Corporate responsibility. Articles and stories.

The economic shock from the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred interest in finding ways to stimulate economies and create jobs while addressing social priorities such as climate change. In Credit Suisse's latest podcast on its long-term investment themes known as Supertrends, Brian Blackstone talks to Eugène Klerk, Head of ESG Research at Credit Suisse, about why the global economy needs green stimulus, which sectors will benefit from it, and why – after years of talking about green-focused stimulus without much follow-up – this time things may actually be different.

Sustainable investing has a long history and has evolved considerably in recent decades. Today, we are witnessing a shift from ESG exclusion and integration-only approaches towards the inclusion of thematic and impact-aligned approaches.

The topics discussed in the media and by politicians in recent months matter to the younger generation: Sustainability and equality are now seen by them as key issues. Young people have developed a new political awareness and want clear solutions. However, they are not calling for a revolution. Current uncertainties around the world – from the coronavirus crisis to concerns about poverty in old age – are causing young people to become more cautious.

Young people vary in many respects, but they are surprisingly united on what's "in" and what's "out": Platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Netflix are cool, while drug-taking and smoking are passé. Young people value a materially cautious, healthy lifestyle.

More and more young people are becoming politically engaged on the issues that matter most to them – in particular equality and the environment. They are using social media as a catalyst for change, although this brings its own problems.

Although few young people fall into the COVID-19 risk group, they are still very worried about the situation. However, the impact the pandemic is having on their lives varies greatly from country to country – especially with regard to their list of top concerns, trust in government, the future of e-commerce, and solidarity with their fellow citizens.

The economic value of global ocean assets is around USD 24 trillion, making it the seventh-largest economy in the world. A sustainable blue economy is not just crucial for planetary and human health – it also makes good business sense. Yet, with the acceleration of climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing, the ocean's condition is deteriorating. Active investor engagement can help to turn this crisis around.

Climate change is happening, the science is clear and the world is reacting. The 2016 Paris Climate Agreement was a commitment signed by 196 nations to cut global emissions by 45% in the next 11 years to stop the planet warming to irreversible levels.

As the world celebrates World Ocean Day, Marisa Drew, CEO Impact Advisory and Finance at Credit Suisse speaks to Karen Sack and José Maria Figueres, two prominent ocean conservation activists and Ocean Unite founders on why there is no life on Earth without a healthy ocean and how market-based instruments can help.

With climate change undeniable and new CO2 emissions restrictions, lower carbon transportation is necessary.