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UBS says investors should prefer green bonds over regular debt

By David Caleb Mutua, Bloomberg Highlights According to UBS Global Wealth’s head of credit, Thomas Wacker, sustainable bonds are a “defensive opportunity” that credit investors should favor over non-green, investment-grade corporate notes The fossil fuel industry has no presence in the green bond market and are feeling the impacts of the turning economy due to … Read more

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U.S. fracking giants prepare for repeat of 2016 collapse, expect little help from Wall Street

by David Wethe, Bloomberg Highlights: Major fracking companies are expecting to crash and don’t anticipate receiving financial help from Wall Street, potentially paving the way for more renewable energy projects. Though drilling rig numbers have dropped in the past, the current decline could come much faster this time according to fracking giant Schlumberger Ltd. Halliburton, … Read more

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As coronavirus infects markets, sustainable funds prove their mettle

by Naveena Sadasivam, Grist Highlights: Clean energy-based investments, known as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds, are performing better than fossil fuel backed investments during the current financial decline. ESG funds were not considered safe investments by naysayers, but the hits taken throughout the year are not nearly as bad as their fossil fuel counterparts  $30 … Read more

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As Congress debates an economic stimulus, where should the money be spent?

by Ken Kimmel, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists Highlights Current situation: Federal government response to COVID-19: In Washington DC a bi-partisan effort to help the country cope with COVID-19 is underway. So far, one immediate emergency bill appropriated approximately $8 billion designed to treat and prevent the virus. A second bill has also … Read more

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Michigan utility sets goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, a record in U.S.

By Dan Gearino, Inside Climate News Highlights Consumers Energy in Michigan aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, the fastest timetable of any major utility in the country. Previously, the utility pledged to cut 90% of its emissions by 2040 Renewable energy will account for almost 72% of their portfolio, while natural gas will account … Read more

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UBS exits arctic oil, coal mines and tar sands projects

By Dieter Holger, The Wall Street Journal Highlights UBS Group, one of the world’s largest banks and previously Europe’s fourth-biggest coal-mining financier, announced it will no longer finance new offshore oil projects in the Arctic, thermal coal mines or oil sands on undeveloped land after pressure from investors and environmentalists. Outside of investor pressures, UBS says its … Read more

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Global financial giants swear off funding Canadian tar sands

By Christopher Flavelle, The New York Times Highlights: Due to pressure from shareholders and environmental activists, financial institutions and insurance companies are no longer investing in oil production taking place in Alberta, Canada. Though divestment promises have been made, oil extraction from the province increased last year Local Canadian banks and pension funds are still … Read more

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Divest and Invest for a climate-safe future

by Stacey Meinzen, The Climate Center Follow the money, divest from fossil fuels and invest in a healthy, climate-safe future for all. It’s a win-win for our collective future and for your pocketbook (see additional info here). Chevron just posted $6.6 billion in losses for its fourth-quarter earnings due to troubles with shale gas and bankruptcies are multiplying for the … Read more

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The biggest sustainability funds are beating the market

by Mathieu Benhamou, Emily Chasan and Saijel Kishan, Bloomberg Highlights: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Funds are gaining popularity as sustainability-focused investing becomes the new trend. Big funders are focused on investing in companies that tackle energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact Tech, healthcare, and financial services companies are some of the top ESG funds, as their … Read more