Latest news with #climaterisk
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Zahid heads to Geneva for UN disaster summit
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is leading Malaysia's delegation to the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva on June 4 and 5. The Foreign Ministry (MOFA), in a statement today, said Ahmad Zahid is accompanied by senior officials from MOFA, the Deputy Prime Minister's Office and the National Disaster Management Agency. 'The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's National Statement at the eighth GPDRR. He will be speaking at a ministerial roundtable session on the topic of 'Safe Schools Now: Protecting Every Child from Disaster and Climate Risk',' it said. 'The Deputy Prime Minister will reiterate Malaysia's continued commitment to disaster management through the launch of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, the implementation of the Safe School Programme and the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Programme as well as through the introduction of a Disaster Risk Reduction education programme,' it added. While in Geneva, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is also scheduled to meet the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kamal Kishore. 'The meeting is aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between Malaysia and international partners on disaster risk management,' according to the statement. The GPDRR is a platform for assessing progress made by United Nations member states on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Malaysia is a pioneer member of this network and remains unwavering in its commitment to managing and pre-empting disasters in line with the 2030 National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Almost 2 billion lives in South Asia at risk from rising snow and glacier melt: report
The lives of nearly 2 billion people in South Asia are at risk as snow and glacier melt across the Himalayas accelerates, aggravated by black carbon pollution from burning biomass and fossil fuels and unsustainable farming, climate experts have warned. Also known as soot, black carbon darkens snow surfaces and absorbs sunlight, causing it to act like a heat lamp and hasten melting. The fine particulate pollutant is typically released during the combustion of organic matter such as wood, crop residues and diesel. With the largest ice reserves outside the polar regions, the Himalayas are the main source of water for many rivers flowing through the densely populated Indo-Gangetic plains. But this critical function is at risk from rising black carbon emissions and climate change. The rivers nourish fertile agricultural zones across the Indian subcontinent – the world's largest rice-exporting region. They have also been the source of growing geopolitical tensions, including between India and Pakistan Average snow surface temperatures in the Himalayan peaks have risen by more than four degrees Celsius, with black carbon a key contributor, according to a report by Delhi-based think tank Climate Trends released on Friday. It warned that the impact of these emissions was worsened by deforestation, crop burning and poor land management. More than 40 per cent of India's black carbon emissions come from biofuels, according to the report, with significant contributions from large states such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, where agricultural and forest fires are common. Emissions have also been recorded at high levels in the eastern Himalayas, particularly in Nepal.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Institutional Investors Are Ramping Up Climate Investments In 2025
In today's investment landscape, large institutional investors are increasingly matching capital with a clean energy future. A recent Mercer Investment study of 74 large asset owners-- with more than $2 trillion in assets--found that 70% now integrate responsible investment goals into their strategies, a seven percentage jump from last year. Despite shifting rhetoric in some corners of the market, momentum continues to build. The Mercer study underscores this powerful trend—a growing majority are not only setting clear responsible investment goals, they're also increasing how much they allocate to those investments. Responsible Investment Goals Now Central to Portfolio Strategy From New York to Oregon to Ontario, asset owners-- the investors that include pension funds, endowments, insurers, sovereign wealth funds, and wealth managers--are making clear that managing climate risk and seizing investment opportunities are central to long-term fiduciary duty. In 2025, that's translating into investors pouring more capital into climate solutions at scale, reporting progress on portfolio emissions, and supporting public policies that enable a future-ready economy. Major Pension Funds Raise Expectations for Asset Managers Across North America, public officials and investment leaders are raising the bar for themselves-- and the asset managers they do business with. In April, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who oversees the city's pension funds, laid out clear transition plan expectations for investment managers. Asset managers working with the New York City Employees Retirement System, the Teachers Retirement System, and Board of Education Retirement System must deliver credible, detailed transition plans—or he would recommend putting those managers' investment mandates out to bid. Highlighting the financial stakes for states and the public funds they manage, Maryland's state comptroller released a report in April on how inaction on extreme weather issues is straining the state's economy and budget. Economic impacts include workforce disruptions, agricultural losses, tourism declines, supply chain disruptions, infrastructure damage, and loss of essential services. And underscoring the critical role of policy advocacy in helping asset owners meet their fiduciary duty, Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner backed state legislation introduced in January to strengthen the Treasury's ability to manage risks. The bill supports the Treasury's ability to pursue the near- and long-term investment strategies needed to reduce climate-related investment risks and protect the Oregon public employee retirement fund. Momentum is also strong north of the border. In February, a group of Canadian asset owners representing CAD 53 billion issued a call for the country's financial institutions to stay committed to their net zero goals and to translate them into robust action plans--essential for maintaining a competitive and stable financial system. The consequences of wavering on climate action are also becoming increasingly tangible. European Investors Reconsider U.S. Exposure Major European investors are reassessing their exposure to U.S. asset managers amid concerns about declining policy certainty and a perceived erosion of leadership in the clean economy. Dutch pension fund PME, which manages €57 billion, is reviewing a €5 billion mandate with BlackRock following its exit from a key responsible investing group. Meanwhile, Amundi, Europe's largest asset manager, noted last month that clients have 'massively repositioned' to avoid U.S. markets, driven by unease over inconsistent clean economy policy signals and other geopolitical concerns. The message from institutional investors in 2025 is clear: climate strategy is foundational to fiduciary duty. As stewards of long-term capital, asset owners are not just adapting to a changing world; they're shaping it.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Climate Risk Is A Threat To The Sports Investment Boom
