Volans’ latest report, Time to Get Real, argues that policy engagement is an important and under-utilised tool institutional investors can use to make progress on climate.
This webinar series, hosted by report co-authors Richard Roberts and Cami Daeninck, builds on that argument with deep dives into some of the key questions investors face in deciding whether – and how – to engage meaningfully on climate policy.
Session 1: Do investors have a fiduciary obligation to advocate for robust climate policies?
Wednesday 28th October – 16:00-17:00 GMT / 12:00-13:00 ET
If physical climate risk is both non-trivial and non-diversifiable, and a successful transition requires policy action, what constitutes appropriate action by investors in fulfilling their fiduciary duties? Why does a mismatch between institutions’ awareness of their exposure to systemic risk and the strategies they pursue to mitigate that risk persist?
Is failure to advocate for effective policies a breach of institutions’ duty to look after the long-term best interests of their beneficiaries? How should institutions determine whether the nature and quantity of their policy engagement efforts are adequate and appropriate?
We will explore these questions in conversation with our guests:
- Amy Owens, Programme Manager, Carbon Tracker
- Others TBC
Register to attend Session 1 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rnz_ZVq5TwCO95mSb8o0gg
Session 2: How can we tell whether an investor is serious and strategic about climate policy – or just paying lip service?
Tuesday, 10th November – 16:00-17:00 GMT / 11:00-12:00 ET
If you’re an asset owner (or a member of the public) trying to assess whether specific asset managers do good policy work, what are the indicators you should look at? What does good reporting on policy engagement look like?
How can you discern the difference between firms that pay lip service to the importance of climate policy and those that walk the talk? And how do we ensure that meaningful engagement is incentivised, not tick-box compliance or performative advocacy?
We will explore these questions in conversation with our guests:
- Leanne Clements, Head of Responsible Investment, People’s Partnership
- Chris Dodwell, Global Head of Policy & Advocacy, Co-Head Sustainability Centre, Impax AM
- Cleo Rank, Program Manager, InfluenceMap
Register to attend Session 2 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RztT_trNSMqtXdbrAuCGzw
Session 3: Is it possible to do climate policy work without getting political?
Monday, 23rd November – 16:00-17:00 GMT / 11:00-12:00 ET
Institutional investors may recognise that the quality and direction of climate policy is material to the long-term performance of their portfolios. But, understandably, they are hesitant about wading into policy debates that have become highly politicised in many countries.
Is it possible to do meaningful climate policy engagement in an apolitical way in today’s world? How can investors be effective without getting mired in partisan fights and having their legitimacy called into question?
We will explore these questions in conversation with our guests:
- Tom Burke, Co-Founder, E3G
- Anne Kelly, VP, Government Relations, Ceres
Register to attend Session 3 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/A_x7cWRjSqu6fooOzUIQ1g
