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Ben Spies-Butcher & Frank Stilwell
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY AND ECONOMIC RECESSION Ben Spies Butcher and Frank Stilwell The economic difficulties following from the global financial crisis raise important and challenging questions about the strategies necessary to deal with the problem of climate change. Does the recession undermine the case for an emissions trading system? If so, what could be done instead to reduce environmentally hazardous emissions? Can the problems of recession and climate change be simultaneously redressed? First, it is pertinent to point to a paradox – that the recession is good for the environment. Indeed, over the past year the failures of global capitalism have achieved goals that even optimistic environmentalists previously thought unreachable. The close correlation between economic growth and carbon emissions has meant that, as production has fallen, so too have emissions. However, the short term gains have come at significant cost, and there is little reason to expect that these gains are sustainable. The Stern Report in the UK acknowledged a strong correlation between economic growth and increased carbon emissions (Stern 2007, xi). There is approximately a 0.9 per cent increase in emissions for every 1 per cent increase in growth (Adam 2009). The recession reverses this logic. Indeed, economic contraction has been particularly pronounced in emissions intensive industries, with industrial production in the United States down by almost 13 percent in the year to March 2009, and with declines concentrated in manufacturing and construction (US Federal Reserve 2009). In Japan exports fell over 40 per cent in the year to April 2009 (Ministry of Finance 2009). Globally, 2009 may be the first year in which global carbon emissions actually decline. -
UNBURNABLE CARBON RATIONAL INVESTMENT for SUSTAINABILITY Nef Is an Independent Think-And-Do Tank That Inspires and Demonstrates Real Economic Well-Being
UNBURNABLE CARBON RATIONAL INVESTMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY nef is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being. We aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environmental and social issues. We work in partnership and put people and the planet fi rst. nef programme areas: Climate Change Connected Democracy and Finance and and Energy Economies Participation Business Natural Social Policy Valuing What Well-being Economies Matters nef (the new economics foundation) is a registered charity founded in 1986 by the leaders of The Other Economic Summit (TOES), which forced issues such as international debt onto the agenda of the G8 summit meetings. It has taken a lead in helping establish new coalitions and organisations such as the Jubilee 2000 debt campaign; the Ethical Trading Initiative; the UK Social Investment Forum; and new ways to measure social and economic well-being. CONTENTS 01 FOREWORD 04 02 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 05 03 UNBURNABLE CARBON 09 04 SIMPLE MATHS 16 05 CONCLUSION 39 06 ENDNOTES 40 UNBURNABLE CARBON RATIONAL INVESTMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY 3 01 FOREWORD The financial system is in the news. A string of bank bail-outs, mis-selling scandals, THESE ARE billion dollar losses by ‘rogue’ traders, and most recently the manipulation of LIBOR, a key interest rate, have led to an erosion of trust and to calls for reform. SERIOUS EPISODES, UNDOUBTEDLY, THAT These are serious episodes, undoubtedly, that require redress. But can we at least rely REQUIRE REDRESS. on financial markets to fulfill their core function: to allocate capital to those investments that will create the most long-term value for humanity? In the light of the unfolding BUT CAN WE AT LEAST crisis of climate change, described by Lord Stern as “the greatest market failure the RELY ON FINANCIAL world has seen”, we must seriously question this assumption. -
The Exposure of Polish Pension Funds and Banks to the Carbon Bubble
The exposure of Polish pension funds and banks to the carbon bubble A research paper prepared for The Greens in the European Parliament The exposure of Polish pension funds and banks to the carbon bubble A research paper prepared for The Greens in the European Parliament Jan Willem van Gelder Alexandra Christopoulou Joeri de Wilde 2015 Naritaweg 10 1043 BX Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31-20-8208320 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.profundo.nl Contents Summary .....................................................................................................................i Introduction................................................................................................................1 Chapter 1 Background and methodology .......................................................2 1.1 The carbon bubble and its risks ..............................................................2 1.2 Objective....................................................................................................2 1.3 Selected financial institutions and companies .......................................2 1.4 Research steps .........................................................................................3 Chapter 2 Exposure of Polish pension funds to carbon bubble risks ..........4 2.1 Selection of pension funds ......................................................................4 2.2 General asset distribution ........................................................................4 2.3 Investments in high-carbon equities and -
