A deadly harvest?

Fertilizing the field with a tractor

Synthetic pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, are designed to kill insects, weeds, fungi or other pests, to protect crops, increase food production and reduce the risk of famine. However, the human health and environmental risks associated with particular chemical compounds have been well documented, perhaps most famously in Rachel Carson’s 1962 book, Silent Spring. Carson’s […]

Why forever chemicals aren’t going away

A man crouching by the water with a water sample in his hand

We encounter a host of synthetic chemicals in our daily lives, although many of us are unaware how dangerous they can be to our long-term health. There is particular concern about the persistence of certain synthetic long-lasting chemicals called PFAS, which break down very slowly over time, if at all. These substances contain a strong […]

Public Engagement Report Q2 2023

Fast reading Widespread use of synthetic pesticides to protect crops and boost yields poses risks to the environment and human health How the latest Japanese corporate governance reforms can help drive shareholder value Climate lobbying, collective bargaining and tax transparency among the issues addressed by shareholder proposals this voting season Chemicals and pesticides have been […]

Techtronic Industries case study

In the supply chain, the company is exposed to human rights risks through the cobalt mining process, a key mineral in batteries that power wireless appliances. Initially, it did not have a dedicated cobalt procurement policy, and we perceived the company to have insufficient disclosure of its supply chain management methods and performance indicators. In […]

German automotive engagement on climate lobbying

Many automotive companies have set emissions reduction targets focused on a shift to electromobility – but to implement this effectively, a supportive policy environment is essential.  In the video below, Lisa Lange dives into her engagement work with Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, discussing how automotive companies must align their direct and indirect lobbying activities with […]

The value of gender equity in the workplace

Gender gaps around the world reflect underlying societal issues that impact women at all stages of life, from the wages earned at work, and the way women are treated by the justice system, to the pervasive everyday sexism highlighted by the #MeToo movement. At work, women may be subjected to sexual harassment and discrimination, which […]

Federated Hermes Stewardship Report 2022

River tributary

This year’s report now features the stewardship activities of our infrastructure and private equity investment teams. Monitoring engagement outcomes is crucial in ensuring our approach is effective and achieves the desired results. As such, this report contains new and updated examples and case studies throughout to demonstrate how our approach works in practice. In our […]

Counting the cost of the climate crisis

Investor groups and standard-setters have called on companies to follow best practice guidelines and fully reflect climate-related risks in their financial statements. That means companies should disclose how climate change and decarbonisation commitments are being captured in their accounting assumptions and judgements. Are their accounts aligned with a 1.5°C world, as set out in the […]

Mercedes-Benz-Fallstudie

Die Verbände der Automobilindustrie haben erheblichen Einfluss auf Politik und Regulierung. Damit die Automobilindustrie ihre erklärten Netto-Null-Ziele im Einklang mit einer 1,5-Grad-Obergrenze erreichen kann, ist es wichtig, dass jegliche Lobbyarbeit, einschließlich derjenigen der Handelsverbände, auf dieses Ziel ausgerichtet wird. Wir beschäftigen uns seit 2007 mit der Mercedes-Benz Group und sind einer der Hauptverantwortlichen für die […]

Volkswagen-Fallstudie

Im September 2015 wurde festgestellt, dass Volkswagen Fahrzeuge so programmiert hatte, dass sie die Labortests für NOx-Emissionen unterliefen. Dieser Skandal wurde als „Dieselgate“ bekannt. Infolgedessen wurde das Unternehmen mit Klagen überzogen und der Ruf der Marke geschädigt. Ein erheblicher Rückgang des Aktienkurses und Kosten in Höhe von schätzungsweise 35 Mrd. US-Dollar waren die Folge1. Unseren […]