World Environment Day – Investing in a greener future May 31, 2024

- What is it?
- History: Established in 1973, it has become a major platform to raise awareness on critical environmental issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and sustainable development.
- 2024 Theme: This year’s theme is “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience”, with the slogan “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”. This theme aligns with the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Purpose:
- How it’s celebrated:
- Websites:
World Environment Day is the UN’s largest global platform for environmental public outreach, celebrated annually on 5 Jun.
o Encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment
o Drives changes in consumption patterns and environmental policies
o Inspires people to take action to combat environmental degradation
o Events are held worldwide by governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals
o Activities include conferences, clean-up drives, tree plantings, and educational initiatives
World Environment Day is a significant opportunity to reflect on the health of our planet and take action to create a more sustainable future.
ETFs you can invest in which align with World Environment Day objectives
Here are some ETFs that align with the objectives of World Environment Day, focusing on sustainability, clean energy, and land restoration:
1. Climate-Focused ETFs:
- SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC): Tracks companies aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming for a net-zero carbon future.
- iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN): Invests in companies involved in clean energy technologies like solar, wind, and renewable energy infrastructure.
- Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW): Focuses on clean energy companies, with a tilt towards smaller and mid-cap firms.
2. Environmental Sustainability ETFs:
- SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF (EFIV): Tracks companies within the S&P 500 that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
- iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA): Focuses on U.S. companies with high ESG ratings, considering environmental factors alongside social and governance aspects.
3. Land Restoration and Agriculture ETFs:
- Global X Millennials ESG & Consumer ETF (MILN): Invests in companies addressing climate change and sustainability challenges, including land and water conservation.
- Timber ETF (WOOD): Provides exposure to timber REITs that own and manage forests, potentially contributing to sustainable forestry practices.
- iShares Global Agriculture ETF (COW): Offers broad exposure to the agriculture sector, which plays a crucial role in land management and resource utilisation.
Important Considerations:
- Research the specific ETF’s holdings: While the overall theme might align with World Environment Day, it’s essential to understand the underlying companies within the ETF to ensure they truly prioritise sustainability and land restoration.
- Diversification: Consider including a mix of ETFs from different categories to spread your investment across various environmental focus areas.
- Fees and Performance: Like any investment, compare expense ratios and historical performance to choose ETFs that align with your financial goals.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and it’s crucial to conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
How Phillip Securities can help you find ETFs to align with World Environment Day aims
Phillip Securities offers various tools and resources to help you find ETFs that align with World Environment Day’s objectives:
1. POEMS Platform:
- ESG Information Page: This page allows you to learn more on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria such as environmental impact ratings, carbon footprint, and involvement in clean energy or sustainable practices.
- Thematic Investing: POEMS provides access to pre-built thematic portfolios including those focus on sustainability, clean energy, and climate change solutions. These portfolios often include relevant ETFs aligned with World Environment Day’s goals.
- ETF Thematic Investing: POEMS provides access to a wide range of ETFs across various themes, including those focus on sustainability, clean energy, and climate change solutions. These portfolios often include relevant ETFs that align with the goals of World Environment Day.
- Research Reports: Phillip Securities publishes research reports analysing ESG investing trends and highlighting specific ETFs with strong sustainability characteristics.
2. Phillip Securities Investment Advisors:
Phillip Securities offers investment advisory services where you can connect with a financial advisor specialising in sustainable investing. They can:
- Analyse your investment goals and risk tolerance: Understanding your individual preferences is crucial for tailoring an investment strategy that aligns with both your financial needs and environmental values.
- Recommend suitable ETFs: Based on your risk profile and sustainability focus, your advisor can suggest specific ETFs that fit your investment criteria.
- Create a diversified portfolio: They can help you build a well-balanced portfolio that incorporates ETFs from various environmental sectors like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and land restoration.
3. Phillip Securities Research and Insights:
- Market Updates: Phillip Securities regularly publishes market insights and commentaries that discuss ESG investing trends and the performance of sustainable ETFs.
- Webinars and Events: They occasionally host webinars or events specifically focused on sustainable investing, providing valuable information on relevant ETFs and the latest developments in the environmental finance landscape.
By utilising these resources and consulting with Phillip Securities investment professionals, you can effectively navigate the world of sustainable ETFs and make informed investment decisions that align with your values and World Environment Day’s objectives.
Remember:
- Clearly Communicate Your Goals: When interacting with any financial advisors, clearly articulate your interest in aligning your investments with World Environment Day’s objectives, particularly land restoration and environmental sustainability.
- Do Your Research: Even with Phillip Securities’ resources, it is still important to conduct your own research on the recommended ETFs. Understand their holdings, investment strategies, and alignment with your values before making investment decisions.
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About the author
Elston Soares
Elston Soares is an editor with Phillip Securities Research