Beyond the Buzz S&P Global Ratings

In this episode, host Corrine Bendersky is joined by S&P Global Ratings analyst and lead sustainable finance expert Beth Burks. They discuss Beth’s latest commentary, “Purchased Energy Emissions In ESG Evaluations And Sustainable Financing Opinions.” This commentary clarifies the approach that S&P Global Ratings Sustainable Finance Group takes when evaluating scope 2 emissions. The two discuss challenges in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and the group’s views on the effectiveness of various scope 2 mitigation strategies.
Related Article: Purchased Energy Emissions In ESG Evaluations And Sustainable Financing Opinions

In this episode, host Mike Ferguson is joined by S&P Global Ratings analyst Nora Wittstruck, Senior Director and ESG Sector Leader of U.S. Public Finance. They discuss Nora’s latest commentary on the impact on U.S. local government credit ratings from property & casualty insurance premiums, which are skyrocketing due to physical climate risks. Nora reveals that, in the long-term, insurance costs could drive up the cost of home ownership, leading to economic stagnation or even a decline, and could squeeze certain demographics in affected communities. This commentary is the second of a two-part series exploring the potential credit effects of environmental physical risks.
Related Articles:
Storm Clouds Or Clear Skies Ahead: How Rising Insurance Premiums From Environmental Physical Risks Could Affect U.S. Local Government Credit Ratings; Storm Clouds Or Clear Skies Ahead: How Rising Insurance Premiums From Environmental Physical Risks Could Affect U.S. RMBS And CMBS

In this episode, host Corinne Bendersky is joined by S&P Global Ratings analysts Dr. Paul Munday, Global Adaptation and Resilience Specialist, and Marion Amiot, Head of Climate Economics. They break-down a commentary they published recently that explores the vulnerability of 135 countries to physical climate change over the next 30 years. They unveil the stark discrepancies between the scale and permanence of economic impacts, by region and country. As the frequency and severity of events such as drought, floods, and wildfires increases, the financial and social costs to economies and people will be felt in different ways.
Related Research: Weather Warning: Assessing Countries’ Vulnerability To Economic Losses From Physical Climate Risks

Sustainable bond issuance topped the $1 trillion mark last year, up from $600 million in 2020. In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, Corinne Bendersky is joined by S&P analysts Lori Shapiro and Ana Maria Romero Ramirez delve into this fast-growing market. They discuss questions around the various sustainable finance instruments that have emerged in the market, including how green, social, and sustainable they really are. Do they really do what’s said on the tin? And how will this exciting market grow this year and beyond?
Related Articles:
Global Sustainable Bond Issuance To Surpass $1.5 Trillion In 2022
Navigating The Strengths, Challenges, And Best Practices In Sustainable Finance Frameworks And Transaction Documentation

In this final episode of 2021, Corinne Bendersky, Michael Ferguson, and Michael Wilkins review key environmental, social, and governance themes of the year. Their conversation covers climate activism and litigation, nature-based solutions, the sustainable finance market boom, transparency and disclosure rules, the labor market, and supply chain issues.

In this special episode, Mike Wilkins takes to the floor of COP26 in Glasgow with Andrew W. Mitchell, the Vice Chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Stewardship Council to discuss the issue of tackling global deforestation, a major issue in the fight against climate change. Many solutions are needed but a global adoption of natural capital accounting pricing measures could be the most promising way forward by potentially encouraging more forest-friendly farming practices. The discussion comes right on the heels of Nature Day at COP26 – a day promoting the importance of nature and sustainable land use globally.