The UK became the first country in the world to declare an 'environment and climate emergency' in April, fueling calls from the investment industry for the UK to issue its own green gilts and meet the growing demand for environmentally-positive bonds, as well as financing the country's transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Speaking to Investment Week, senior ESG specialists said a move would allow for a broader suite of products within the asset management industry at a time when environmental concerns are a growing part of investors' portfolio constructions. Columbia Threadneedle Investments' Simon Bond, director in the responsible investment portfolio management team, said: "Now is the time for the UK Government to consider issuing green gilts. [This will] help drive the step change needed to address climate change and broader ecological and social issues. "We have seen the successful development of ...
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