ESG and Sustainability Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of these options is NOT included in the definition of sustainability given in the text?

  • Meeting the needs of present generations
  • Development
  • Ensuring the ability of future generations to meet their needs
  • Compromising the ability of future generations (correct)

    • What is the main focus of the 'G' in ESG?

  • Environmental impact and sustainability
  • Technological innovation and development
  • Social responsibility and governance (correct)
  • Financial performance and investment

    • Which of the following examples is NOT mentioned in the text as an illustration of ESG challenges?

  • The Paris Agreement (correct)
  • Brick by brick
  • Bombay Tea Party
  • Schneider Sustainability Policy

    • Why is 'Good Governance' crucial?

    <p>It promotes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern related to the increasing atmospheric CO2 levels?

    <p>The disruption of global weather patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument for the significance of the 'G' during a pandemic?

    <p>It fosters a sense of collective responsibility and social solidarity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest as a potential solution to address climate change?

    <p>Investing in renewable energy sources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main message conveyed by the phrase "Not a child’s play"?

    <p>The seriousness of the environmental problems we face (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the essence of ESG?

    <p>A conscious and systematic approach to change what we do and how we do it (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main connection between the 'G' in ESG and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

    <p>Good governance is essential for achieving the SDGs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated rate of global warming increase per decade?

    <p>0.2°C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary gas released when burning fossil fuels that contributes to the greenhouse effect?

    <p>Carbon Dioxide (CO2) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate amount of carbon dioxide produced from burning 1 kg of coal, assuming an average energy yield of 20 MJ/kg?

    <p>2.5 kg (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a consequence of global warming mentioned in the text?

    <p>Increased precipitation in all regions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated timeframe for the residence time of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere?

    <p>Decades to hundreds of years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the target temperature increase limit to avoid catastrophic environmental changes?

    <p>1.5°C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential cooling effect mentioned in the text that can be caused by emissions of pollutants?

    <p>Increased reflectivity of the atmosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of burning fossil fuels according to the text?

    <p>Increased desertification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate energy yield of 1 kg of coal in kilowatt-hours?

    <p>5 kWh (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of information used in the text for the estimated warming reaching 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052?

    <p>United Nations Environment Programme (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate CO2 emission factor for India, expressed in kg CO2 per kWh of electricity consumed?

    <p>0.7 kg CO2/kWh (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a source category for carbon emissions typically considered in a company's carbon footprint?

    <p>Natural Disasters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate CO2e emission, in metric tons per year, for a power plant in India that consumes 1 billion kWh of electricity annually?

    <p>7 million metric tons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate CO2 emissions from 1 litre of petrol, expressed in kg CO2e?

    <p>2.350 kg CO2e (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information provided, what is the current concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, expressed in parts per million (ppm)?

    <p>460 ppm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the top 5 global risks over time?

    <p>Biodiversity Loss, Extreme Weather, Climate Action Failure, Human Environmental Damage, Social Cohesion Erosion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the "E" in ESG stand for?

    <p>Environment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the blue economy?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major issue that our ecosystems are facing?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept behind "Who cares wins"?

    <p>Companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility are more likely to be successful. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the economic consequences of climate change?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main factors behind the "S" in ESG often being seen as the "ugly duckling" of investing?

    <p>It is often difficult to measure the social impact of investments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors directly impact the warming potential of a greenhouse gas like N₂O?

    <p>Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the gas (A), Concentration of the gas in the atmosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fuel source has the lowest emission intensity, contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy produced?

    <p>Wind (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the carbon footprint framework for Indian residences, particularly campuses?

    <p>Scope 2 emissions from purchased energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines Carbon Footprint?

    <p>The amount of greenhouse gases emitted by a company or organization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following activities would be categorized under Scope 1 emissions?

    <p>Manufacturing of products by the company (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key factor contributing to the carbon footprint of a residence or campus?

    <p>The number of trees on the property (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements ACCURATELY describes the relationship between fuel sources and emissions on the provided information?

    <p>Coal has the highest emission intensity among the listed fuel sources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of 'Net Zero' framework in the context of carbon emissions?

    <p>The framework aims to balance carbon emissions with carbon removal, resulting in a net zero impact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the given information, which of the following statements about the carbon footprint of Indian residences and campuses is TRUE?

    <p>Energy consumption from purchased electricity is the most significant contributor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    ESG

    Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria for investments.

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    A set of 17 global goals set by the UN to promote sustainability.

    Biodiversity

    The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

    Global Temperature Rise

    Increase in Earth's average temperature due to climate change.

