Knowledge and Insight

Q1 2026 saw global markets unsettled by geopolitical conflict, surging energy prices and renewed inflation risks, fragmenting performance across regions and sectors while sharpening focus on energy security and the transition to renewables.

Climate tipping points challenge assumptions of gradual, predictable change. Drawing on emerging Earth system science, this research explores how both negative and positive tipping points reshape risks and opportunities for long‑term investors, with implications for portfolio resilience, capital allocation and stewardship.

Analysis shows that the UK’s net zero transition is economically viable, with falling renewable energy costs, improved efficiency and reduced exposure to fossil fuel price shocks strengthening the case for a fully electrified energy system.

A landmark IPBES report warns that global economic activity is eroding the natural systems it depends on, yet fewer than 1% of companies disclose their biodiversity impacts. With businesses both driving and able to reverse nature loss, the report calls for urgent improvements in how nature‑related risks are measured and managed across all sectors.

The AMOC, one of the planet’s key climate engines, is showing signs of slowing. Even without a full collapse, a shift could mean sharper storms, rising seas and sudden changes to the systems we depend on for food, water and energy. Understanding this risk now matters more than ever, because the impacts won’t wait until tomorrow.

The future of the UK food system is at a pivotal moment. Shifting consumer needs, environmental pressures, and evolving policy expectations are creating a landscape where change is not just imminent, but unavoidable. Against this backdrop, the Laudes Foundation recently convened a diverse group of stakeholders to examine how the sector can navigate this transition in a way that is fair, inclusive, and grounded in long‑term resilience.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 highlights a period of growing uncertainty. Drawing on insights from more than 1,300 experts and leaders, the report shows that instability is now a defining feature of the global outlook. Half of respondents expect “turbulent” or “stormy” conditions over the next two years, and 57 per cent anticipate disruption continuing across the decade.

Looking ahead to 2026, systemic risks linked to climate change, inequality and biodiversity loss continue to shape the global economic landscape. These unresolved pressures guide Greenbank’s engagement priorities for the year ahead, centred on climate, nature and human rights.

As the EU prepares to soften its 2035 petrol and diesel phase‑out, the debate over how fast nations can shift to electric vehicles is becoming a defining test of their climate ambitions.

To celebrate the 21st anniversary of Greenbank, founder and investment director Elizabeth Haigh is catching up with inspiring women she has worked with over the course of her career in ethical and sustainable investment. In the third in this series, Elizabeth spoke with Nicola Day, deputy head of Greenbank.

Greenbank’s Ethical, Sustainable and Impact Researcher Charlie Young shares his insights from the Finance for Biodiversity Summit 2025, exploring the world’s most pressing nature-related topics and collaborating to drive measurable progress across the financial sector.

COP30 delivered signals rather than breakthroughs, UNEP warned of widening emissions gaps, and the EU proposed a major SFDR overhaul. Our Responsible Investment Summit also explored strategies to tackle systemic risks and align investments with long-term resilience.