COP26 – working together to tackle the climate crisis

The United Nation’s 26th Conference of the Parties – COP26 – is recognised as the most important climate change event since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Due to be held this November in Glasgow, the summit will bring together world leaders to build on the work left unfinished by COP25 and the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

The main goals include working together to secure global net zero by mid-century, mobilising finance, and adapting to protect communities and natural habitats.

The investment industry has signalled its intention to play a role in the global climate transition. Launched in December, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative has grown to over 120 investors, managing $43trn – all committed to supporting the net zero goal and investing aligned with net zero emissions. COP provides an opportunity for investors to consider how they can innovate in developing solutions to climate issues and in financing sector transition.

Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change CEO, Stephanie Pfeifer, commented on the popularity of the initiative, “In just six months nearly half of the global asset management sector has committed to achieving net-zero emissions with their clients across the funds they manage. This marks a fundamental tipping point across the investment sector and a significant boost in efforts to tackle climate change and decarbonise the global economy. There’s a lot more to achieve, but the sector is increasingly on a path to a net-zero future.”

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.