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    Ecosystems in Danger

    Natural environments facing threats from human activities.

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    Blue Economy

    Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.

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    Economic Consequences of Climate Change

    The financial impact resulting from climate-related changes.

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    Rising Sea Levels

    Increase in sea levels due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion.

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    Social Dimension Failures

    Shortcomings in the social aspects of ESG strategies.

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    Governance (G) in ESG

    Refers to the structures and processes for decision-making and accountability.

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    Importance of Governance during Pandemic

    Governance frameworks are crucial for effective crisis management during health emergencies.

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    What is ESG?

    ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, focusing on sustainable practices.

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    Sustainability Definition

    Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' abilities.

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    Climate Change Definition

    Significant long-term changes in Earth's climate patterns, often due to human activities.

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    Atmospheric CO2 Increase

    Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere impacting climate change.

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    Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

    Gases released into the atmosphere that contribute to warming the Earth.

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    ESG Challenges

    Obstacles faced in implementing effective ESG strategies within organizations.

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    Schneider Sustainability Policy

    A policy framework outlining Schneider's commitment to sustainability in operations.

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    Carbon emissions from power plants

    Carbon emissions from electricity generation, measured in kg CO2 per kWh.

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    CO2 emissions formula

    CO2e = electricity consumed x emission factor; used to estimate emissions.

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    Global CO2 concentrations

    Current atmospheric CO2 levels are ~460 ppm compared to 300 ppm pre-industrial.

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    Per person annual emissions

    The average carbon footprint per person varies by country, global average is 4 tons.

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    Anthropogenic emissions

    Total man-made emissions; examples national values: USA ~6B tons, China ~11.5B tons.

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    Consequences of Climate Change

    Reduction in polar ice, melting glaciers, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events.

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    Extreme Weather Events

    Severe weather conditions like floods and hurricanes linked to climate change.

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    Acidity Increase

    Rains and oceans becoming more acidic due to pollution.

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    Carbon Emissions Reduction

    Lowering carbon emissions is vital to keep warming below 1.5°C.

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    Global Warming Rate

    Current global warming increases by 0.2°C per decade.

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    Greenhouse Gas Effect

    Re-radiation of heat in the atmosphere leads to warming.

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    Nitrous Oxide Emissions

    Burning fuels releases N2O, intensifying the greenhouse effect.

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    Coal Energy Output

    1 kg of coal produces 5 kWh of energy and emits CO2.

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    Global Warming Potential

    Some greenhouse gases trap heat more effectively than others.

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    Climate Change Health Effects

    Pollution and climate change contribute to public health issues.

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    N₂O

    Nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas with significant warming potential.

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    Global Warming Potential (GWP)

    A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to CO₂.

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    Carbon Footprint

    The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual or organization.

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    Scope 1 Emissions

    Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.

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    Scope 2 Emissions

    Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.

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    Scope 3 Emissions

    All other indirect emissions not covered in Scope 2, such as impacts of the supply chain.

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    Emission Intensity

    Amount of CO₂ emitted per unit of energy produced, usually expressed in g CO₂/kWh.

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    Carbon Accounting

    The process of measuring, managing, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.

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    Renewable Energy Emission Intensity

    Lower average emissions associated with renewable sources like solar and wind.

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    Fuel Emission Intensity Comparison

    A comparison of the emission intensity of various fuels, typically showing fossil fuels as higher than renewables.

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    Study Notes

    SEE211: Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability

    • Course offered at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
    • Instructors: Arunavo Mukerjee and Sachchida Nand Tripathi
    • Lectures 4-6 cover the topic
    • Lectures focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

    Lecture 4: Introduction to ESG

    • Introduction to ESG - overview of sustainability
    • The E in ESG - how environmental changes force investors to rethink
    • The S in ESG - why the S in ESG is the key to improvement
    • The G in ESG - governance is a powerful force for balance
    • Appendix

    The Beginnings of Sustainability

    • Founding of the "Club of Rome" network in 1968
    • "The problématique": Environment, Inequality, Poverty, Criminality, Ill-health, Urban blight
    • Interconnected challenges cannot be solved individually
    • Reframing economics, rethinking finance, emerging new civilization
    • Holistic long-term thinking for a better future

    History of Sustainability

    • UN introduces the term "ESG" in 2004 paper "Who cares wins"
    • Aichi Biodiversity goals extended until 2050
    • Introduction of six principles for responsible investing (PRI)
    • Task force on climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD) is founded
    • UN agrees on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs)
    • European Commission policies discussing financial risks of climate change
    • Investor alliance for human rights is founded
    • Task force on nature-related financial disclosures (TNFD) is founded
    • Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro devising plans to protect the environment

    From "Who cares wins" To Sustainability

    • UN's "Who cares wins" paper in 2004 marked the start
    • PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment) principles for the financial sector
    • SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) principles for society in general

    "Who Cares Wins" - What Does That Mean?

