Accords to formalise the organisation’s approach to advancing sustainability and urge global companies across all sectors to align with these objectives.
Thunderstorms, droughts, and floods are becoming increasingly severe. One of the world’s leading reinsurers, publicly listed company Munich Re, expects that the insured natural disaster damage will exceed the mark of a hundred billion US dollars. The group warned about the consequences of man-made global warming 50 years ago. What causes climate change? This is the crucial question of today. There is another one for insurers: what are the consequences?
For more than a year, artificial diamonds have become increasingly popular among watch manufacturers. They are presented as a climate-friendly alternative. According to the watchmakers, they are allegedly resource-saving, ethically fairer, and do not promote inhumane working conditions. But is it really so?
As the globe swings towards sustainability, the green economic transformation is fast creating new horizons of possible investment opportunities, notably attractive to HNWIs and UHNWIs. Plant-based investments stand out as a viable and morally sound way to build wealth while also ensuring a sustainable future.
The growing demand for ethical and sustainable practices is driving significant change in the fashion industry. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the textile industry alone is responsible for over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Recognising this, brands are increasingly investing in sustainable production methods to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their environmental impact.
The shipping industry plays a vital role in global trade, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. With the urgency to combat climate change, there is a growing need to find sustainable solutions for the maritime sector. The goal of achieving zero emission fuels in international shipping by 2030 is a crucial step towards decarbonization. However, recent analyses have shown that the industry is falling short of this target. What is the current state of zero emission fuels in shipping?
In the midst of a worldwide environmental awakening, New Zealand stands strong, firmly committed to the pillars of sustainable growth. This distant Pacific nation represents a growing goldmine of eco-centric opportunities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Recognising the scale of New Zealand's renewable vigour, UHNWIs and HNWIs may be on the verge of knowing about the country's green initiatives. Exploring this green movement is not only about understanding the potential to safeguard the future of our world but also about recognising the evolving landscape of sustainable developments.
The market for sustainable and green building materials is experiencing steady growth due to increasing environmental concerns, government regulations, and consumer demand for green building practices. The market is expected to continue expanding in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and the adoption of green building certifications.
Climate change poses significant risks to the global economy, and the financial sector is not immune to its effects. Recognizing the need to address these risks the European Banking Authority (EBA) has announced several changes to ensure that banks fully reflect climate change risks in their capital buffers. In this article, we will explore the EBA's proposed measures and their implications for the banking industry.
Switzerland recently decided to join the so-called climate club of the G7. The accession is to take place during the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai on 30 November 2023.
In pursuit of a sustainable future, Kenya has emerged as a global powerhouse in geothermal energy. With an abundance of geothermal resources and an unwavering commitment to green energy, Kenya is paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy sector. Kenya's geothermal revolution is pushing the country toward a greener future and positioning it as a leader in the global green energy movement.
The Earth is warming faster than expected. So far, climate protection is far from sufficient to limit the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, or at least less than 2 degrees above 19th-century temperatures. The IPCC has been urging politicians for decades to stop the climate crisis.
Singapore, a bustling metropolis of 5.4 million people, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of lush greenery and tropical rainforests. However, this vibrant city-state has earned its reputation as one of the greenest cities on the planet. From its urban rainforests and nature reserves to its vertical gardens, Singapore seamlessly combines the best of urban living with the beauty of nature.
India has achieved a remarkable feat in reducing its carbon emissions. Over the past 14 years, the country has managed to reduce its emissions by a staggering 33%. This accomplishment not only shows that India is serious about fighting climate change, but it also shows that it can separate economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
The vehicle battery is a linchpin in the fight against climate change. The global shift to electromobility shows the importance of raw materials that have not yet been mined in large quantities. Lithium, in particular, is the subject of debate.
The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important. But what is the opinion of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) so far? The research institute Resfutura has now published a relevant study.
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To boost the efficiency of the Swiss wealth management business and to strengthen Switzerland as a financial and innovation center are two main goals of the OpenWealth Association. The community of banks, wealth, and wealth managers was established in 2021 in Zurich to develop, define, maintain, and operationalize the Open API standard for the wealth management community.
If you’re using Excel spreadsheets for wealth management, you may have wondered about the value of a wealth management platform, and at what point it makes sense to investigate the options.
As a wealth manager, do your clients take your advice entirely at face value? If not, they probably have good reasons. After all, they most likely became wealthy by thinking analytically. You should not expect them to stop that analysis just because you are providing the answers. Fortunately, their difficult questions can hold immense value for both you and them. A sophisticated digital wealth platform can help you extract and unlock that value.
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