Investors want to invest more of their money in companies that are committed to protecting the climate, but want to be sure that the investment will produce results.
Photo: 123rf
A confidence poll of 524 New Zealanders by Accountants Australia and New Zealand shows that more than four in five (81 percent) retail investors believe climate-related information is important to their investment decisions, but (83 percent) would feel more confident if it were through an independent insurance company was underpinned.
Amir Ghandar, director of reporting and insurance for Chartered Accountants, said members were being asked more than ever to provide advice on climate risk.
Despite the great interest, most investors still got climate information mainly from news (49 percent) or company websites (41 percent) and not from annual reports (36 percent) or sustainability reports (32 percent).
“The time of ‘green washing’ is over, investors are now demanding credible and, if possible, secure information about climate and sustainability risks that they can rely on in their decisions,” said Ghandar.
“Dealing with climate risk is now an integral part of doing business in New Zealand, regardless of your industry, policy or location – and private investors are loudly signaling their intentions in this survey.”