    • E - Environmental: Biodiversity, Climate change, Greenhouse gas emission, Pollution, Water management, Land degradation, Circular economy
    • S - Social: Consumer protection, Data security, Working conditions, Diversity and integration, Compensation and services, Human rights (child labour), Education
    • G - Governance: Risk management, Corporate ethics, Incentive structure, Accounting and taxes, CEO characteristics, Compensation/salary, Board diversity/independence
    • Caring means taking environmental, social, and governance factors into decision-making

    UN's Sustainable Development Goals

    • ESG is a holistic concept, encompassing Economy, Society, and Biosphere (Environment)

    Volume of ESG Investments

    • Global investments in ESG are $30.7 trillion (data from 2020)
    • Major participants include Europe, North America, and Asia

    Conclusion

    • ESG is continually evolving and becoming more relevant
    • Global conferences and initiatives are critical to its development

    E stands for Environment

    • A healthy natural environment is crucial for human life
    • Biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, and land degradation are essential factors for a sustainable world

    Top 5 Global Risks Over Time

    • Environmental risks are steadily increasing in importance

    The Global Temperature is Rising

    • Global temperatures have increased since 1880
    • Climate change leads to more extreme weather events and higher costs

    Economic Consequences

    • Extreme weather causes major disruptions in global supply chains, leading to significant costs for businesses

    Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms in terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems
    • It forms the basis of essential ecosystem services vital for human well-being

    Biodiversity - A Fundamental Prerequisite

    • Human well-being is intricately linked to a functioning natural environment
    • Natural capital, biodiversity, and society are complex systems with spillover effects and significant importance to environmental factors

    But - Our Ecosystems are in Danger

    • Loss of biodiversity, wetlands, forests, and soil layer
    • Overuse of fish stocks, coral reefs
    • Ocean acidification, pollution
    • Greenhouse gases causing climate change

    5 Large Extinctions - 1 More to Go?

    • Extinctions have occurred throughout Earth's history

    The Importance of Our Blue Economy

    • The ocean's significance as an economy.

    Global Risks Stemming from Oceans

    • Sea-level rise, acidification, food insecurity, human health, biodiversity declines, and resource depletion

    Consequences of Rising Sea Levels

    • Rising sea levels displace populations and creates refugees

    Can Technology Be An Answer?

    • Technology can enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental preservation costs.
    • ESG investments can catalyze energy efficiency.

    Conclusion

    • Environmental protection is not just a cost, but a fundamental factor for human life and economic growth

    S stands for Society and Promotes SDGs

    • Societal factors are crucial for the economy and wellbeing of society
    • Key factors include working conditions, human rights, education, consumer protection, and data security

    S-The Ugly Duckling of Investing?

    • Social sustainability is a term not often considered in investment management

    Failures of the Social Dimension

    • Child labor, manufacturer concerns, supply chains, social dimension issues

    Time to Rethink the Social Pillar

    • Social factors have notable impact on supply chains
    • Addressing the social pillar is vital for holistic company assessment

    Conclusion

    • The social pillar is increasingly recognized as essential for corporate productivity and investment returns

    G stands for Governance and Promotes SDGs

    • Governance refers to the system of rules, policies, and processes that direct and control an organization

    "Good Governance" Matters

    • Board diversity can improve performance in complex environments
    • Ownership structures influence strategic decisions
    • Increased board member independence improves objectivity
    • Remuneration can be linked to non-financial criteria
    • Better monitoring correlates with higher performance

    G-From Control to Guidance

    • Governance evolved from an earlier focus on control over guidance
    • The shift emphasized the responsibility of companies towards environmental issues

    No ESG Without the G

    • Modern governance balances environmental, social, and financial aspects of corporations

    The Importance of the G During a Pandemic

    • Good governance is crucial for handling societal impacts of pandemics
    • Adaptation to the pandemic world requires resilient social and environmental systems

    Conclusion

    • Effective governance balances financial and social/environmental issues to sustain investments

    Examples of ESG Challenges

    • Case studies on ESG challenges faced by companies
    • Child labor, safety standards, and environmental concerns

    Schneider Sustainability Policy

    • 2022 full year results for Schneider impacting different areas

    Not a Child's Play

    • Sustainability concerns regarding the mica used in the production of car paints
    • Child labor, safety standards, environmental issues

    Bombay Tea Party

    • Two tea company suppliers are evaluated for ESG risks

    Brick by Brick

    • ESG risks in the selection of suppliers for construction materials in a housing project

    Overall Conclusion

    • ESG requires a systematic and conscious approach to change existing practices

    Lecture 5: Deep Dive into E

    • Recap of sustainability, climate change, and ESG definitions
    • Atmospheric CO2 is increasing
    • Greenhouse Gas Effects

    GHG Emission: Warming

    • Trends in GHG emissions and global average temperatures

    What is the Concern?

