Diverse Asset Managers Initiative (DAMI) released a letter responding to Chief Investment Officer David Swensen's call for more diversity in his Yale University investment office and investment strategies. Read DAMI’s analysis and recommendations for further action here.

Read a profile of Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, a member of the Board of the Crane Institute of Sustainability, IEN’s nonprofit home: Fight Like a Girl: A Look at Climate Activist and Women’s Rights Advocate Dianne Dillon-Ridgley

Second Nature and IEN will bring higher education, finance, nonprofits, and government together during our Climate Action Pursuit’s four milestones of flexible virtual programming in February, June, October, and December. And we are excited to share the following news with you!

• *Updated* February Agenda: The February milestone agenda is now available. This first milestone will be from Wednesday, February 24 – Friday, February 26, 2021.
• Registration: The 2021 Climate Action Pursuit is now open for registration. Please find all of the registration details you need to know.
• Sponsorship: Become a sponsor of this ambitious journey toward justice and resilience. Higher Ed institutions can also join as a Host Institution.
• *Updated* Speakers: Meet the leaders who are joining us as speakers and discussion leaders for this 2021 Climate Action Pursuit!

Call for Co-Filers - Forced Arbitration Use at Tesla | Nia Capital

• Deadline: April 15. Nia Impact Capital is seeking co-filers for shareholder resolution at Tesla calling on the company's Board to study its requirement that employees arbitrate harassment and discrimination disputes. Last year, the resolution received a 27% vote and was supported by ISS and Glass Lewis. To co-file, please be sure to list Nia Impact Capital as the lead filer and give it the authorization to withdraw on your behalf. Filing letters should be sent to Tesla, Inc., 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, California 94304, Attention: Legal Department with a copy via e-mail to [email protected]. Learn more on the resolution here.

Sign the Due Diligence 2.0 Commitment | Adasina

• Traditional due-diligence and risk-assessment frameworks in the asset management industry have led to a system in which white, male asset managers control 98.7% of the investment industry’s $69 trillion in assets under management. Adasina invites you to join other asset owners, consultants, and financial intermediaries in committing to creating a more inclusive due diligence process for diverse asset managers. Sign the commitment here

Investor Statement | Access to Medicine Index

• As of January 2020, 100+ investors – together managing assets of more than USD 18 trillion – have signed the Access to Medicine Index Investor Statement and committed to using the research of the Access to Medicine Foundation (ATMF) in their investment analysis and engagements with companies. Those interested can contact Mara Lilley, Investor Engagement Manager ([email protected]), and find out more about ATMF’s work with investors here.

See a list of investor actions on Covid-19, racial justice, and other sign-on opportunities here.

Net Zero: A Fiduciary Approach | BlackRock

• BlackRock is committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. We are taking a number of steps to help investors prepare their portfolios for a net zero world, including capturing opportunities created by the net zero transition. The letter outlines key actions for 2021. Read as well Larry Fink's 2021 Letter to CEOs.

2021 Access to Medicine Index | Access to Medicine Foundation

• A new shift in pharmaceutical company policy could shorten the time people in lower income countries must typically wait for new medicines and vaccines, reports the 2021 Access to Medicine Index, published Tuesday. Eight leading pharmaceutical companies are moving to systematically pair candidates in their R&D pipelines with plans for making them accessible in low- and middle-income countries soon after the products are launched onto markets.

University Announcement on Fossil Fuel Investments | Columbia University

• Recognizing the grave threat to the planet that is posed by climate change and the importance of transparency in the use of its financial resources, Columbia University has adjusted its investment policies to include an important update related to investments in oil and gas companies. The University does not hold any direct investments in publicly traded oil and gas companies, and is formalizing this policy of non-investment for the foreseeable future. Recognizing that certain oil and gas companies aim to transition their businesses to net zero emissions by 2050, the University may make an exception to its non-investment policy when a credible plan exists for a company to do so.

We are Moving Away from Fossil Fuels, Towards a More Equitable Future | The Rockefeller Foundation

• The Rockefeller Foundation’s President writes: “Late last year, the Foundation reimagined our philanthropic model. First, we borrowed money from the bond market to massively boost our financial commitment to end the pandemic... We also committed to a just, equitable recovery by ending energy poverty... using clean, sustainable sources of power, enabling 2.8 billion people to participate in the global economy... Our commitment to powering this potential while combatting climate change means we are divesting our $5 billion endowment of fossil fuel interests while refraining from any future investments in that sector. We believe it is time to officially align our internal investment strategy with our external values and mission.”

