Investors will ramp up their scrutiny of corporate political spending this spring with a specific focus on whether companies’ advocacy and lobbying align with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.
The increased attention is coming from asset managers targeting environmental, social and governance issues, as well as advisory firms that are gearing up for proxy season, the portion of spring and early summer when most companies hold annual meetings.
Among the most influential of the asset managers is The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a coalition of faith-based and secular investors representing more than $4 trillion in managed assets. The group this month issued guidance for its members to engage with companies on climate-related lobbying — and to make corporations more transparent about their political advocacy.
