Could you resettle the unsettled?

Governments around the world rolled out unprecedented stimulus packages from March to May 2020. However, as business activity resumes, they appear to be realigning their priorities and are starting to commit part of these packages to tackle climate change. The attached note explains moves by certain governments (in the EU, Germany, South Korea and the UK) during the past two months, and why we think linking stimulus with climate change considerations is crucial.

Key Takeaways

• In the coming months, we expect governments to increase the proportion of climate investments, which would take the total share to beyond the current c3% of total stimulus (cUSD13tn)
• Electric vehicle manufacturers will be one of the key beneficiaries of this increase in green stimulus
• Economists agree that the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits of climate friendly investments far exceed those of carbon-intensive investments
• Stimulus packages are likely to strain governments’ future cash flow and could adversely impact public climate financing over the coming years
• We see a strong case for stimulus funds to be directed towards climate-friendly investments so that the two systemic risks (the COVID-19 crisis and climate change) could be better managed

Originally published at https://www.acuitykp.com.

About the Author

Charanjit Singh, Head of ESG Research, joined Acuity Knowledge Partners in October 2019 as the head of ESG Research. He has more than 20 years of experience in investment research and advisory, with a focus on ESG, climate change and clean energy. Previously, he was a Senior ESG Strategist with HSBC and the co-head of its India Onshore Research Centre. During his tenure of over 11 years at the bank, Charanjit was instrumental in building and leading three sector teams for the bank’s global research business in India.

Charanjit has been rated in the Asia Money survey amongst the top five analysts in India/ Asia during 2012–15, for his sector coverage. He has been voted in the EXTEL survey during 2010–14 and in 2017 for Climate Change and SRI research. A research report co-authored by Charanjit received the first-runner up prize at the FARSIGHT Awards from London Accord in 2012. Charanjit is also a recipient of Chevening Fellowship from the British Government. He has also been a consultant on assignments funded by DFID, CIDA, and the World Bank.