Ontario Teachers Commits to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 | Pensions & Investments

• The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Toronto, is committing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, officials there announced. Next steps for Ontario Teachers include establishing concrete targets for portfolio emissions and increased investments in climate solutions, and physical risk assessments of direct holdings. The organization will also partner with other climate action advocacy groups, and ask portfolio companies to manage emissions and report annually on efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

NYC Pension Funds to Divest Fossil Fuels | Pensions & Investments

• Two of the five pension funds in the New York City Retirement Systems will divest an estimated $4 billion in securities related to fossil fuel companies. Boards of the $77.4 billion New York City Employees' Retirement System and the $91.4 billion New York City Teachers' Retirement System voted to approve divestment. A third pension fund, the $7.8 billion New York City Board of Education Retirement System, is expected to vote soon for divestment. The city pension funds representing police and firefighters are not participating.

Here Are MSCI’s Five ESG Trends to Watch in 2021 | InvestmentNews

• Demand from investors to decarbonize their portfolios coupled with a shrinking pool of investments that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement may leave investors in the year ahead with little choice but to call on companies to exit some businesses altogether. Investors in 2021 can also expect a more nuanced understanding of when and how ESG delivers financial benefits, alarm bells on biodiversity, a deluge of ESG disclosure, and a focus on addressing social inequality.

Net Zero Investment: What role do investors play? | Investment Week

• BusinessGreen hosted a recent webinar, in association with Schroders, which examined the role investors can play in accelerating, or delaying, the net zero transition. The interactive panel discussion explored the challenges businesses and investors face as they seek to get a better handle on climate risks and environmental performance, and featured a host of leading figures and experts in the world of sustainable investing.

Data Voted the Biggest Hurdle for Investors Trying to Address Biodiversity | Responsible Investor

• Unearthing Investor Action on Biodiversity, conducted in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the Zoological Society of London and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, takes an in-depth look at how, and to what extent, investors are addressing biodiversity - a topic that has shot up the financial agenda over the last 18 months. Want to learn more? Sign up for IEN’s February 3rd webinar on this theme.

Sustainable Fixed Income Beyond Green Bonds | Institutional Investor

• Demand is growing among investors for new ways to tap the potential. Solutions are emerging.

A Broken Record: Flows for U.S. Sustainable Funds Again Reach New Heights | Morningstar

• Net flows of $51 billion in 2020 were more than double the total for 2019 and nearly 10 times more than in 2018.

What Gets Measured Gets Managed: How Sustainability Reporting Can Help Save The Planet | Forbes

• This article summarizes the development of the Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics initiative by the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council.

Investors Warned of Stranded Assets as ESG Gains Traction | The Asset

• Those who ignore the growing trend of sustainable investing may end up facing write-downs, says a report by the Bloomberg Women’s Buy-Side Network.

37% of U.S. Advisers Consider ESG Factors in Every Portfolio | InvestmentNews

• Last Word Research, in collaboration with InvestmentNews’ ESG Clarity US, has produced a 2021 global ESG report, “Competing in an ESG World: How far must fund managers go to embed ESG into their firms?” It tracks the changing attitudes toward ESG across the globe.

Read the latest observations on sustainable business trends from Greenbiz:

• The State of Green Business 2021
• Moving Beyond 100% Recyclable Goals
• Behind the Coming ESG Disclosure Explosion
• Unilever, Starbucks are Founding Members in Venture to Turn Food Waste into Energy
• Amazon Aims to Clean Up Aviation
• Steelzero Commitments Represent a New Era in Heavy Manufacturing Production
• Salesforce, Accenture and a Tipping Point for Carbon Accounting

Finance: Bloomberg Green

• Kristal Hansley is working to bring renewable energy to low-income households. BlackRock Chairman Larry Fink is urging business leaders to step up their climate goals. Dot-com era stock valuations are raising fears of a bubble among ESG funds. Three New York City pension funds are divesting $4 billion from fossil fuel companies.Total is getting the fastest start on clean energy among all of the European oil majors.

Traditional Portfolios Won’t Cut It Anymore, Endowments and Foundations Say | Institutional Investor

• Endowments and foundations believe stocks and bonds will fare worse in this decade than the last, according to a new survey from TIFF Investment Management.

New FSU Master’s Program to Focus on Sustainability | Florida State University News

• Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is launching a new online major in the Master of Science program this fall to prepare students to help companies meet the demands of today but not at the expense of tomorrow.

