Ch02. Sustainability

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What is the primary focus of the language of sustainable development?

Biological diversity and conservation

Global partnership and sustainable business

Topic-specific language and sustainable development (correct)

Climate policy and climate change

What is the name of the plan for a global partnership on sustainable development?

Agenda 21 (correct)

Convention on Biological Diversity

Paris Agreement

Millennium Development Goals

Which convening body is responsible for global climate decisions?

Earth Summit

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (correct)

Convention on Biological Diversity

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

What is the name of the goals adopted by the UN in 2000 to be achieved by 2015?

Millennium Development Goals Signup and view all the answers

What is the term mainly used by the financial industry and corporations to refer to environmental, social, and governance factors?

ESG Signup and view all the answers

What is the year of the Paris Agreement, which occurred under the aegis of the UNFCCC?

2015 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mangrove forests in tropical coasts?

Provide habitats for fish and other marine wildlife Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of SDG 13?

Climate action Signup and view all the answers

According to Nuveen, what is the relationship between the SDGs and their impact investment priorities?

The SDGs provide a convenient framework for analysis of Nuveen's impact investment priorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of SDG 7?

Affordable and clean energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization that created the graphic mentioned in the text?

WWF (panda.org) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the measurable outcomes of climate-related ecosystem services?

Measurable climate-related outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of climate change?

Excess human-generated carbon dioxide emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of planting trees in the context of climate change?

To absorb carbon dioxide from the air Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a functional, biodiverse ecosystem?

A mix of different tree species and structural tissues Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the carbon sequestered in plants when they die or decompose?

It is released back into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of many tree-planting offsetting schemes?

They do not produce a functional ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a successful nature-based climate solution?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of the concept of sustainability in the public policy and corporate arenas?

The 1970s and 1980s environmental movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way corporations practice sustainability today?

Through CSR initiatives and ESG performance Signup and view all the answers

When did the first major United Nations meeting on environmental issues take place?

1972 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument presented in the 'The Limits to Growth' report?

There are limits to economic growth due to finite natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind individuals reducing or eliminating their use of meat and dairy products?

To reduce their environmental impact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sustainability in the context of wider society?

To share wealth and well-being more equitably Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals?

To achieve environmental sustainability through SDGs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of companies using ESG metrics in their investor relations capacity?

To convey their ESG performance to shareholders and financial stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aspect of environmental sustainability?

Ensuring clean air and water, and protecting oceans and biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Brundtland report in the context of sustainable development?

It highlighted the importance of sustainable development Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the term ESG?

A 2005 report by the UN Global Compact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

To provide a framework for international cooperation on sustainable development Signup and view all the answers

Why do governments rarely use the term 'ESG' to refer to their policy actions?

Because ESG is primarily used by the financial industry Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of institutions that consider sustainability in their consumption practices?

Making moral and ethical choices in regard to consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of MSCI in the context of sustainable development?

A provider of ESG data and ratings for countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of non-financial corporations in terms of sustainability?

Focusing on sustainability goals and practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of multilateral development banks in sustainable development?

To align their work with sustainable development principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment?

It embedded the term ESG into the financial industry Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of SDG 7.b?

Promoting investment in clean energy technology in developing countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of nature-based solutions for climate change?

Providing climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary requirement for a successful nature-based climate solution?

Targeting a combination of SDGs 13, 14, and 15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of actions to protect ecosystems such as forests and grasslands?

Conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge of implementing nature-based solutions for climate change?

Addressing human-caused climate change and societal challenges Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the SDGs adopted by the UN?

Promoting sustainable development and eradicating poverty Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the social metrics in ESG criteria?

A company's treatment of its employees and managers Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between climate change and ESG?

Climate change is related to the 'E' category of ESG but also affects other stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of governance in ESG criteria?

A company's leadership, including board composition and executive compensation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ESG information?

To gauge companies—and sometimes other entities—on their environmental, social, and governance performance Signup and view all the answers

How is ESG information often presented by companies and data firms?

In a score or rating that condenses ESG information Signup and view all the answers