But What Happens Next?

The rallies today in the major capitals calling for climate action were certainly encouraging. But what happens next?

As I have said in previous postings, marching in the streets and starting social media campaigns are certainly highly visible activities. But how much real change will they effect, and what else can be done.

The adshel situation showed that 'people power' could make an impact. However, within a day of returning the ads, they were being defaced in homophobic attacks. So, the ads were back, but maybe attitudes were not altered that much at all.

That is why we assist people to review where there investments are, particularly their super, and help them invest in line with their personally held values. By supporting companies financially that you support morally, they are financially encouraged to broaden the work they are doing. Avoiding and withdrawing from companies that you do  not support sends a real message that can affect companies at the share price.

Finally, you can go even further and and show your activism positions at the shareholders meetings, and put forward your point of view to the people who make decisions.

This financial 'activism' is not nearly as visible as taking to the streets. However, it may be more long lasting, and effective in getting the message across to the decision makers, in a language that they understand.


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Giving the Government a helping hand

Governments of the world continue to grapple with action and solutions for addressing climate change and the environment. Whatever solutions they finally agree on will have an impact on the profitability of companies all over the world. Those companies that are helping to reduce carbon will receive benefits, both financial (competitive advantage, efficiency gains), and social (reputational benefits and employee loyalty).

Responsible investment gives you the chance to do what governments of the world have not or will not. RI is a way to ensure that your money is directed towards those companies that are making a positive impact on the environment, and away from those companies that cause harm. You can directly encourage good corporate behaviour by directing your investments and super into companies whose practices you support.

The most common reasons why people become responsible investors are:

• To generate positive returns while making a difference.
• To direct their money to companies making a positive difference while avoiding those that cause harm
• To influence corporate behaviours, and push for greater accountability on issues like sustainability and governance.
• To take their activism to another level.

There are RI solutions for every risk profile, time frame and stage of life. You can make a difference and help to contribute to causes and issues that you believe in. Or you can wait for the Governments of the world to act. We are having enough problems with even deciding on one.