Reaction to the Montana Youth Climate Case. Jeongmin Yoon, ESG Intern, Incheon National University.

In a landmark climate case, a group of young people in Montana secured a significant legal victory when a judge ruled that the state's failure to consider climate change impacts when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional. The ruling comes amidst a summer of extreme heat and wildfires, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change. This decision marks a turning point in the fight against government support for oil, gas, and coal industries, which contribute to global warming. The court found that the plaintiffs, representing a range of ages from 5 to 22, have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment that includes climate considerations. Montana must now factor in climate change when making decisions about fossil fuel projects.

As a young person and a Korean, I'm deeply concerned about the global impacts of climate change. The Montana case is not only a victory for the young plaintiffs but also a message to governments worldwide about their responsibilities in safeguarding the environment for future generations. Just as Montana's Constitution emphasizes maintaining a clean and healthful environment, Korea, too, places high value on nature and sustainability. The growing wave of climate-related litigation is a reminder that governments need to prioritize the well-being of their citizens and the planet.

Korea has also been witnessing the effects of climate change, such as irregular weather patterns and rising sea levels. We are surrounded by water on three sides, after all. It's crucial for governments to step up their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards cleaner energy sources. The Montana case demonstrates that the power of legal action can hold both governments and industries accountable for their environmental impact. Korea could benefit from similar legal actions to ensure that climate change considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.

Moreover, Korea's strong technological and innovative capabilities could play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. By investing in renewable energy technologies, sustainable urban planning, and eco-friendly policies, Korea can contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change.

In conclusion, the Montana case reflects a global trend towards recognizing climate change as a critical issue that demands immediate attention. As a nation, Korea should take inspiration from such legal victories and work towards a greener, more sustainable future for its citizens and the planet.

(Also see: Intern Evan Li requesting the City Council Declare a Climate Emergency https://youtu.be/yEa9owHoWZ8?si=VIL4HubPdQlr-9lj via @YouTube).

Maternal Health Financing Facility for Black Women: A Solution to an Urgent Problem

Maternal mortality is a significant issue in the United States, with Black women disproportionately affected. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. However, the issue is not new, and despite the increasing amount of data available, the disparities have remained unaddressed for far too long. Creative Investment Research (CIR) is among the organizations that believe there is a solution to the problem. Through our proposed impact investing vehicle , the Maternal Health Financing Facility for Black Women (MHFFBW), we aim to tackle the mortality gap and support Black women during childbirth, which will, in turn, benefit their communities. The Facility, based on legally binding financing agreements containing terms and conditions that direct resources to individuals and institutions capable of addressing supply-side conditions at the heart of

BRICS Summit 2023: Navigating the Transformation of Global Finance

Recent developments in the global financial landscape have captured the attention of the finance world, promising a new era of integration, transformation, and collaboration. Amidst the excitement, however, it is essential to acknowledge the formidable obstacles that stand in the way of realizing these ambitions. The 2023 BRICS Summit , slated to convene amidst this shifting landscape, is poised to be a significant juncture that could have profound implications for the future of international finance. The resurgence of Bitcoin, marked by an impressive, if smaller, year-to-date price surge, has underscored its enduring relevance. Similar concerns surround the exploration of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The UK's digital pound initiative, while forward-looking, raises questions about stability, security, and privacy and potential economic power imbalances. The notion of a BRICS digital currency, potentially extended to include several countries, reflects a desire to chall

Projected Impact of Gun Laws on Corporate Profits in Texas

More Fortune 500 companies are located in Texas than in any other state. Texas successfully used low taxes and minimal regulations as bait to recruit companies like Tesla and Oracle. The state promoted these “advantages” in ads highlighting their “free-market” environment and criticizing the "tax and spend policies of liberal leadership" in Democrat-run states. Four million people migrated to Texas over the past ten years. Our economic models predict a reversal, however. State of Texas corporations on the Fortune 1000 list generate $2.2 trillion in revenue, $158 billion in profit. They have a market value of $3.8 trillion and employ 2.5 million people nationwide. We continue to believe this increased corporate presence in Texas imposes a tax on the nation as a whole. Texas allows anyone 21 or older to carry handguns without training or licenses, and maintains lower gun purchase age limits. Beyond the recent abortion bill, which allows people to sue those who "aid and abe

This Week in ESG and Impact Investing

Search This Blog