RIA and AGF Survey: Canadian Investors are Serious About Investing in Climate Change and Societal Is

With the Democrats regaining control of the House and a federal election looming in Canada, climate change and other societal issues will almost certainly be part of the public discourse. With this in mind, the results of this recent RIA/AGF survey are particularly relevant.

The vast majority of Canadian investors are concerned about climate change, says a new survey from the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) and sponsored by AGF Management Limited (AGF).

The 2018 RIA Investor Opinion Survey, which is based on an Ipsos poll of 800 individual investors in Canada, found that 80% of respondents are concerned about climate change and the environment. It also found most investors view climate change as a financial issue: 70% of respondents believe climate change will have negative financial impacts on companies in some industries within the next five years, and 79% believe this to be true within twenty years.

Most investors recognize climate change also presents opportunities: 66% of respondents said they would like a portion of their portfolio to be invested in companies that are providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

The survey, sponsored by AGF Management Limited (AGF), also shows Canadians want their financial services providers to practice responsible investing: 86% of respondents agree that financial advisors and institutions should be knowledgeable about how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks could affect their investments, and 81% would like their financial services provider to inform them about responsible investments that are aligned with their values.

“Canadian investors understand climate change presents financial risks, and they want to invest in responsible solutions. This highlights a very compelling opportunity for investment professionals,” said Dustyn Lanz, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association.

“As a leader in the development of sustainable investing initiatives, AGF is pleased to hear that Canadians are committed to investing in solutions that contribute to building a sustainable future,” said Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, AGF. “We believe that integrating consideration of ESG factors into our investment decision-making and ownership practices will contribute to better investment outcomes for our clients – and this is true across all of our investment management teams.”

Highlights and additional information can be found here.