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News round-up: Verra farming credits, 'social' in spotlight, EU fossil fuel subsidies ... and more

$20trn of investors urge firms to set science-based targets

JP Morgan Chase makes 'Paris-aligned' financing commitment

JP Morgan Chase - which was recently revealed to be the biggest financier of fossil fuels - has pledged to align its financing with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, although one NGO criticised the commitment as "vague".

Science Based Targets initiative launches financial sector framework

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched its "breakthrough" pilot framework for financial institutions to set science-based climate targets, but campaigners were "disappointed" and "disturbed" by what they perceive to be shortcomings.

Biodiversity accounting initiative outlines initial guidelines

A report endorsed by banks and asset managers has laid out a common approach to measuring positive impact on biodiversity.

Norwegian oil fund continues ESG engagement ahead of renewables push

The manager of the giant Norwegian sovereign wealth fund reported it was continuing to engage heavily with firms on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, but was yet to get off-the-mark in its renewable energy investments.

Bank of America becomes third US lender to join carbon accounting initiative

Bank of America (BoA) has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), the third major US lender to join the initiative in the past week, as pressure builds on financial institutions to tackle the emissions of their lending and investment portfolios.

Rocky Mountain Institute launches climate finance centre with US banks

The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has launched a research centre to help shape the role that the financial industry has in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy, with four major US banks collaborating on the project

Third of investor votes back Mizuho Financial climate resolution

More than a third of Mizuho Financial investors backed a ground-breaking shareholder resolution urging the Japanese bank to disclose its climate risks and publish a plan to align investments with the Paris Agreement.

Transition finance guidelines to be published 'by end of year'

A working group convened by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) exploring the theme of 'climate transition finance' expects to publish guidelines by the end of the year, but stopped short of saying when a formal set of principles might be launched.