The relevance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment strategies continues to surge, with environmental concerns taking the lead among global asset owners. According to Morningstar's latest Voice of the Asset Owner Survey, 64% of respondents now place a stronger emphasis on environmental issues compared to just a year ago, up from 52% in 2023. This marks a growing recognition of climate risks and their financial implications.

Climate change, particularly the shift towards net zero emissions, has emerged as the primary environmental concern for 55% of asset owners. The increasing availability of climate-related data is driving this focus. As one U.S. corporate pension fund participant explained, "Climate is the lead, and that’s because the data that’s available is better."

This shift also reflects a broader alignment between ESG considerations and fiduciary responsibilities. An impressive 80% of asset owners see ESG factors, especially environmental ones, as having a neutral to positive impact on fulfilling their fiduciary duties. This growing consensus shows that responsible investment strategies are increasingly seen as necessary for managing long-term financial risks.

Moreover, asset owners are not passive participants in the ESG space—they are actively engaging with companies to drive sustainable practices. A significant 78% believe that direct engagement, through active ownership, is the most effective way to influence corporate ESG policies. Other methods include public policy involvement and participation in initiatives such as Climate Action 100+, with proxy voting being less impactful.

However, the need for better ESG data remains a challenge. A substantial 43% of asset owners point to data accuracy, standardization, and relevance as critical for improving sustainable investment strategies. This underscores the importance of high-quality ESG data, which far surpasses the reliance on ratings and indexes in guiding sustainable investment decisions.

As environmental factors continue to gain prominence, the integration of ESG into financial strategies is becoming a key part of managing long-term risks and opportunities.