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Compiled by Purnima Joshi
This week on 5th June we celebrate World Environment Day with the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, in keeping with this year's theme.
In this week’s issue we have articles mainly on the banking, finance and Insurance sectors - the need for standardisation in climate related disclosures by companies, what will drive green finance, measuring and pricing risk for people and businesses, and investment opportunities in infrastructure upgrade to meet net zero targets.
Happy reading!
FOSSIL FUELS
Big Oil’s Green-Spending Boost Isn’t Enough, IEA Says
Bloomberg, 2 June 2021
The oil and gas industry is set to boost investments in clean energy this year, but that still won’t be enough to put the world on a path to limit a dangerous rise in global temperatures.
China's crypto mining crackdown followed deadly coal accidents
The Straits Times, 26 May 2021
China's escalating push to rein in cryptocurrency mining was triggered in part by concern that the practice has stoked a surge in illicit coal extraction, endangering lives and undermining Xi Jinping's ambitious environmental goals.
FINANCE
Experts seek standardized rules for climate-related disclosures by companies
S&P Global, 30 May 2021
Countries in Asia-Pacific should adopt standardized rules on climate-related financial disclosures by companies, as sustainability is increasingly becoming an important consideration in investment decisions, said industry leaders at an event organized by S&P Global.
Shareholder engagement key driver for Asia’s green finance growth: experts
The Korea Herald, 1 June 2021
Shareholder engagement in the form of behind-the-curtain dialogues or proxy voting, as well as engagement with asset owner clients, should be a key for asset managers to sustain the concept of green finance in Asia, investment professionals said Monday.
HSBC Hires Team for Climate Venture Investments
Finews Asia, 3 June 2021
The move is part of HSBC Asset Management's strategy to expand direct investment capabilities in alternatives.
IAIS Offers Supervisory Guidance on Climate Risk in Insurance Sector
Regulation Asia, 26 May 2021
The IAIS (International Association of Insurance Supervisors) has published a new paper providing recommendations for insurance supervisors to strengthen efforts to address climate-related risks.
PHL banks most exposed to climate risk in APAC — Moody’s
Business World, 28 May 2021
Philippine banks are the most exposed to physical climate risk in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Moody’s Investors Service, which noted the impact could affect asset quality.
PODCASTS
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/podcasts/the-climate-conversations/climate-change-insurance-physical-transitional-risks-14901444
Insurance in a world of climate change: Measuring and pricing risk for businesses and people
Channel News Asia, 28 May 2021
HSBC, WRI, WWF Partner to Scale Next-Generation Climate Solutions
sustainablebrands.com, 26 May 2021
The US$100M initiative builds on the organizations’ individual efforts to accelerate a shift to a net-zero global economy
ASEAN
Climate change raises asset risks for banks in Asia-Pacific
Thailand Business News, 28 May 2021
Climate change and related government policies raise asset risks for banks in Asia-Pacific, while legal and reputational risks are growing while large, diversified banks in the region are better able to cope with these risks and preserve their credit strength
PM Lee details Singapore's green plan
The Straits Times, 25 May 2021
As a small country, Singapore's impact on the global climate is limited, but the Republic will do its part wherever it can and support others too, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.
Net-zero pledges open up infrastructure investment opportunity
Asian Investor, 25 May 2021
Companies and institutional investors are set to see greater investment opportunities as infrastructure upgrades gather pace ahead of global pledges to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, according to an array of industry experts.
India, already leading Asia, can gain from ‘Green patents’ to dodge Climate threats and Unemployment
The Indian Wire, 28 May 2021
India stands vulnerable to almost all the threats from Climate change, even the giant water trail that India tries to avert each warm season.
ADDITIONAL READS
15 years on, mud continues to gush in East Java villages as residents reel from odour and heat
How climate change is affecting the taste and structure of the wines you drink
Global economic recovery needs green focus: South Korea summit
Pakistan's Rawalpindi faces acute water shortage amid rising temperatures
Asia-Pacific airports recognised for air quality improvements
“Australia’s Greta Thunberg” steps up climate change activism
‘Cyclones, pandemic present cascading risk scenario’
Climate change could push temperatures at the Tokyo Olympics to the 'danger-zone' for athletes, report warns
Time to upgrade corporate governance in Vietnam
Worsening Climate Change and the P4G Seoul Summit
CGM's Asia-Pacific Climate Digest is compiled by communications consultant Purnima Joshi.
With over two decades of experience in corporate communications, Purnima combines her skills in creative and communication along with her passion for working for the community.