CalPERS' Climate Portfolio: Greenwashing or Genuine Transition?

2025-03-11

California's Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest US pension fund, has classified over $3 billion in holdings in fossil fuel companies and other major greenhouse gas emitters as "climate solutions." This has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it contradicts CalPERS' stated goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. CalPERS defends its strategy, claiming it aims to influence polluting companies while investing in clean energy, fulfilling its fiduciary duty. However, a report reveals CalPERS' climate portfolio includes 52 of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, highlighting challenges in meeting its emission reduction targets. The situation underscores the difficulty of balancing financial returns with climate commitments and raises questions about transparency and the definition of 'climate solutions'.

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Unlock Exclusive Canadian News: Subscription Guide

2025-02-13
Unlock Exclusive Canadian News: Subscription Guide

This is an advertisement for a Canadian news website subscription. It highlights exclusive content available to subscribers, including articles from renowned authors like Barbara Shecter and Joe O'Connor, daily content from the Financial Times, and unlimited access to 15 Canadian news sites. Additional benefits include the National Post ePaper, daily puzzles (including the New York Times Crossword), and more. The ad encourages readers to register or sign in to unlock more articles.

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UK Alone Among G10 Meets Paris Agreement's 1.5C Goal

2025-02-11
UK Alone Among G10 Meets Paris Agreement's 1.5C Goal

Over 170 countries missed a UN deadline to submit updated emissions-cutting plans, but the UK stands out. It's the only G10 nation with a strategy aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C target, pledging an 81% emissions reduction by 2035 (vs. 1990 levels). Major economies like the US and China failed to submit plans consistent with this goal. Despite economic challenges and political headwinds, the UK remains committed, leveraging early successes like coal power phase-out. However, challenges remain, including large-scale carbon capture and widespread adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps.

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China Shatters Renewable Energy Installation Record in 2024

2025-01-21
China Shatters Renewable Energy Installation Record in 2024

China set a new record for renewable energy installations in 2024, adding approximately 277 gigawatts of solar and nearly 80 gigawatts of wind power. This achievement marks a significant milestone, allowing China to reach its 2030 renewable energy target six years ahead of schedule, contrasting sharply with the US's shift towards fossil fuels. Despite a challenging year for the solar industry due to oversupply, the installation pace remained impressive. While challenges like grid infrastructure upgrades and land availability may slow growth in the coming years, substantial additions are still projected for 2025.

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