Global and Regional Policy Advocacy

Overview

Investors are a key influence on policymakers and, therefore, to their beneficiaries.

Public policy is a key ingredient in defining the rules by which capital markets operate. It signals and incentivises the flow of capital across the global economy, particularly where the benefits of investment accrue not to one market actor but across the global economy and society. Policymakers need to create policy frameworks that support investment in low-carbon assets, enable investment in adaptation measures, and enact a just transition for affected workers and communities. They also should ensure that investors take full account of the risks and opportunities presented by climate change in their decision-making.

The Investor Agenda Global Investor Statement

Investors have a critical role to play in influencing the policy state of play both at the global level and at a regional or country level to reach Paris-aligned climate goals.

In 2022, The Investor Agenda launched a Global Investor Statement with investor signatories that urged governments around the world to rapidly implement priority policy actions that will enable them to invest the trillions needed to respond to the climate crisis.

Effective policies in line with limiting global warming to no more than 1.5°C are essential for accelerating and scaling up private capital flows needed for a climate resilient, net-zero transition. In the 13th and most ambitious to statement to date, investors from 33 countries around the world urged governments to implement five priority policy actions including: medium- and long-term climate strategies, transitioning energy away from fossil fuels, ending deforestation, bolstering climate finance, and strengthening disclosures.

More than 600 investors representing almost $42tn signed on to 2022 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Crisis, ahead of its final showcasing at COP27.

Please look out for the opportunity to participate in our global advocacy work next year, and contact Rachel Ward and Paul Smith if you have any questions.

Find out more about the asks and signatories to the 2022 Global Investor Statement

Country Policy Groups (CPGs)

In order to meet global targets, The Investor Agenda works with investors at the local level to drive country- and region-specific policy goals.

Australia CPG

November 2022 – six of the founding members of the Investor Agenda issued a common letter to the Australian Treasurer and the Reserve Bank of Australia Governor to require internationally consistent mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures adopting the standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board.

October 2021 – six of the founding members of the Investor Agenda issued a common letter to the Australian Treasurer and Reserve Bank of Australia Governor calling for the integration of TCFD-aligned disclosure requirements.

July 2021 – CDP, IGCC and PRI convened a roundtable between senior representatives of Australian Council of Financial Regulators and a group of senior investors to discuss investor expectations the implementation of mandatory TCFD in Australia.

June 2021 – CDP, IGCC and PRI released a plan for Australia to adopt a mandatory financial disclosure for climate change risks over the next four years to help cut red tape for business and protect national economic stability.

European Union CPG

September 2022 – CDP, IIGCC and PRI published a report looking into Green Recovery in the EU and how EU recovery funds can support investors and the European Green Deal.

September 2022 – CDP, IIGCC and PRI write to the European Commission to encourage an ambitious approach to negotiations on the EU “Fit for 55” package which will implement its updated NDC across a range of real economy policy instruments.

April 2021 – CDP, IIGCC and PRI convened a roundtable between representatives of the European Commission and a group of about 100 investors to discuss investor expectations on a sustainable economic recovery in the EU following the pandemic. The strong investor turnout at the session indicated the importance of this topic for the investment community, and an open dialogue allowed for a mutually beneficial exchange of views.

December 2020 – CDP, IIGCC and PRI CEOs published an open letter on high climate ambition in the EU’s 2030 target and sustainable recovery package.

Japan CPG

March 2022 – AIGCC, CDP and PRI published an open letter to the Prime Minister of Japan calling for decisive decarbonization action around coal reduction and clean energy increase following COP26.

October 2021 – AIGCC, CDP and PRI published an open letter to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan on Japan’s Strategic Energy Plan inviting him to support Japan’s achievement of a carbon neutral goal for 2050.

October 2021 – AIGCC, CDP and PRI published an open letter to the Commissioner of the Financial Services Agency of Japan inviting him to encourage Japan’s adoption of Mandatory Corporate Climate-related Disclosure and lead conversations on the topic at international events and conferences.

March 2021 – the CEOs of AIGCC, CDP and PRI called upon the Government of Japan to adopt robust and ambitious policy measures to increase investor confidence in mobilizing private capital towards the net-zero emissions energy transition.

US CPG

June 2022 – Ceres coordinated an Investor Agenda-wide response to the consultation on the draft climate rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as advocating for responses from global investors. An Investor Agenda blog outlines our response to the SEC.

September 2021 – CDP, Ceres and PRI issued a common statement to US Congress to pass large reconciliation package complete with ambitious climate investments.

July 2021 – CDP, Ceres and PRI issued a common letter to US policymakers calling for a broader and bolder bipartisan federal infrastructure package that will better support the just and inclusive transition to a net zero emissions future.

April 2021 – CDP, Ceres and PRI issued a common letter to US policymakers setting out bold and effective action to address the climate crisis.