Meketa Announces Robust Initiative to Evaluate and Rate Asset Managers’ Diversity Efforts | Yahoo Finance

• Meketa, a global investment consulting and fiduciary management (OCIO) firm, today announced the launch of a new initiative to more thoroughly evaluate and rate asset managers’ efforts to ensure diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Meketa’s Annual Diversity & Inclusion Questionnaire will be sent to all public and private market managers within the firm’s internal database this month and will be included in all Request for Proposals and Due Diligence Questionnaires moving forward.

The Bold Steps Business Leaders Must Take on Social Justice | World Economic Forum

• A year of pandemic, protest and societal disruption has created an inflection point for many companies to evaluate corporate sustainability strategies. There has been a concerted effort within industries to recruit and educate senior executives based on social and environmental competencies. Business leaders should look to employ multi-stakeholder coalitions and integrated intersectional approaches.

Najada Kumbuli: Aligning Assets with Values at Visa Foundation | Philanthropy Women

• As Head of Investments for the Visa Foundation, Najada Kumbuli is responsible for leading investment efforts in support of the Foundation’s mission to financially empower unserved or underserved women-owned, micro and small businesses, including the allocation of $140 million in private market capital to support the Foundation’s Equitable Access Initiative as well as re-alignment of the broader portfolio of investments to reflect the values and priorities of the Visa Foundation.

Building Indigenous Power and Investing in Indigenous Self-Determination | Stanford Social Innovation Review

• To solve the most pressing issues for Indigenous communities—and for the world at large—power and autonomy must be given to Indigenous people themselves. In this In-Depth Series, in partnership between NDN and SSIR, you will hear from Indigenous leaders with solutions for investors who want to help further Indigenous priorities; from folks working on transformative narrative change and increasing Indigenous visibility; from organizers speaking on how Indigenous people are building our collective political power; and more.

Podcast 282: Catherine Berman of CNote | Lend Academy

• The CEO and Co-Founder of CNote discusses bringing tech and scale to impact investing for a more inclusive economy.

California Endowment Taps Bond Market for First Time in 18 Years | Bloomberg

• The California Endowment, the largest health foundation in the state, plans to offer its first debt sale in nearly two decades to help alleviate some of the financial pressure charities around have been facing due to Covid-19. The $3.9 billion endowment plans to price $300 million of bonds as early as this week to fund grants to nonprofit groups.

2020 NGO & Foundation Transparency Report Card | Green2.0

• For the fourth year in a row, Green 2.0—an independent advocacy campaign to increase racial and ethnic diversity within the mainstream environmental movement—presents diversity data from the movement’s most influential non-profit organizations (“NGOs”) and foundations. The 2020 Green 2.0 Transparency Report Card reflects data collected from the 40 largest NGOs and 40 largest foundations on the number of women and people of color on their full-time staffs, senior staffs, and boards as collected through Green 2.0’s partnership with Guidestar by Candid. The full report shows the individual data for the top 40 NGOs and funders as reported over the four years.

Tackling the Climate Crisis in a Just and Inclusive Way | CDC Group

• The world’s most vulnerable people are taking the brunt of the effects of global warming. How can we solve our generation’s biggest challenge without impacting the populations least responsible for it?

Net Zero: A Fiduciary Approach | BlackRock

• BlackRock is committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. We are taking a number of steps to help investors prepare their portfolios for a net zero world, including capturing opportunities created by the net zero transition. The letter outlines key actions for 2021. Read as well Larry Fink's 2021 Letter to CEOs.

Net Zero Investment: What role do investors play? | Investment Week

• BusinessGreen hosted a recent webinar, in association with Schroders, which examined the role investors can play in accelerating, or delaying, the net zero transition. The interactive panel discussion explored the challenges businesses and investors face as they seek to get a better handle on climate risks and environmental performance, and featured a host of leading figures and experts in the world of sustainable investing.

Earth Is Now Losing 1.2 trillion Tons of Ice Each Year. And It’s Going to Get Worse. | Washington Post

• Global ice loss has increased rapidly over the past two decades, and scientists are still underestimating just how much sea levels could rise, according to alarming new research published this month.

Climate Change Triggers Evolution in Renewable Energy Risk Landscape | Insurance Business

• Global insurance brokerage, risk advisory and solutions company, Willis Towers Watson, has urged risk managers to respond to an evolving risk landscape prompted by climate change.