Working Paper No
Low-carbon transition risks for finance Gregor Semieniuk, Emanuele Campiglio, Jean-Francois Mercure, Ulrich Volz and Neil R. Edwards Working paper No. 233 March 2020 The SOAS Department of Economics Working Paper Series is published electronically by SOAS University of London. ISSN 1753 – 5816 This and other papers can be downloaded free of charge from: SOAS Department of Economics Working Paper Series at http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/research/workingpapers/ Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) electronic library at https://ideas.repec.org/s/soa/wpaper.html Suggested citation Semieniuk, Gregor, Emanuele Campiglio, Jean-Francois Mercure, Ulrich Volz and Neil R. Edwards (2020), “Low-carbon transition risks for finance”, SOAS Department of Economics Working Paper No. 233, London: SOAS University of London. Department of Economics SOAS University of London Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG, UK Phone: + 44 (0)20 7898 4730 Fax: 020 7898 4759 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/ © Copyright is held by the author(s) of each working paper. Low-carbon transition risks for finance Gregor Semieniuk* Emanuele Campiglio† Jean-Francois Mercure‡ Ulrich Volz§ Neil R. Edwards** Abstract The transition to a low-carbon economy will entail a large-scale structural change. Some industries will have to expand their relative economic weight, while other industries, especially those directly linked to fossil fuel production and consumption, will have to decline. Such a systemic shift may have major repercussions on the stability of financial systems, via abrupt asset revaluations, defaults on debt and the creation of bubbles. Studies on previous industrial transitions have shed light on the financial transition risks originating from rapidly rising ‘sunrise’ industries. -
Is Carbon Risk Priced in the Cross-Section of Corporate Bond Returns?
Motivation Findings Data Results Source Conclusion Appendix Is Carbon Risk Priced in the Cross-Section of Corporate Bond Returns? Tinghua Duany Frank Weikai Liz Quan Wen* yIESEG School of Management zLee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University *McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University ABFER 8th Annual Conference, 2021 McGlade & Ekins Estimate: IEA Estimate: \Our results suggest that, globally, a third of oil \No more than one-third of proven reserves can be reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80% of coal consumed if the world is to achieve the 2◦C gaol, unless reserves should remain unused [...] in order to meet the carbon capture and storage technology is widely target of 2◦C." deployed." { EnergyPolicy vol 64, Oct 2014 { IEA Energy Outlook, Jan 2012 Motivation Findings Data Results Source Conclusion Appendix Motivation I Climate change is having a significant economic and societal impact (Stern, 2007; IPCC, 2018; Hsiang et al, 2017) I As climate change is mostly caused by accumulations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in earth's atmosphere, any regulation will have to target at significantly curbing firms’ carbon emissions (e.g., carbon tax or cap-and-trade system) Motivation Findings Data Results Source Conclusion Appendix Motivation I Climate change is having a significant economic and societal impact (Stern, 2007; IPCC, 2018; Hsiang et al, 2017) I As climate change is mostly caused by accumulations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in earth's atmosphere, any regulation will have to target at significantly curbing -
Global Solar Leaders and UNEP Outline Central Role for Solar in Climate Solution at United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland
December 8, 2008 Global Solar Leaders and UNEP Outline Central Role for Solar in Climate Solution at United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland POZNAN, Poland, Dec 08, 2008 /PRNewswire-Asia via COMTEX News Network/ -- Representatives from three leading international solar companies and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) -- Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman of Solarcentury, Mike Ahearn, Chairman and CEO of First Solar, and Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director -- gathered at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland to propose the rapid implementation and expansion of policies designed to support the growth of the solar industry and the global adoption of solar technology as a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in support of global climate goals. The four representatives stated that solar technology is already a cost-effective alternative for generating electricity and countries world-wide should immediately revise energy development plans to include a higher proportion of this clean and sustainable energy source: "Solar technology is no longer a niche energy solution, but is already reaching the scale and cost points to fundamentally change the way we generate electricity. As a result of substantial investments over the past 5 years, the solar industry has dramatically improved solar technologies and established roadmaps for further cost reductions. In fact, electricity generated from solar installations is already reaching parity with peak energy and retail energy prices in many regions." "Now is the time for world leaders, businesses and communities to build the platform for solar to be adopted on a much greater scale. -
