Sustainable investing advocate says 'anti-woke' backlash in US won't stop the movement

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🗞️ Driving the news: Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, advocates for sustainable investing despite facing backlash in the US against ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles
• While she acknowledges that anti-ESG sentiments have grown, Lettini remains confident that sustainable investing will continue to gain momentum
• She points out that the opposition has not significantly slowed the movement, and most anti-ESG bills have failed to pass

🔭 The context: Lettini returned to the US after working in the UK, where sustainable investing has broader support
• In contrast, ESG in the US has faced politicized pushback, with demands for short-term financial results
Despite this, sustainable investing continues to grow, with long-term benefits being recognized globally

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Sustainable investing integrates climate risks and social impact into financial decisions, encouraging responsible corporate behavior and long-term resilience
Advancing ESG helps support climate action and social justice

⏭️ What's next: Lettini predicts that sustainable investing will persist regardless of political outcomes, with a focus on better corporate disclosure and shareholder rights
• The push for sustainability is expected to strengthen as global markets demand more resilient and forward-thinking companies

💬 One quote: “I was surprised by the breadth and depth of the pushback," Lettini said of the anti-ESG movement, adding that “it didn’t really stir the pot that much”

📈 One stat: Of nearly 160 anti-ESG bills tracked by US SIF, only a small handful became law

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