Asset owners reaffirm their commitment to engagement with the world’s biggest corporate emitters

In a statement published this week, 45 asset owners reaffirmed their support for the Climate Action 100+ initiative and their ongoing commitment to engagement with high-emitting companies. Their message signals to all investors that considering climate-related financial risks and opportunities in decision-making is aligned with investors’ fiduciary duty to ensure long-term shareholder value. 

“Investors in Climate Action 100+ are engaging with companies to address material financial issues arising from climate change. These investor-led engagements support companies as they plan for a decarbonized economy and create long-term shareholder value,” said Kirsten Spalding, vice president of Ceres Investor Network at Ceres. Ceres is a member of the global Steering Committee of Climate Action 100+. “We welcome this public statement from asset owners that they remain committed to reducing investment risk as a fiduciary imperative to protect their assets and beneficiaries. Their views reflect the priorities of the entire investment community.” 

Climate Action 100+, the world’s largest investor-led engagement initiative, has made significant progress toward accelerating the business transition toward a decarbonized economy. The latest Net Zero Company Benchmark assessments revealed that 77% of focus companies have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, covering at least scope 1 and 2 emissions. Additionally, 93% of companies have implemented board committee oversight of climate change risks and opportunities while 90% of companies have explicitly committed to aligning their disclosures with the recommendations of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures. 

About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.