Aligning investment with the climate transition

 Carbon Tracker Initiative

Carbon Tracker is an independent financial think tank that carries out in-depth analysis on the impact of the energy transition on capital markets and investors in carbon-intensive sectors.

Its team of financial market, energy and legal experts apply groundbreaking research using leading industry databases to map both risks and opportunities for investors on the path to a low-carbon future.

It has cemented the terms “carbon bubble”, “unburnable carbon” and “stranded assets” into the financial and environmental lexicon.

Results

Highlighting the risks of the energy transition

Challenge

Fossil fuel companies are betting against global efforts to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by continuing to approve projects which would only make economic sense if Paris climate targets are missed. However, government climate commitments and the rapid roll-out of clean technologies worldwide are undermining demand for oil, gas and coal. Carbon Tracker has warned in a series of reports that this threatens investor returns and could undermine financial stability.

Solution

Greenhouse has supported Carbon Tracker on the launch of more than 70 reports highlighting the risks of the energy transition. For example, shortly before the COP21 Paris Climate Summit we launched “The $2 Trillion Stranded Assets Danger Zone” a report warning that fossil fuel companies risked losing $2 trillion over the next decade. We held a message and media training workshop to prepare key spokespeople and held an event at COP21 with a keynote speech delivered by Al Gore.

Results

Our campaigns for Carbon Tracker have consistently secured coverage in top tier international news media. For example, the Stranded Assets Danger Zone report generated over 240 pieces of media coverage in over 30 countries and 14 languages including BBC, CNBC and ABC. The launch put Carbon Tracker’s analysis and compelling message firmly on the news agenda going into COP21 and positioned it as an expert commentator throughout the event.

Impact

Regular, high-profile media coverage has made Carbon Tracker’s analysis mainstream. Its warnings were echoed by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the International Financial Stability Board when he set up the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures. Its reports increased institutional investors’ understanding that climate change poses a material risk to their business and given them ammunition to challenge fossil fuel company strategies.

What we did

Example report launch

The ‘Paris Maligned II’ report is one of more than 70 reports we have launched for Carbon Tracker. We provided strategic communications support and media relations for each report launch, ensuring messages cut through with the right publications globally. 

Media coverage

Top stories included:

• The Guardian: The report shows the world’s largest oil companies are failing to meet their climate pledges. None of the 25 assessed firms align with the Paris Agreement, with most companies planning to expand fossil fuel production and only BP aiming to reduce it by 2030.  

• Financial Times: The report highlights the need for oil and gas companies to align to the Paris Agreement. This finding comes as fossil fuel executives, boosted by high demand and profits, argue against a switch to green energy at the CERAWeek conference.

• Deutsche Welle: A decade post-Paris Agreement, Carbon Tracker finds major oil and gas companies falling short on climate goals. Companies like BP, TotalEnergies, and Saudi Aramco intend to expand fossil fuel production, posing risks to both investors and the planet.

What our clients say

“The dynamic Greenhouse team has achieved phenomenal results, translating a complex technical narrative into compelling content and helping to cement our reputation. Their understanding, enthusiasm and willingness to assist always exceeds our expectations.”

Mark Campanele, Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Tracker Initiative