In Pensions & Investments, Michael Littenberg Analyzes the Tension of ESG Investment Factors with Geopolitics

In The News
April 20, 2021
Capital Insights.

In a Pensions & Investments article, ESG, corporate social responsibility, business and human rights partner and chair Michael Littenberg (New York) discussed how Environmental, Social and Governance social pillar, including human rights, racial justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion, is where Ropes & Gray has seen the greatest pickup in interest among clients over the past year or two.

As some global retailers highlighting the issue of forced labor have faced backlash from Chinese consumers, tension of ESG investment factors with geopolitics can arise.

Michael explains that as companies, money managers and asset owners get further up the curve on ESG, they may realize it's more complex than they originally thought, especially around social issues. His advice is these are issues that are nuanced, complex, likely to be managed over the course of many years.