Post by Wayne Hall on Nov 7, 2015 1:03:53 GMT -5
To: Myriam Vander Stichele
Subject: Mapping sustainability initiatives in the financial sector - new SOMO report
From Wayne Hall:
Is dialogue possible for you with positions such as these? truthstreammedia.com/2015/09/25/agenda-2030-b-s-translator-how-to-read-the-uns-new-sustainable-development-goals/
I don’t agree with everything Aaron and Mel say, but agree much less with their being kept out of the debate by being thrown into the “right-wing conspiracy theorist” box. And in any case, even on the assumption that socially and environmentally beneficial goals, and not what the Truthstream Media allege, are the real agenda, I don’t think corporations should take on what should be the tasks of citizens.
Is that the kind of feedback you want? Is it any use to you??
WH
Aegina, Greece
From: Myriam Vander Stichele
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 11:37 AM
Subject: Mapping sustainability initiatives in the financial sector - new SOMO report
Dear all,
In the context of crucial agenda-setting moments in 2015, including the December meeting of COP21 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the role of the financial sector is increasingly being questioned. The incorporation of social and environmental aspects into the financial sector is one of the responses. This means that the financial system would not only be financially stable – which has been a focus of many recent financial reforms – but would also serve the needs of societies and economies that develop in an equitable, inclusive and environmentally sustainable way.
SOMO just released a report which is an attempt to map the existing initiatives that aim to incorporate environmental and social sustainability aspects within the financial sector, either in the financial sector as a whole, or specifically at changing and influencing behaviour of banks and investors. To do so, the approaches or strategies range from mandatory regulations, to voluntary measures and citizens’ advocacy and campaigns. The report aims to be a source of information for civil society and others with an interest in addressing sustainability in the financial sector in the most effective way (i.e. not only what to do but also how).
The report can be downloaded at: www.somo.nl/publications-en/Publication_4255/at_download/fullfile
The report provides examples such as how supervisors in some countries like Brazil and China are imposing mandatory requirements that bank loans do not risk environmental damage. Or how the many initiatives that provide information to investors about their social and environmental impact remain voluntary.
This report does not analyse the different initiatives but provides critical questions in order to raise a debate about effective solutions. It supports initiatives and discussions such as the seminar in Paris on 5 November co-organised by Finance Watch about “Climate Change: How to shift the model?” www.finance-watch.org/our-work/events/1149-conf-climat-finance-paris-2015-en. SOMO also supports the “Dashboard” launched by Finance Watch on 5 November 2015 that indicates whether the financial sector becomes more sustainable and at the service of the public interest.
We would be in interested in your feedback,
Myriam
m.vander.stichele@somo.nl
M. Vander Stichele
Senior Researcher
SOMO (Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations)
www.somo.nl