pandemic Archives - Sustainable Value Investors

Companies, Coronavirus, Pharma / 08.12.2020

Covid-19 vaccine patents: a key research innovation driver or a profit-driven obstacle to fair and worldwide access to a cure?

Despite being a worldwide need, Covid-19 vaccines increase the gap between rich and poor countries. While developed nations support the enforcement of intellectual property rights and secure almost all available vaccine doses, developing ones like India ask for the suspension of the patents on Covid-19...

Companies, Coronavirus, Corporate Governance / 10.09.2020

The Ethics of Executive Compensation amidst the Covid-19 pandemic

As the economy increasingly struggled amidst the COVID19 pandemic, many corporations halted their dividend plans but appeared instead more reticent in sacrificing their executive compensation plans. For instance, the cases of IAG, British Airways owner, and Ryanair Bonus payment to CEO Michael O’Leary bring forth ethical considerations on the...

Coronavirus, Corporate Governance, Financial Institutions / 10.09.2020

Corporate misconduct over federal loans shadowing top-tier financial institutions

JPMorgan is to investigate clients and staff over illegally obtained federal aid. The bank has nearly arranged $29bn of forgivable loans under the PPP, a business loan initiative established as part of the US $2.2tn economic stimulus package. It is difficult to believe that this happened...

Climate change, Renewables / 12.08.2020

Australia’s Snowy Hydro 2.0 and its threat to biodiversity

Australia’s Snowy Hydro 2.0, a pumped hydro storage project in the Snowy Mountains, has recently been approved by the federal government as an economic savior to bushfire-ravaged region and the COVID19 recession. However, several concerns arise from its economic and environmental costs. Australia has recently approved Snowy Hydro 2.0...

Biodiversity, Deforestation / 10.08.2020

Deforestation and the Covid-19 pandemic: a two-fold connection

COVID19 has reaccelerated deforestation, with forest loss alerts increasing up to 77% compared to 2017-2019. As deforestation itself heightens the risk of future disease outbreaks, rural frontiers should be approached more holistically by taking into consideration the health of humans, animals and the planet. Despite a positive historical trend...

Companies, ESG, Green bond, Tech / 04.08.2020

Alphabet launches largest sustainable bond offering ever, but this new frontier is not without risks

Alphabet has launched one of the largest sustainable bond offerings to be ever recorded, devoted to funding ongoing and new green and social justice-oriented projects. Sustainable bonds are not without risk of social washing and investor monitoring is much needed. The Covid-19 pandemic has boosted the offering of socially-related bonds,...

Climate change, Coronavirus, Disinvestment, Mining, Renewables / 31.07.2020

Covid-19 has accelerated the waning of the coal industry

The coal industry is likely to never recover from the heavy blow caused by COVID19, experts said. The modern society’s dependence on coal has been cut loose due to the slash in costs of its greener alternatives and heightened climate activism. Pandemic has accelerated the shift...

Coronavirus, Women empowerment / 23.07.2020

Covid-19 impact on women and girls’ conditions in developing countries

COVID19 has worsened female workers' conditions in developing countries, leaving them in a situation of strong economic distress and reducing their opportunity to be involved in the labor market. Millions of women from developing regions will lose years of success in contributing to household income, voiding...

Coronavirus, Economics, ESG, Green bond, Impact investing / 15.07.2020

Social impact bonds have outpaced green bonds during Covid-19 pandemic

The issuance of social bonds has outpaced that of green bonds this year, reflecting a diversification in sustainability investments and increasing attention by investors on social matters and social risks in light of the challenges brought by COVID19. Covid-19 has brought investors increasing attention on social matters...

Climate change, Coronavirus, Food and beverage, Oil and Gas / 14.07.2020

Covid-19 has led to a surge in consumption of single-use, virgin plastic

Consumption of plastic destinated for single-use items, especially personal protective equipment, has grown dramatically in the last months due to COVID19. This phenomenon has been worsened by lockdown-driven behaviors and the oil price crash which has made recycled plastic more expensive. While overall plastic demand is expected to...

Coronavirus, Women empowerment / 03.07.2020

How Covid-19 is affecting women, widening gender inequality in the workforce

COVID19 has been affecting women and men in disproportionate ways, with women bearing higher economic costs. The coronavirus crisis has been affecting women and men in different and disproportionate ways. Even if men appear to be at higher health risk, women bear higher social and economic...

Automobiles and Parts, Coronavirus, Fashion, Good practices, Industrials, Pharma / 30.04.2020

Manufacturing companies are converting production plants in response to Covid-19

During the coronavirus pandemic, corporations have been contributing to the health crisis. A worldwide phenomenon of companies reconverting production facilities and R&D capabilities to support the fight against COVID19 has been witnessed across industries. During the coronavirus pandemic, corporations have been reacting to ensure business continuity,...