The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Local Authority Pension Funds has launched an inquiry into ‘Responsible investment for a just transition’ and is inviting submissions to its call for evidence.
The inquiry is being led by the chair of the APPG, Clive Betts MP, with support from the Smith Institute. Its findings will be published ahead of the UN climate change conference in Glasgow in November 2021.
Climate change is a threat to lives and livelihoods, presenting systemic risks to the economy and financial markets and to our future prosperity. Shifting to a net zero economy has the potential to create new jobs and drive economic growth. However, the benefits may not be felt evenly with some employees and communities at risk of being left behind. This not only threatens to create economic hardship for some but also undermine support for the shift to net zero.
Our focus is on the UK and the contribution that local authority pension funds and other institutional investors can make towards achieving a just transition. How can the policies and practices of major investors help decarbonise the economy in a way that protects beneficiaries and secures the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities?
Over the coming months, the APPG inquiry will be carrying out research and holding oral evidence sessions with experts and stakeholders. The Group would also like to hear your views and receive any evidence you may have on responsible investment for a just transition.
The APPG aims to publish its findings and recommendations in the Autumn and present them to Parliament, as well as to UN agencies, devolved and local government, business, investors, trade unions and other stakeholders.
The terms of reference includes specific questions that we are interested to hear your views on and can be accessed here.
To submit evidence please email your views to steve.barwick@smith-institute.org.uk. Please let us know if your views are not to be cited or quoted. The deadline for submissions is the 30 April 2021.