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Kyoto provides opportunity for investors
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Canadian financial markets have a window of opportunity to invest in carbon-efficient companies of the future, according to financial experts speaking to an SIO-sponsored public forum on the Kyoto Protocol. "I want to see Canada demonstrate to the world that a balanced, technology-led plan to address climate change and enjoy economic prosperity can be made a reality," Matthew Kiernan, Executive Managing Director of Innovest Strategic Value Advisors, told the forum, held in Toronto on Nov. 20. The forum was held in conjunction with SIO's annual meeting. Martin Grosskopf, Sustainability Analyst with Acuity Investment Management Inc., said ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Canada, expected within weeks, will have a temporary negative impact on large projects, like the oil sands developments, but the Kyoto agreement will not permanently stop investment in these projects. "Analysis would indicate that Kyoto ratification would have a significant but not show-stopping impact on major projects such as the oil sands, He said, adding it will also fuel interest in alternative energy projects. Andrew
Preston, Head of Socially Responsible Investment for Glasgow-based
Aberdeen Asset Management, recommends that investors hold a core
holding of large carbon-efficient companies, as well as smaller
holdings of alternative energy companies. "Our
policy is to incorporate some good candidates from small companies
into a portfolio of larger blue chip companies to achieve the best
balance and returns."
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