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 06: General view of hazy conditions resulting from Canadian wildfires as ... More Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees jogs to the dugout during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on June 06, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by) As sport transforms into a dynamic and lucrative asset class, the environmental crisis is accelerating. Savvy sports investors are increasingly factoring in growing climate risks, recognizing their potential to disrupt operations and erode returns. The global appeal of sport, lucrative media rights, and the potential for substantial returns is attracting private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, celebrities and athletes. No longer just "trophy assets," men's and women's sports now present viable investment opportunities. Even with economic headwinds, investors are bullish on sports. Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams, and Steve Cannon have launched a sports-focused private equity fund, looking to raise $750 million to target minority investments in NBA, MLB, and NFL teams. Rory McIlroy has teamed up with TPG to launch a sports investment fund, and Standard Chartered have launched a fund focused on sports for high net worth clients. These are just announcements from the past several weeks. DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 11: Mark Cuban reacts after the Dallas Mavericks score during the first half ... More against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on April 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Financial prospects are enticing, but the escalating climate crisis creates risk for sport investments. By 2050, corporate exposure to climate risks is expected to triple, putting more than $1.14 trillion in market value at risk for companies on the world's largest stock exchanges. This includes sports organizations, which are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on physical infrastructure and scheduled events. Investors in sport need to 'consider how exposed their investment portfolios are to physical climate risks," confirms Daniel Keir, climate resilience specialist at Zurich Resilience Solutions. Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events. NFL stadiums could face an estimated $11 billion in climate-related losses by 2050. TOPSHOT - A panoramic view shows the Imola racetrack on May 18, 2023 after heavy rains caused ... More flooding across Italy's northern Emilia Romagna region, killing nine people. The flooding caused the cancellation of Sunday's Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix scheduled in Imola, with organisers saying they could not guarantee the safety of fans, teams and staff. (Photo by STRINGER / AFP) (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images) As well as physical threats to infrastructure, such as extreme weather causing roofs to come off stadiums, or golf courses disappearing due to coastal erosion, sports face additional financial risks stemming from the climate crisis. Organisers may face rising insurance premiums and revenue disruption from ticketing, sponsorship or broadcast if events are cancelled or altered. If values aren't aligned, revenue can be missed from potential sponsors with a strong sustainability ethos, and conversely, partnering with unethical or polluting organisations can cause reputational risks. QUEENS, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2023/04/07: Participants seen holding a banner at the protest. ... More Mets fans and climate activists targeted the Mets' opening day to send a strong message about climate change and the teams sponsors role in it. After the third inning, activists dropped one large banner that read Mets Drop Citi. (Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images) It's worth noting that direct climate impacts on a stadium can have broader investment ramifications too. 'Stadiums often act as economic anchors and catalysts for broader urban development," Austin Clack, Climate X's physical risk solutions lead for North America told me. 'Climate risks that endanger these assets can reduce investor confidence and stall development plans in the surrounding area, leading to stranded project investment and overall lowered investment inflow into communities.' Despite growing awareness and risk, these considerations are not yet central to all investment decisions in the sports sector. 'If the internal rate of return doesn't stack up, ESG won't save the deal and if the IRR is strong but there are climate risks, the investment can still go ahead,' Michael Broughton, founder of Sports Investment Partners LLP told me. Climate risks may currently only filter as a priority for investors when they create the potential for a tangible impact on forecasted cash flow, but they are a consideration. The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment encourage investors to always incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes. This photograph shows a view of a building of the SK Moelingen football club surrounded by water ... More after heavy rain in Fourons-Voeren on May 18, 2024. The Liege region in eastern Belgium was hit by flooding, with some 550 requests for assistance recorded on May 17, 2024, night, in the province of Liege, and 150 firefighters mobilized, caused by torrential rain, also hitting France and Germany. (Photo by BRUNO FAHY / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/Belga/AFP via Getty Images) Climate risks are likely to be a larger consideration for investment in smaller sports clubs, where a more direct line can be drawn between issues such as flooding and core revenue drivers such as match-day viability and income. It's not only financial risk, which naturally sits at the heart of investments, that needs to be considered. Reputational risk carries greater weight in sports due to heightened media attention and public scrutiny. This includes 'changing consumer preferences regarding transparency and ethical behaviour,' says Philip Cronje, business unit manager of Aon South Africa's sports, recreation and entertainment division. Beyond mitigating risk, climate action presents a commercial upside for investors. There is a lot of opportunity for fan and sponsor engagement on this topic. Broughton believes 'the fan comes first,' and that a better understanding of fans leads to better business outcomes. With sports fans increasingly engaging on climate issues, climate-positive initiatives can enhance the appeal of a sports organisation seeking investment. Sustainability is a strong selling point as part of a pitch. It enhances the story even if it's not the core proposition. The integration of climate risk and ESG considerations into sports investments is evolving rapidly. As the financial implications of climate change become increasingly apparent, investors are likely to place greater emphasis on sustainability, and look more intently at risk. Although climate risk or sustainability may not yet be deal breakers in many sports investments, investors should consistently engage on these issues when considering any opportunity in the sector. Aligning investment strategies with this engagement will not just safeguard and future-proof assets, but also unlock upsides through fan trust and sponsorship appeal. In the melting pot of an evolving sports investment landscape and accelerating climate crisis, prioritizing climate risk and sustainability isn't just a tick-box exercise. It is a strategic imperative that is fundamental for success. Austin Clack sums it up well, saying 'investors should recognize that climate risk is not a distant concern but an imminent financial reality that must be factored into investment strategies immediately."
