As the next world Climate Change Summit approaches in Durban, South Africa in November, the largest group of investors and some of the world’s largest corporations are calling for significant action on climate change.

285 of the world’s largest investors, representing assets of $20 trillion reiterated ‘the calls we have made about the importance of domestic and international climate change policy in catalyzing the required levels of investment needed to transition to a low-carbon economy.

The investor group, which includes Swiss Re, HSBC, and CalPERS, wants governments to commit to short-, medium- and long-range targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, along with enforceable legal mechanisms and timelines for achieving those targets.

In their statement, they note that countries attracting the most investment in energy efficiency and renewables are those with strong, consistent, long-term policies and incentives required for investors.

That policy is essential ‘to shift private sector investment from high-carbon to low-carbon assets,’ they say.

Among their recommendations are:

Comprehensive energy and climate change policies that accelerate deployment of energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, clean vehicles and fuels, and low-carbon transportation infrastructure.
Comprehensive policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industry, land-use changes, deforestation and […]