News

• Green stimulus cash at risk – HSBC

  26 November 2009

  Less than a fifth of the promised $513 billion in government green stimulus money is set to be spent this year, raising the risk of "retrenchment" as governments seek to exit fiscal stimulus strategies, according to HSBC.

• SEC should reflect new realities on climate disclosure – investors

  26 November 2009

  The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should provide guidance to companies on climate change disclosure, given recent "regulatory, legislative and scientific developments" on the issue, according to investors managing $1 trillion in assets.

• McKinsey, World Bank warn on water

  26 November 2009

  Governments and private institutions must invest $50 billion-$60 billion annually between now and 2030 to avoid future water shortages causing serious economic and environmental consequences, according to a report from McKinsey and the World Bank.

• Sustainable investment in China a 'growing opportunity' – BSR

  26 November 2009

  Investing sustainably in China is possible but growth is being hampered by a number of factors, including a lack of relevant information, according to a report from sustainability consultancy BSR.

• RBS launches emerging markets SRI index

  19 November 2009

  UK bank RBS has launched an equity index that will track socially responsible companies in emerging markets – and will shortly launch two products based upon it.

• 'Stern review' of biodiversity calls for more ecosystem markets

  19 November 2009

  Policy-makers should expand payments for ecosystem services and harness the power of markets to help protect the planet's biodiversity, according to a landmark study.

• UK technology VC fund eyes £300m first close

  19 November 2009

  The UK government is aiming for a first close of its venture capital (VC) fund of funds at £300 million ($499 million) in December.

• EPA looks to tighten timing on SO2 limits

  19 November 2009

  The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to set more timely limits on sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

• ESG could boost financial performance – Mercer

  19 November 2009

  Taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into account can improve the financial performance of investments, according to a survey of academic research by consultancy Mercer.

• Government support key to boosting marine energy – analysts

  19 November 2009

  A lack of private sector investment could lead to the marine energy industry floundering unless governments throw the sector a lifeline, according to analysts at Frost & Sullivan in London.