Please Do Not Destroy the Planet
November 27, 2020
United Nations paper on sustainable development encourages environmental stewardship, and the recent proposal of our federal government will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, writes Peter Watson.
Is there a way of investing that reflects our personal values?
Yes.
The best way to describe this type of investment is with the letters ESG, which stands for Environment, Social, and Governance.
The underlying theme of this type of investment is sustainability. In a UN report, sustainable development was defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
My way of interpreting the UN message is: On behalf of our children and future generations, please do not destroy the planet.
The sad thing about the UN warning was it was contained in a report written in 1987. Good advice then. Now in 2020, time is long past due to when we need to start changing our habits of how we abuse our planet.
Last week the minority Liberal government introduced the “Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act,” proposing to slash greenhouse gas emissions.
The government is attempting to do its part. Now it is our turn.
Investors have an important role to play in helping planet earth recover from decades of pollution. And it is very simple.
Decide on what type of companies that will not receive your investment capital. For example, companies that produce and sell coal could be excluded from your portfolio.
Companies that are heavy users of coal in their operations can also be excluded.
Also, you could direct your investment dollars to companies that are involved with Green Energy. Either the production and distribution of Green Energy or using it in their business.
Sustainable investing reflects our values. Reflects our wishes to preserve our environment.
Peter Watson is registered with Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI) to provide investment advice. Investment products are provided by ACPI. ACPI is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of ACPI. Peter Watson provides wealth management services through Watson Investments.
RELATED ARTICLES