EIO Policy Position on Global Warming
The EIO tries to avoid taking positions on specific environmental and scientific debates. We do not presume expertise in such areas, nor do we presume that those who have scientific or technical expertise in for example climate measurement would be equally skilled in understanding how the world's investment system works.
With regard to the global warming/climate change question, which has clearly moved to the top of the current environmental risk agenda, our view is that the world's most reputable and skilled climate scientists have identified risks, which appear to be gaining ever-greater confirmation and are patently beyond the theoretical. We do not seek to second-guess long established centres, such as the Met Office in the UK, when it comes to climate modelling and predictions of risk over time.
The issue for the EIO is how to turn these serious concerns into real and viable solutions, whether that be through prevention or mitigation.
Technology, whilst not the only solution, is clearly a major part of that solution. But what is the fastest and most effective route for transferring that technology into every area of everyday life all around the globe? And what is the most rapid and effective route for changing behaviour and practices at a business and individual level?
This is where the EIO looks to the investment system and all its massive potential for directing resources, so poorly squandered in recent times.
The EIO will need to engage the latent power of financial consumers to pressure the financial industry into putting that right and work with those in the investment industry who are willing to play a pivotal role in this transition.
The new ET Index Series will be an important practical mechanism for bringing these ideas into practical reality. If successful, they will affect investment patterns in stock markets throughout the world.
The EIO's methodology is a "nuts and bolts" approach. If something is not working properly, "campaigning" against the problem is only going to get us so far. Putting environmental challenges high on the Political Agenda has clearly paid dividends, but does not necessarily lead to a solution of the scale and time frame required. It is very easy for politicians to set targets for the future to be implemented by other people.
Targets are one thing and solutions are something else. Targets are not dynamic. The best that is expected is the target. The EIO seeks to design solutions that are self generating and can go past the target, just in case the target is wrong!
Interested in keeping up to date with the progress of ET?
Enlist for our forthcoming "Investment Revolution" newsfeed by dropping us an email at etlaunch@eio.org.uk.
Many thanks for your interest,
The EIO team.