General Motors Plans to Exclusively Offer Electric Vehicles by 2035 | CNBC

• GM plans to exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035, ending production of its cars, trucks and SUVs with diesel- and gasoline-powered engines. The company’s “aspirations” are part of a larger plan for the Detroit automaker to be carbon neutral by 2040 in its global products and operations.

New DOL ESG Guidance Expected to Encourage More Plan Adoption | Plan Advisor

• In a TIAA webinar held Thursday, “Understanding the DOL ‘ESG Rule’ and its Impact on Plan Sponsors,” speakers said they expect the new rule to encourage more plan sponsors to embrace environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, particularly because it has started to become more mainstream and continued to deliver strong performance.

Corporations Continue to Increase Their Sustainability Disclosure in Key Areas | The Conference Board

• Major corporations notably increased their sustainability disclosures in key areas last year, including climate-risk reporting, human rights, and water stress exposure, according to a new report by The Conference Board.

Many Boards Lacking ESG Expertise, Study Finds | Corporate Secretary

• Despite the growing pressure for companies to address material risks arising from ESG-related issues, there is a severe lack of relevant expertise on such topics among board members of large US companies, according to a new study.

Disney Shareholders to Vote on Lobbying and Employee Representation | Corporate Secretary

• Multiple co-filers intend to present a proposal, which the board opposes, requesting full disclosure of Disney’s direct and indirect lobbying activities and expenditures to assess whether this is consistent with the company’s goals and in the best interests of shareholders. The second shareholder proposal calls for the board to adopt a policy of ‘promoting significant representation of employee perspectives among corporate decision-makers.’

University Announcement on Fossil Fuel Investments | Columbia University

• Recognizing the grave threat to the planet that is posed by climate change and the importance of transparency in the use of its financial resources, Columbia University has adjusted its investment policies to include an important update related to investments in oil and gas companies. The University does not hold any direct investments in publicly traded oil and gas companies, and is formalizing this policy of non-investment for the foreseeable future. Recognizing that certain oil and gas companies aim to transition their businesses to net zero emissions by 2050, the University may make an exception to its non-investment policy when a credible plan exists for a company to do so.

We are Moving Away from Fossil Fuels, Towards a More Equitable Future | The Rockefeller Foundation

• The Rockefeller Foundation’s President writes: “Late last year, the Foundation reimagined our philanthropic model. First, we borrowed money from the bond market to massively boost our financial commitment to end the pandemic... We also committed to a just, equitable recovery by ending energy poverty... using clean, sustainable sources of power, enabling 2.8 billion people to participate in the global economy... Our commitment to powering this potential while combatting climate change means we are divesting our $5 billion endowment of fossil fuel interests while refraining from any future investments in that sector. We believe it is time to officially align our internal investment strategy with our external values and mission.”

Ontario Teachers Commits to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 | Pensions & Investments

• The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Toronto, is committing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, officials there announced. Next steps for Ontario Teachers include establishing concrete targets for portfolio emissions and increased investments in climate solutions, and physical risk assessments of direct holdings. The organization will also partner with other climate action advocacy groups, and ask portfolio companies to manage emissions and report annually on efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

NYC Pension Funds to Divest Fossil Fuels | Pensions & Investments

• Two of the five pension funds in the New York City Retirement Systems will divest an estimated $4 billion in securities related to fossil fuel companies. Boards of the $77.4 billion New York City Employees' Retirement System and the $91.4 billion New York City Teachers' Retirement System voted to approve divestment. A third pension fund, the $7.8 billion New York City Board of Education Retirement System, is expected to vote soon for divestment. The city pension funds representing police and firefighters are not participating.

Ceres Applauds President Biden’s Bold Executive Action on the Climate Crisis on First Day | Ceres

• Ceres, business leaders, and advocates around the globe are applauding the new Administration’s swift action to reenter the U.S. into the global Paris Agreement, and a set of new executive actions to tackle the climate crisis. Among the actions include placing a moratorium on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, revising fuel economy and emission standards and methane emission standards, and revoking the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

A Question of Time: EU Taxonomy Sparks Race Among Managers to Improve ESG Credentials | Investment Week

• The EU's sweeping reforms of sustainability regulations will bring greater ESG transparency, but asset managers warn they risk creating a 'green bubble' as investors could rush towards a handful of firms considered truly sustainable in a bid to improve their overall ESG scores.

Schroders Pledges to Go Beyond ‘Box Ticking’ with ESG Launch | FT Advisor

• Schroders has pledged its sustainable investing process will “go beyond box ticking” as it launched a pair of environmental, social and governance focused UK-based funds.

