Stephen Beer > Sections > ESG

Environmental Social Governance

ESG icon concept in the hand b

ESG is increasingly important for investors and for businesses. But it is not always straightforward. Investors need to make decent, sustainable, returns. Businesses need to be profitable - and sustain profitability. Governments need to be engaged too. Getting objectives and strategy sorted, and integrating ESG concerns from the beginning, are the first steps.

Mining and the common good

I have been involved with the Mining and Faith Reflections Initiative from the start. It brings global mining CEOs together with church leaders from around the world. The aim: explore how mining can better serve the common good.

It is good to assess progress on ESG

Investors need to be clear what criteria they are applying.

Shareholder resolutions have their place

Blackrock announced it is likely to support proportionately fewer resolutions on climate change this year. Makes sense but resolutions can change companies.

Keeping faith with ESG principles is hard to do

My letter in the Financial Times on ESG, ethics, and activist investing.

The 100 trillion dollar question

My assessment of the finance pledges at COP26 and what really matters.

ESG must learn from the tech bubble - returns matter

Investors must not forget about profits, even as they focus on wider criteria.

Companies must be discerning when picking causes to support

Unless CEOs and their boards are clear about their own values, and those of the companies they run, they will fall down a rabbit hole of confusion.

Stephen Beer leaves the CFB

Press announcement from the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church.