    • Consequences of rising sea levels
    • Reduction in polar ice, melting of glaciers, loss of biodiversity, and extreme weather events

    Consequences

    • Loss of biodiversity, extreme weather events, acidity of rains and oceans, and pollution of resources
    • Food and water supply issues, health consequences

    Coral Bleaching, Drought, Species Loss, Rise in Sea Level

    • Impacts of climate change on various systems

    What Must Be Done?

    • Reducing carbon emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C
    • Global warming trends and estimates of future warming
    • Urgent need for emission reduction

    Green House Gas Effect

    • Explanation of the greenhouse effect

    What happens when we burn fuel

    • Release of nitrous oxide, pollutants, and particles

    Making a Sense of Numbers

    • Calculation of carbon emissions from coal consumption data
    • Explaining the carbon output or electrical energy or petrol usage

    Global Warming Potential

    • Factors determining why some Greenhouse gases are more potent

    Emission intensity of common fuels

    • Comparison of emission intensity across different fuel sources

    Carbon (Emissions) Quantification, Accounting & Net Zero Framework

    • Quantification and accounting of carbon emissions
    • Discussion on a Net Zero framework

    What is Carbon Footprint?

    • Explanation of carbon footprint in the context of business operations

    Carbon footprint classification

    • Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3

    Carbon emissions

    • Explanation of carbon emissions from power plants in India
    • Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions explained

    Emissions at different scales

    • Global and country-level carbon emissions

    Per person annual emissions

    • Comparison of per-person carbon emissions across different countries

    A few numbers (CO2e)

    • Various household and product-specific carbon emissions

    Numbers

    • Numerous examples of carbon emissions per product or activity

    List of Projects

    • Project summaries covering energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy opportunities in Chennai

    Lecture 6: Carbon Footprint Printing of Cities

    • Deep dive into carbon footprinting of cities: Approach and Key Findings for City Diagnostics - Chennai, Overview of CURB (Climate action by the World Bank).

    Approach: Methodology

    • CURB program purpose is to guide cities for low-carbon strategies
    • CURB tool can be evaluated for efficacy by various criteria

    CURB: Climate Action for Urban Sustainability

    • CURB is a tool to help evaluate and implement climate action plans

    Sector-specific analysis

    CURB tool analyzes city-specific factors and emissions sources based on sectors

    Private Sector Buildings, Municipal Buildings & Public Lighting, Actions, Electricity Generation, Solid Waste Management, Waste Water Management, Transportation,

    • CURB tool identifies actions for each sector concerning energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, and transportation

    General Carbon Emission Policy & Regulatory Targets

    • Regulatory targets for carbon reduction and emission

    Passenger Mode Shift, Vehicle Fuel Switch, Low Carbon Urban Design

    • Transportation sector actions and targets for reduction in emissions

    Estimated Emissions 2015 without mitigation

    • Evaluation of emissions in 2015 without mitigation plans in place

    Residential Energy Use by end use, Commercial Energy Use by end use, and Municipal Buildings & Public Lighting Policy & Regulatory Targets

    • Emission intensity of various categories of energy use and relevant regulatory targets

    Emissions Comparison: Chennai vs Bengaluru

    • Comparison of emission profiles between Chennai and Bengaluru

    Emissions Reduction Targets – Chennai City

    • Goals to reduce emissions over time

    Actions suggested by CURB

    • Actions proposed to reduce emissions

    Actions used for modeling: Chennai

    • Modeling actions for emissions reduction based on various sectors

    BAU vs Target Emission Reduction Performance of Selected Actions

    • Graph representing historical and desired future emissions reduction levels

    List of Projects

    • Projects relating to energy, water and, renewable energy efficiencies, as identified in Chennai

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    SEE211 Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability Lectures 4-6 PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and their role in sustainability. This quiz covers key concepts, definitions, and challenges related to ESG, with a focus on governance and climate change. Assess how well you understand these vital topics and their implications for a sustainable future.

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