Ceres statement on Climate Action 100+ investor departures

Several investors recently decided to leave or change their level of participation in Climate Action 100+, the world’s largest investor engagement initiative focused on climate change. While disappointing, the initiative’s 700 investors remain committed to the global effort ensuring that 170 of the largest greenhouse gas emitters take the necessary action on the global climate crisis.  

The need for ambitious action on the climate crisis is more urgent than ever as extreme weather events become increasingly frequent and intense. Investors and companies alike must do their part to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half this decade to avoid catastrophic levels of global temperature rise.  

As one of the five investor networks that founded and coordinates Climate Action 100+, Ceres is proud of the initiative's progress and impact. The majority of companies engaged by Climate Action 100+ investors have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, implemented board committee oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities, and committed to aligning their disclosures with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure recommendations (TCFD).  

The climate crisis poses significant financial risk to business and the broader economy, which is why initiatives like Climate Action 100+ are so important. Climate Action 100+ is laser focused on driving the business transition to preserve long-term shareholder value and ensure financial stability in all regions across the globe.  

Today, Climate Action 100+ remains more relevant than ever as it enters its second phase. Launched in June 2023, the phase two strategy expands the ways investors can participate with a particular emphasis on advancing corporate climate disclosures and implementation of corporate climate transition plans. Since announcing this phase, more than 60 new investors have joined the initiative.  

Coordinating the work of global investor engagement initiatives, like Climate Action 100+, is a central pillar of Ceres' mission to help investors and companies navigate the transition to a just and sustainable net zero emissions economy. Collaborative engagement through these initiatives can be undertaken in a way that is entirely consistent with investors’ legal obligations and in compliance with rules and regulations in key markets, including anti-trust, fiduciary duty, and securities laws in the United States. 

Investors and companies across all sectors need to deliver on their climate commitments, and we must all work together towards reducing emissions and investing in climate solutions to avoid unmanageable risk.   

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies, and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.