How Can You Invest for Sustainable Development?
5 min read
- You can make a difference with the money you invest
- The United Nations has identified what we need to do to build a sustainable future
- Physis Investment helps you invest in our planet’s future
Why should I care?
The upcoming decades have many challenges in store for us. The long-term effects of globalization, revamping of our social structures, and climate change, are all puzzles that we’ll have to solve very soon. In the face of adversity we must stand strong but our problems have become so massive that some see the end of the world and our species approaching as problems like climate change get more severe every day (human civilization will crumble by 2050). To ensure the future of our planet, we all need to invest our money in companies that are dedicated to the common good, not just profits. Before we can unite to fight our greatest battle yet, we must understand our enemy. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are one way to quantify the issues we’re currently facing.
What are the SDGs?
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) are a set of goals that the world has agreed to work towards. The aim is to achieve them by the year 2030. These goals:
“recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth.”
Tackling climate change is essential to preserve our environment. Developed and developing nations will need to work together on these specific goals as they impact all people and our entire planet. You can learn more here.
What can you do to help?
You can invest your money to help with each of the 17 individual SDGs. Many companies are beginning to use this framework to shape their policies, operations, and make the world a better place overall. One company is MSCI ESG. They group the 17 goals into 5 investing themes. These themes each have different sectors you can invest your money in:
- Climate Change – alternative energy, energy efficiency, green buildings
- Natural Capital – sustainable water, pollution prevention
- Basic Needs – nutrition, disease treatment, sanitation, real estate
- Empowerment – financing, education
- Governance – peace and justice
With Climate Change and Natural Capital, investors have an environmental impact. On the other hand, with Basic Needs, Empowerment, and Governance, investors have a social impact. You can learn more about how MSCI ESG determines these themes here.
“How do I invest in the future?”
Physis Investment has built a platform to help you make an impact with your money. The investment platform shows you how your portfolio generates change in the world by showing you your environmental and social impact. You can pick which of the 17 goals you care most about and the platform will select companies that help to achieve those goals. Sign up today to see this in action!
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