Hold Corporations Accountable
[Image alt text: As You Sow 30th Anniversary Logo]Dear John,
Thank you! You helped make 2022 one for the record books, with higher resolution votes, more accountability through program initiatives, and groundbreaking reports to move responsible corporate action to center stage. This year’s shareholder successes are so inspiring that our Board of Directors has pledged to match all year-end giving up to $100,000 — doubling your donation’s impact! < [link removed] >
Real change requires building momentum. As You Sow’s widespread credibility and trust is something we’ve built with every action over the last three decades – every engagement, every resolution, every report, every press mention, and every commitment we’ve secured from a corporation.
Here’s to you, with gratitude for the positive change we’ve created together over the last 30 years – and to the change we’ll create in the next 30. We’re not stopping until we’ve truly secured a safe, just, and sustainable world for all, where protecting the environment and human rights is fundamental to corporate decision-making.
Will you make a donation today? < [link removed] >
We’re seeing a seismic shift in accountability at many of the largest corporations in the world. In 2022, As You Sow earned TEN majority votes at corporations, an unheard-of achievement. Higher votes put more pressure on management to take action – As You Sow’s engagements are one way companies can make sure they’re leaders, not laggards.
Our original research and reports make it clear which companies are doing the work and which aren’t. More and more companies are taking advantage of our data and stepping up. With your help, we can bring immense pressure to hold corporations accountable for their words and actions. Shareholder advocacy compels real change at corporations, and your support makes it possible. < [link removed] > Your gift, matched 1:1, can drive greater impact in the year ahead.
Your donations help support the reports and scorecards that are the catalyst for corporate engagements. Take a look below at your impact in action and browse As You Sow’s cutting-edge reports – always freely available to you on our website reports page < [link removed] > , too.
You help keep the pressure on the big corporations that need to be pressured to take action. Your support is the lifeblood of this vital work. We have big plans for the future, seeking solutions that work for all stakeholders. We can’t do this without you – thank you for working with us!
Make a donation today! < [link removed] >
Everyone at As You Sow is deeply grateful for your commitment to keeping this planet a habitable place for future generations. With your help, we’ll do our part.
Sincerely,
Sarah [Image alt text: Photo of Sarah Milne] [Image alt text: Signature of Sarah Milne] Sarah Milne
Vice President, Advancement
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Road to Zero Emissions
The Road to Zero Emissions Report < [link removed] > assesses the progress of 55 of the largest U.S. corporations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s objective of limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which requires achieving net zero emissions by 2050.Our primary finding is the overwhelming majority of companies assessed have neither established comprehensive, 1.5°-aligned reduction goals nor demonstrated progress in reducing emissions in alignment with net zero goals.
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Pay for Climate Performance
Linking greenhouse gas emissions targets to executive compensation is one important means to incentivize CEOs to achieve timely and systematic progress on climate. The Pay for Climate Report < [link removed] > is a first step in assessing how effectively companies are currently linking greenhouse gas emissions reduction to CEO pay. The percentage of companies integrating environmental, social, and governance goals in compensation is rising rapidly as investors push for climate progress. As more companies begin to link greenhouse emissions reduction to compensation, it is important that it be done in the most transparent and impactful way.
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Clean200 Global List
In partnership with Corporate Knights, As You Sow released the 9th Clean200 Global List < [link removed] > of publicly traded companies that are leading the way with solutions for the transition to a clean energy future. Now, more than 1,000 companies that have committed to a net-zero-emission target in line with a 1.5°C future, representing $23 trillion in market capitalization, more than the GDP of the United States. The companies in this report are leading the way by putting sustainability at the heart of their products, services, business models, and investments, helping to move the world onto a more sustainable trajectory.
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Toxins in Cocoa and Chocolate Products
Since March 2018, under As You Sow’s supervision, a committee of four experts has been investigating and reporting on the sources of cadmium and lead in chocolate products and recommending feasible measures that may be taken to meaningfully reduce the levels in these products. This report < [link removed] > considered all phases of chocolate production, from farm to factory, and considered both natural and human caused sources of cadmium and lead. The suggested reduction strategies consider better agricultural, business, and manufacturing practices.
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The 100 Most Overpaid CEOs
The pandemic has led to a greater awareness of pay inequity between CEOs and the average worker, with the realization that those with pay most at risk were average workers, not executives. This report < [link removed] > highlights the pay packages approved by board compensation committees to protect their CEOs from the financial impacts their own employees had to weather through COVID-19. Although we have seen a growing rejection of CEO pay packages from many of the largest asset managers and pension funds, change has been unconscionably slow, despite our research demonstrating that the companies with the most overpaid CEOs suffer lower returns for shareholders than the average company.
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Shareholder Impact Review
This year saw record-breaking votes as shareholders united to drive company progress on key issues including climate. As You Sow’s ten majority votes, 41% median vote, and over $2.1 trillion in assets voted for our resolutions demonstrate overwhelming support for companies to develop and steer a clear path toward reduced systemic risk, long-term sustainability, and increased justice.The Shareholder Impact Review
< [link removed] > provides a comprehensive listing of each engagement and a summary of highlights. Our 196 engagements addressed 11 issue areas: 78 on climate change; 40 on diversity, equity, and inclusion; 24 on racial justice; 18 on ocean plastics, single-use plastics, and recyclability; 10 on political spending; six on petrochemicals; five on pesticides; four on antibiotics misuse and overuse; four on corporate misalignment with investing; four on governance; and three on water use.As You Sow’s 30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility and facilitating values-aligned investing spans many of the most important environmental and social issues facing us today, including climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation. Click here to donate.
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As You Sow
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[Image alt text: Charity Navigator Four Star emblem and Candid Platinum emblem]DISCLAIMER: As You Sow is not an investment advisor, nor do we provide financial planning, legal or tax advice.The content of our programming, publications and presentations is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered as information sufficient upon which to base any decisions on investing, purchases, sales, trades, or any other investment transactions. We do not express an opinion on the future or expected value of any security or other interest and do not explicitly or implicitly recommend or suggest an investment strategy of any kind.
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