Strategy & planningFAQs

Will investors deprioritise sustainability / ESG issues during an economic downturn?

It seems highly unlikely. Sustainable investment grew steadily through the dot-com bubble of the late 90s; it grew consistently through the financial crisis of 2007 - 2008 and it appears to be continuing to grow through the COVID-19 crisis.

Will investors deprioritise sustainability / ESG issues during an economic downturn?

 

While there are arguments that economic downturns focus minds on financial fiduciary duty rather than other aspects of ESG. However, the environmental causes and social consequences of COVID-19 (combined with ongoing understanding of the climate crisis) makes it unlikely that the pace of sustainable investment / ESG is likely to slow any time soon.