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AfriGIS launches 'Resolve Water' - A game-changing digital platform to help navigate Africa's water and climate future
Today, AfriGIS, a leading provider of trusted contextual insights, is excited to announce the launch of Resolve Water, a transformative digital platform designed to tackle Africa's growing water and climate risks. The platform will empower the private sector to turn water challenges into actionable opportunities by providing real-time, context-specific data that enables better decision-making. In the face of an escalating water crisis, South Africa and many parts of Africa are experiencing a critical shortage of clean water, compounded by climate change, population growth, and inefficient infrastructure. While climate risk is a global challenge, water risk is profoundly local - shaped by geography, infrastructure, and governance. This makes water risk both more tangible and solvable, provided businesses and governments have the right data at their disposal. "We believe water security is set to become a new competitive edge. Supply chains will be judged not just on emissions but on water resilience. Banks will need to understand water-adjusted credit risk, insurers will need to underwrite climate-sensitive portfolios with location-specific water intelligence, and investors will look for real impact and resilience," says Helen Hulett, chief sustainability officer at AfriGIS. 'Resolve Water is the platform that enables all of this — by design. It brings transparency and actionable insights to businesses, helping them mitigate risk and invest in sustainable water solutions that have long-term, measurable impacts on their bottom line." Resolve Water's platform integrates and enhances existing water data from a variety of sources, including government databases, satellite services, and meteorological agencies, into a single decision-ready interface. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, the platform enables businesses to: 1. Map Water Supply Chain Risks: From source to site, identifying quality and volume risks to ensure resilience and sustainable growth planning. 2. Quantify Mitigation Efforts: Linking risks to returns by measuring the financial, social, and environmental payback of water mitigation actions. 3. Facilitate Partnerships: Create visibility across public, private, and financial sectors to encourage collaboration on water risk management. 4. ESG Alignment: Provide businesses with the tools needed to meet regulatory requirements and drive genuine transformation within their industries. Rochelle Mountany, CEO of AfriGIS, highlighted the company's commitment to tackling Africa's water challenges: 'Our goal with Resolve Water is to help businesses move from passive awareness to proactive decision-making, making water-smart supply chains, resilient assets, and sustainable finance portfolios the new standard. With this platform, businesses and financial institutions will have the confidence and the data they needed for ROI-driven change.' Resolve Water also offers critical capabilities for banks, investors, insurers, and other stakeholders, allowing them to assess water-adjusted credit risk, forecast disruptions, and guide capital allocation. This will help unlock private sector financing for water resilience projects across Africa, a key component of the continent's adaptation strategy. While the initial launch of Resolve Water will focus on South Africa, AfriGIS's mission is pan-African, with the platform being developed to address the unique water management challenges across the continent. The solution is designed to align with Africa's regulatory, infrastructural, and environmental realities, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to meet the demands of global ESG regulations. 'With more than two decades of experience powering location-based solutions across the continent, AfriGIS brings the deep technical and contextual expertise needed to launch a solution of this scale and ambition. This solution builds on the AfriGIS legacy of scaling solutions with trusted insights' said Mountany. "Water risk is becoming an integral part of global financial strategies," added Helen Hulett. "With Resolve Water, we're providing a platform that will not only help businesses understand their water exposure but also allow them to take action that drives resilience, compliance, and long-term sustainability." The launch of Resolve Water marks a significant milestone in AfriGIS's ongoing mission to support Africa's adaptation to climate change. The platform's cutting-edge technology, combined with AfriGIS's years of experience and deep expertise, will provide businesses with the intelligence needed to build water-smart futures for Africa.