Meketa Announces Robust Initiative to Evaluate and Rate Asset Managers’ Diversity Efforts | Yahoo Finance

• Meketa, a global investment consulting and fiduciary management (OCIO) firm, today announced the launch of a new initiative to more thoroughly evaluate and rate asset managers’ efforts to ensure diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Meketa’s Annual Diversity & Inclusion Questionnaire will be sent to all public and private market managers within the firm’s internal database this month and will be included in all Request for Proposals and Due Diligence Questionnaires moving forward.

Fidelity Investments Introduces Technology Solution to Help Advisors Grow Their ESG Investing Practices | Business Wire

• To support growing demand for sustainable investing and help financial advisors facilitate ESG investing conversations with clients, Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of investment and technology products and solutions to more than 13,500 financial institutions, launches Fidelity ESG Pro – a simple, streamlined ESG solution for advisorsv that brings together portfolio construction and client experience tools.

Northern Trust Asset Management Launches Climate Aware Emerging Market Index Strategy | BusinessWire

• Northern Trust Asset Management, one of the world’s leading investment managers, continues to expand its sustainability solutions with the launch of a unique, sustainable emerging market green transition index strategy, with climate change considerations as a cornerstone.

Qontigo Becomes a Principles for Responsible Investment Signatory | PR Newswire

• Qontigo has become a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the United Nations-supported proponent of responsible investing, underscoring Qontigo's commitment to advance sustainability in the global investment community.

AM Giant Expands Sustainable Investing Team in Hong Kong | CityWire Asia

• JP Morgan Asset Management has appointed Felix Lam as head of investment stewardship for Asia ex-Japan and Robert Harden as a sustainable investing research analyst. Both roles are based in Hong Kong and report to Jennifer Wu, who is the global head of sustainable investing.

• Sponsor the Climate Action Pursuit: In 2021, be a sponsor of an ambitious pursuit of climate action, justice, and resilience. The Climate Action Pursuit is a brand new concept — a series of milestones with virtual programming that connects higher ed and finance leaders. To discuss the possibilities of partnership,or sponsorship, please contact: Hannah Bowen at [email protected]
• Support racial equity investing: We are accelerating network action on investing in racial equity through 2021. Thank you to Prime Buchholz and Global Endowment Management for answering this call to support our initiative! To join them in sponsoring this work or to learn more about the series of webinars, workshops, and other peer-learning convenings in the pipeline, please contact Kaede at [email protected]
• Sponsor the Student Corporate Engagement Competition: IEN’s Student Corporate Engagement Competition is a first-of-its-kind student investment competition, in which students write an investment recommendation for a publicly-traded company that includes both financial analysis and a shareholder engagement strategy to improve the company’s performance and societal impact. This Competition is a media-worthy, high-visibility way to demonstrate your firm’s leadership on sustainable investing by supporting the next generation of sustainable investing professionals, and a great way to access a hiring pipeline of students with training in sustainable investing. We are now offering the opportunity to become a major partner and sponsor of the Competition to expand its reach, visibility, and impact. To learn more reach out to Nicole at [email protected]

Visit the new IEN Members Job Board page on IEN’s website to see postings from IEN members.

• Relationship Manager - US | PRI

IEN Webinar: How You Can Help Stop the Sixth Mass Extinction. The Importance of Considering Biodiversity Conservation When Constructing Your Portfolio | IEN, February 03, 2021, 10am ET

IEN Session at WOHESC: Investing in Sustainability: How to Leverage Your Institution’s Endowment | IEN, February 11, 2021, 11:30 am ET

Climate Action Pursuit - February Milestone | February 24-26, 2021

Climate Action Pursuit - June Milestone | June 10-11, 2021

Climate Action Pursuit - October Milestone | October 7-8, 2021

Climate Action Pursuit - December Milestone | December 9-10, 2021

GreenBiz 21: The Premier Annual Event For Sustainable Business Leaders | GreenBiz Online Event, Feb 9 - 11, 2021 (Invitation Upon Request)

Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) | Social Enterprises, February 11 - 12, 2021, 11am ET As a Community Partner for the WOHESC our members can use a 30% discount code during registration

Clean200 – 2021 Live Webinar | Corporate Knights & As You Sow, February 18, 7am PST

Ceres 2021 Conference:Transform Tomorrow Today | Ceres, March 22 - 25, Virtual Event

GreenFin 21 | GreenBiz Online Event, April 13 - 14, 2021, (Invitation-only)