Been thinking recently UK (& US) failure to learn from other countries throughout pandemic could be warning sign for upcoming #sustainability challenges. Policymakers been skeptical of responses originating outside Europe / N America or from “smaller” countries.
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The ‘ #ZeroCovid only works in repressive regimes’ brigade are prime example. But more generally UK refused to learn from NZ, Aus, Finland, Norway, Singapore, S Korea … on masks, #SupportToIsolate, borders etc. Two concerns for future ESG related policy follow:
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1st Who are we open to being influenced by? Environmental & social progress needs more than collaboration. Govs & practitioners in Eur/NAm need to listen to voices they find uncomfortable (China) & esp to those in Africa, Asia, Arctic already experiencing #ClimateChange cost
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2nd #Covid19 response in UK, US shown pref for technological solution over behavioural change Countries out of #lockdown & taking less economic hit before rescue by vaccine changed behaviours rather than lament lack of “normal” Climate requires innovation in behavior + tech
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Doing #sustainability during a #ClimateEmergency better than much of the world has done #coronavirus may need two mindset changes. Challenge here for politicians and investors (and their advisors)
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UK hosting #COP26 means leadership responsibility on @AlokSharma_RDG et al But true leadership includes the humility to listen to, even defer to, other qualified voices. Such approach unlikely to sit comfortably with way UK politics veered since 2016
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Noticeable that NGO, political & media discourse of late been about UK ‘leading by example’ pre COP26 (e.g. Cumbria Coal) rather than UK listening for examples
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Sustainable investment first gained traction in Europe and recently growing in US. Perhaps Asian asset owners, investors and banks are better placed to write the next chapter. Are investors in London & NY too intent on making #ESG noise to notice?
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These just some early thoughts & would welcome feedback and ideas for moving ESG collaboration forward
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@sustainablefin7 @ActuariesChange @CUSP_uk @PastCoal @wrieurope @PIRC_news