The policy sets new best environmental practices in several critical areas: such as carbon mitigation and reduction; endangered forest protection; independently certified sustainable forestry; and the consultation rights of native communities everywhere.
Moreover, it is the first policy of its kind to be formed in the financial sector that recognises “No Go Zones” – a major step forward in the effort to protect ecosystems that can be damaged or even destroyed if not left intact and untouched by industry.
“Over past years, a coalition of institutional shareholders of JPMorgan Chase have asked the bank to consider the environmental risks of the projects it finances, and we welcome the bank’s new leadership policies,” spokesman for Trillium Asset Management Steve Lippman stated.
“JPMorgan joins a growing number of large banks that realise avoiding unnecessary environmental risks often means avoiding business risks, and that there are ways to protect shareholders and the planet at the same time.”
Conservationists have described the bank’s policy as an “environmental milestone in the private financial sector”, with major advances including:
Associate of the World Resources Institute, Jon Sohn Sr applauded the bank’s leadership and sustainability commitment, calling it a “tremendous” step towards harnessing financial markets to expand economic opportunities while protecting the environment.
“One of Wall Street’s most trusted names is taking action to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions,” he commented.
“We hope JPMorgan’s stance will drive other financial institutions to curb their pollution and protect themselves from the very real business risks of global warming.”
By Jane Kettle
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