Oil and gas are in, renewables are out — at least, that’s what the headlines say. But what’s really happening in energy markets? We take a closer look at shifting U.S. policies, investor reactions, and how global energy trends might shape the future. 

Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research

Guests: Mathew Lee, Chris Cote & Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Research

The quest for higher returns with lower risk is a fundamental principle of successful investing. Study after study shows that investors can use sustainability data to identify more profitable, less risky companies with higher long-term returns. But what about protecting your portfolio from massive drawdowns? Or better yet, seeing which sustainability data points matter most for which industries? Well, you're in luck because that is what this episode is all about!

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research

Guests: Liz Houston and Xinxin Wang, MSCI ESG Research

What are climate scenarios? Can I do them myself, or do I need a supercomputer and an advanced degree to make them work? They are certainly important in this day and age, especially as once-in-a-lifetime destructive events seem to be becoming the norm. That’s why we decided to do an episode demystifying the whole process of climate scenario analysis. Luckily, our guest today, James Edwards, along with his co-authors, Nathan Faigle and Wenmin Li, wrote a practical guide on the topic called How can I use climate scenarios? A practical guide (link below). Thanks to their work, we were able to gather some useful tips on how even we, the humble listener, can conduct our very own climate scenario analysis. Enjoy!

Report: https://www.msci-institute.com/insights/comment/how-can-i-use-climate-scenarios-a-practical-guide/

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
Guest: James Edwards, MSCI Climate Risk Center

Fires continue to rage in Southern California, destroying homes and businesses and leaving thousands stranded. But Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are unfortunately not unique when it comes to wildfire risk. So where is the next fire likely to be? And what can investors do about it? We discuss on this week's episode of ESG now.

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
Guest: Katie Towey,  MSCI Climate Risk Center

One of Australia's biggest casinos is in big trouble, plagued by money laundering investigations and a dwindling pool of domestic gamblers. We look at whether the rise of online gambling may make problems like these redundant in future, and what new risks investors may want to be on the lookout for. 

Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research
Guest: SK Kim, MSCI ESG Research

Join us as we cover the sustainability and climate trends that our team thinks will shape the year head. We talk about the energy transition opportunities that are emerging in private markets, rising social risks and the tech giants, falling data access for AI models and much more. Here’s to a big, intriguing 2025!

Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research
Guests: Liz Houston, Namita Nair & Jonathan Ponder, MSCI ESG Research

We put out the world’s first price forecast for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)! In it we analyzed the potential demand, supply and prices for credits under CORSIA, and how much the scheme could cost the airline industry in terms of higher ticket prices or lower profits. In this episode we explore the reports findings from one of its main authors, Faris Pleho. Enjoy!

Report: CORSIA: Costs and Implications for the Airline Industry 

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research

Guest: Faris Pleho, MSCI Carbon Markets

What do market participants actually think is going to happen to their assets due to climate change? And when do they expect it? And do they think we will ever abandon fossil fuels? Well to answer those questions (and any others!), you need a survey. Luckily, we've got one! We've linked it below, and created a podcast episode about it. Enjoy!

Link to the survey: https://www.msci-institute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MSI-Survey-Report-061124_2.pdf

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
Guest: Russ Bowdrey, MSCI ESG Research

Energy-hungry data centers are the backbone of AI. And as big tech companies look to meet rising demand for AI capabilities, their emissions are ticking up. So, are net zero ambitions at risk? Or can they be saved by a decades-old energy source in a new guise?

Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research
Guests: Yoon Young Chung & Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG Research

VW announced it would shut at least three of its German plants, axe tens of thousands of jobs and slash pay by 10%. This is notable because VW is the powerhouse of Germany which typically has been the EU’s industrial engine – meaning jobs, meaning unions, meaning political might. But this is more than a VW story. It is a story of how the energy transition – the transition from pollutive to non-pollutive forms of economic operations – is upending the global order of established industries. It is the story of the hard tradeoffs we have to make in our effort to cut carbon emissions.

In this episode we explore that new world and what it means for the auto industry; an industry many countries and states rely on for their economic driver.

Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research
Guest: Yu Ishihara, MSCI ESG Research