Environmental, Social, and Governance Investment: Opportunities and Risks for Asia

ESG investment has the potential to bridge the gap between traditional capitalism and the newer concepts of shared economic and social value and sustainable and inclusive finance. It can also act as a driver for incentivizing the private sector to tackle environmental and social challenges, such as those related to renewable energy, employee training and education, and the gender gap. These benefits can in turn help to boost corporate value and economic growth.

However, concerns remain on many issues, such as unclear and dispersed criteria for sustainable investment, the low quality of non-financial data, lack of disclosure, and resource misallocation risks. These obstacles are critical for many countries in Asia and the Pacific whose stages of development have not yet reached those of more developed countries.

This timely book investigates the current state of ESG investment and examines the risks and benefits using an evidence-based approach. It aims to contribute to developing a framework for future analysis and monitoring to ensure the growth of ESG investment while exploring innovative ways for economies in Asia to leverage the benefits for sound and sustainable development.