We are facing dramatic global climate change. The opposition has finally raised the white flag.
Finally...a national tour begun by the CEO of Shell Oil Company, announcing the company’s new energy initiatives and accepting the overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming.
In the last few years we have seen 30% of coral beds in key areas disappear. The effect of greenhouse gas emissions is now apparent. Polar ice caps have been substantially reduced in size, and it is projected that our oceans could rise as much as 20 feet by the end of this century.
It is critical that socially responsible investments evaluate company environmental standards. Corporations must establish their compliance with government guidelines. Corporate disclosure of information on environmental impacts, trends in production or prevention of pollution, impacts on land and ecological systems, and participation in environmental improvement programs are evaluated.
We must revolutionize our means of manufacturing, production, distribution.
The analysis documents the record of each company's waste products, including disposition of toxic chemicals and byproducts, emissions of air and water pollutants, responsibility for contaminated lands, and history of environmental fines and litigation. Such investments analyze each company's impact on natural resources and habitats, and avoid companies whose land management or development practices threaten the sustainability of natural habitats.
Many socially screened investments avoid investing in owners or operators of nuclear power plants, or those having substantial contracts to supply key components in the nuclear power process. There is an overwhelming consensus that current nuclear power technology is neither environmentally nor economically viable. In summary, screened investments include companies that publish periodic environmental audits, apply rigorous production standards at their facilities, have implemented environmental innovation, and reward employees for environmental improvements. |
