Contrary to speculations of wavering investor commitment to climate action, an analysis released today by Ceres finds that most of the largest North American investors have set net zero greenhouse gas emissions commitments—and they are translating these goals into action.
Investor Climate Action Plans are Becoming a Norm examined the public climate disclosures made by these investors, collectively representing more than $60 trillion in assets under management, more than half of the global GDP. The assessment looked at how investors plan to address the financial risk caused by climate risk, translating their climate commitments into actions representative of the focus areas of the Investor Climate Action Plans (ICAPs) framework—investment, corporate engagement, policy advocacy, and investor disclosure—and widely disclosed comparable formats.
The analysis found that 77% of the 48 investors have committed to net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, and nearly 90% of investors with net zero commitments have components of ICAPs in place demonstrating progress toward these goals. The assessment found that investors are progressing across all areas of the ICAPs framework.
Our analysis shows that ICAPs are quickly becoming standard practice. We welcome the strong response to the ICAPs framework and the growing momentum for climate action among investors.