Repowering Indiana Weekly - 2/23/07
Repowering Indiana Weekly - 2/23/07 Published by: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana Editor: Christi Barber IN THIS ISSUE: Local • Area residents confronted with “An Inconvenient Truth” • Live the Question, Promote the Solution • State lawmakers want to delay ruling on Cliffside • Lawmaker wants review before NIPSCO sale Nation • Schools to use power produced by solar panels • Berea College dedicates solar array installation • ISU Plans Renewable Energy Studies • Acore Launches Program Bringing America’s Young Renewable Energy Professionals to Las Vegas • Colorado schools, federal lab to cooperate on renewable energy • Nevada Regulators Approve Geothermal PPA • 100th Residential Solar PV Installation Milestone Reached in Connecticut • Idaho Public Utilities Commission approves wind energy projects for Elmore County • U.S. Solar Energy Demand to Triple • GE to Supply 300 Turbines to Noble’s NY Wind Projects • FPL Energy and Texas College to Train Wind Engineers • Transmission Loop to Bring 4,200 MW of Wind Energy to Texas • Renewable energy in Colorado- pond scum and geothermal • Low-interest loans available from municipal utilities • Colorado PUC Approves First-of-a-Kind Solar Energy Contract • Air Force’s green-power use lauded • $61 million project a start to ending use of petroleum • Board approves wind energy partnership • Wind energy plant considers West Branch • US needs to plan for climate change-induced summer droughts • GDP And SunShine Plus Provide YMCA With Backup Solar Power • PA DEP Secretary Dedicates Solar Power System at DEP Southeast Regional Office • Belmar project goes solar • CUNY Study Finds Solar Energy Can Help NYC World • Green building goals under the spotlight • 'Energy-rich' B.C. -
Divest from the Carbon Bubble? Reviewing the Implications and Limitations of Fossil Fuel Divestment for Institutional Investors1
Review of Economics & Finance Submitted on 24/12/2014 Article ID: 1923-7529-2015-02-59-22 Justin Ritchie, and Hadi Dowlatabadi Divest from the Carbon Bubble? Reviewing the Implications and Limitations of Fossil Fuel Divestment for Institutional Investors1 Justin Ritchie (Correspondence author) Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada Tel: +1-919-701-9872 E-mail: [email protected] Hadi Dowlatabadi Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada Tel: +1-778-863-0103 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: http://blogs.ubc.ca/dowlatabadi/welcome/ Abstract: Climate change policies that rapidly curtail fossil fuel consumption will lead to structural adjustments in the business operations of the energy industry. Due to an uncertain global climate and energy policy framework, it is difficult to determine the magnitude of fossil energy reserves that could remain unused. This ambiguity has the potential to create losses for investors holding securities associated with any aspects of the fossil fuel industry. Carbon bubble risk is understood as financial exposure to fossil fuel companies that would experience impairments from assets stranded by policy, economics or innovation. A grassroots divestment campaign is pressuring institutions sell their fossil fuel company holdings. By September 2014, investors had responded by pledging to divest US $50 billion of portfolios. Though divestment campaigns are primarily focused on a moral and political rationale, they also regularly frame divesting as a strategy for mitigating stranded asset risk. We review aspects of the divestment movement alongside the context of carbon bubble risk. -
June 13, 2021
June 13, 2021 Submitted electronically Vanessa A. Countryman Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. CC: Chair Gary Gensler Commissioner Allison Herren Lee Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw Commissioner Hester Peirce Commissioner Elad Roisman RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON CLIMATE CHANGE DISCLOSURES Dear Secretary Countryman, I am pleased to submit the following comment on behalf of the Publish What You Pay—United States coalition (“PWYP-US”) in response to the March 15, 2021 request for input on climate change disclosures. Publish What You Pay (“PWYP”) is a global civil society coalition made up of over 800 member organizations operating in more than 70 countries. The US coalition was founded in 2004 and consists of 40 anti-corruption, financial transparency, anti-poverty, tax justice, environmental, faith-based and human rights organizations representing over five million constituents across the United States. PWYP- US members have over a decade of experiencing advocating for greater financial transparency in the oil, gas, and mining sectors including specific experiencing with SEC rulemaking. We appreciate the SEC’s leadership on this issue and are glad to provide input. This comment focuses on the disclosure of climate-related financial risks by fossil fuel issuers, namely fossil fuel companies with significant upstream investments. We believe this sector must be prioritized within future climate-risk rulemaking due to the fundamental relationship between fossil fuel extraction and climate change mitigation. This comment is not comprehensive--we have chosen to discuss certain representative issues to draw attention to gaps in the SEC’s current requirements. We hope to follow up with a more detailed and thorough evaluation of all relevant issues in the fossil-fuel sector reporting framework during a subsequent rulemaking or other opportunity for public input. -
