Knowledge and Insight

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.

COP30 in Belém (2025) focused on implementing existing climate pledges, delivering some progress on adaptation and finance but falling short on fossil fuel commitments, with outcomes reflecting the challenges of global consensus and the urgent need for faster action.

Our flagship summit brought together leaders in sustainable investment to examine the systemic risks shaping global markets – from climate change and biodiversity loss to human rights challenges – and the strategies investors can use to respond. We explored the future of ESG investing, how charities can align investments with their missions, and why adaptation, resilience and stewardship are critical for long-term success.

As shelves fill with fresh, wholesome choices, the debate over ultra-processed foods and their health impacts is gaining urgency.

This series explores how investors can integrate nature into decision-making. It provides practical insights and lessons learned from Greenbank’s own assessment journey.

2025 has proven to be a pivotal year for oceans on the global stage. David Attenborough’s latest documentary ‘Ocean’ launched to great fanfare; the UN Ocean Conference concluded with the High Seas Treaty achieving ratification by over 60 countries, and looking ahead the COP30 climate conference in Brazil is expected to place significant emphasis on the role of oceans in climate action. In Greenbank’s latest whitepaper, Ethical, Sustainable and Impact Researcher Charlie Young shares his take on what he describes as “the world’s most undervalued natural asset".