Japanese reforms ignite investor optimism

Shareholder activism has been on the rise in Japan over the last few years, as institutional investors have grown increasingly frustrated with some companies’ poor governance practices and the slow pace of change. High-profile scandals, such as that at Toshiba, have heightened the pressure on companies to be more responsive to shareholders. Now an update […]

A deadly harvest?

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

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 […]

Maersk case study

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A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S (“Maersk”) is a logistics company and one of the world’s largest container shippers, operating in 130 countries and with over 100,000 employees. It is one of the world’s top 100 carbon emitters and was therefore included in the Climate Action 100+ (CA100+) collaborative engagement. We act as the co-lead investor, alongside Akademiker […]

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 […]

EOS Stewardship Report 2022

Fast Reading Expanded section on the training offered to team members and an update on our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. Focus on our approach to engaging on the cost of living crisis, and our CA100+ activities. In 2022, a host of geopolitical and macroeconomic factors combined to threaten the fragile recovery from the pandemic. […]