The Carbon Bubble: the Financial Risk of Fossil Fuels and Need for Divestment
EUROPEANGREENPARTY THE CARBON BUBBLE: The financial risk of fossil fuels and need for divestment 2 The 2° target: a minimum consensus which The Carbon Bubble represents economic dynamite 3 The world is agreed: the temperature of the atmosphere must not rise by more than 2°C. However, this means that most oil, gas and coal reserves are valueless. for divestment fossil fuels and need The financial risk of The international community has have on a number of occasions stressed committed itself to an unequivocal target: the urgency of consistent measures if we the Earth’s atmosphere must not warm are to keep the Earth on track towards by more than 2°C by the end of the cen- the 2°C target. tury. At the 2010 UN Climate Conference in Cancún, Mexico, representatives of The 2°C target will not be easy to achieve 194 states committed themselves to this and will only be feasible by determined target. Even the USA and China, who action from the global community. At the never signed the Kyoto Protocol, sup- same time however, climate researchers ported the decision, as do all other major say that 2°C constitutes the borderline greenhouse gas emitters. not between ‘tolerable’ and ‘dangerous’ climate change, but rather between The 2°C target refers to the rise in tem- ‘dangerous’ and ‘very dangerous’ cli- perature relative to pre-industrial levels. mate change. Even with an increase However, as the mean temperature has of ‘only’ 2°C, Arctic ice sheets will melt, already risen by 0.8°C since the 19th and habitats and cultural regions will be Century, the climate must not warm by destroyed. -
Risky Business: Insurance Companies in Global Warming Politics • Matthew Paterson*
MatthewRisky Business Paterson Risky Business: Insurance Companies in Global Warming Politics • Matthew Paterson* Observations that the interest in global warming shown by insurance compa- nies could transform the political dynamics of global warming have been wide- spread. In various contexts, different writers have argued or suggested that the emergence of insurance companies in climate politics could facilitate more ag- gressive greenhouse gas abatement than would otherwise be the case. In some of the policy-oriented literature, Flavin and Tunali, for example, state that at the ªrst Conference of the Parties in Berlin in 1995: a more progressive conºuence of political forces [than the coalition of fossil- fuel dependent countries and companies] began to assert itself—promi- nently featuring the insurance and banking industries. As a business on the frontline of society’s most risky activities, the insurance industry has a long tradition of spurring policy changes to help reduce society’s risks.1 Journalistic accounts, such as Paul Brown’s Global Warming or Ross Gelbspan’s The Heat is On, express similar optimism, with Gelbspan writing: “It is the world’s insurers...whoareleading the frontline opposition against the fossil fuel industry.”2 Paul Brown, in a press conference with insurers at the Kyoto Conference in 1997, asked the (perhaps falsely naive) question: “So have you made any decision not to invest in Exxon yet?” reºecting this optimism.3 Many of the limited range of academic works that address the phenomenon also express such -
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Government of India Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Block-14, CGO Complex Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003, INDIA Telephone: 91-11-24361298, 24360404 & 24360707 Fax: 91-11-24361298 Government of India Website: www.mnre.gov.in, www.direc2010.gov.in Photographs Courtesy International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) & Mutual PR Agency Cover Design Karmic Designs DIREC We2010 Would Like to Thank Our Partner Ministries Our Partner Network Our Partner Countries Ministry of Urban Development Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Environment and Forests Ministry of Power Ministry of External Affairs Germany Norway Government of India Our Associate Organisations & Associations ROSHINI A Catalyst for Sustainable Habitats v Preface Government of India hosted Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC) 2010, the fourth in the series of global Ministerial-level Conference on Renewable Energy from 27th to 29th October, 2010. The conference followed from the initiative taken at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and also builds up on the initiatives taken in various IRECs held in Bonn (Renewables 2004), Beijing (BIREC 2005) and Washington (WIREC 2008) to highlight the significance of renewable energy. DIREC 2010 was an effort to provide an important forum for international discourse on renewable energy. Accordingly, the conference was carefully divided into four major themes - Technology & Infrastructure, Policy, Finance and Renewable, Access & MDGs. The overwhelming response received from the international community reiterated the significance of ‘Up scaling and Mainstreaming Renewables for Energy Security, Climate Change and Economic Development’, which was also the theme of the conference. It also showcased that the strides made in this sector have surpassed predictions.