Here's a thread on what I've learned looking at dozens of impact investing opportunities.
Tl;dr - you can make 5-10% returns and:
- Cut emissions
- Improve public health
- Invest in underserved communities
🧵
#energytwitter
Tl;dr - you can make 5-10% returns and:
- Cut emissions
- Improve public health
- Invest in underserved communities
🧵
#energytwitter
1. Most people think you have to sacrifice returns to do good.
That's false.
I found tons of opportunities to invest in renewables, electrification, and regenerative agriculture.
All of them offered 5-10% returns.
That's false.
I found tons of opportunities to invest in renewables, electrification, and regenerative agriculture.
All of them offered 5-10% returns.
2. The best opportunities tackle more than one social problem.
And there are a lot of them!
@BlocPower (led by the amazing @DBaird13) is electrifying buildings and cutting emissions.
They are also investing and creating high-paying jobs in underserved communities.
And there are a lot of them!
@BlocPower (led by the amazing @DBaird13) is electrifying buildings and cutting emissions.
They are also investing and creating high-paying jobs in underserved communities.
@renewablesorg is helping businesses in India finance solar projects.
Because 70% of India's electricity comes from coal, this is a great way to reduce emissions.
But swapping solar for coal also improves public health.
Because 70% of India's electricity comes from coal, this is a great way to reduce emissions.
But swapping solar for coal also improves public health.
In India the death rate from air pollution is 700% higher than in the US.
Dirty coal is the main reason.
Investing your money in @renewablesorg tackles both climate change and air pollution.
Dirty coal is the main reason.
Investing your money in @renewablesorg tackles both climate change and air pollution.
@NEIFundorg (which just launched a new offering through @RaiseGreenInc) is helping states run energy efficiency financing programs.
They are also helping low-income folks afford things like solar, electrification, etc.
They are also helping low-income folks afford things like solar, electrification, etc.
3. The best impact investments go beyond divestment.
When it comes to investing there are three options:
a. Invest in bad companies
b. Invest in more "neutral" companies
b. Invest in companies that actually solve social problems
When it comes to investing there are three options:
a. Invest in bad companies
b. Invest in more "neutral" companies
b. Invest in companies that actually solve social problems
Which option do you think makes the world a better place?
Divesting from the evil companies is great. But it's the neutral stance.
Neutral is how we blow past our carbon budget and scorch the planet.
Neutral preserves the status quo of inequality and injustice longer.
Divesting from the evil companies is great. But it's the neutral stance.
Neutral is how we blow past our carbon budget and scorch the planet.
Neutral preserves the status quo of inequality and injustice longer.
That's why it's important to go *beyond* divestment.
@blocpower @renewablesorg and @NEIFundorg are three examples of investments that do that.
They cut carbon.
They invest in communities of color.
They reduce energy insecurity.
@blocpower @renewablesorg and @NEIFundorg are three examples of investments that do that.
They cut carbon.
They invest in communities of color.
They reduce energy insecurity.
I'm working on a much more detailed version of all this.
If you want me to send it to you, you can sign up for the Carbon Switch newsletter here - carbonswitch.co
If you want me to send it to you, you can sign up for the Carbon Switch newsletter here - carbonswitch.co
I don't have a lawyer, but if I did I would imagine he would want me to inform that the above references an opinion and is for information purposes only.
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