ESG and Downside Risks: Implications for Pension Funds
Penn collection
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pension funds
ESG risks
climate risks
downside risks
Economics
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Abstract
Due to their long-term horizons, pension funds face enhanced exposures to the long-lived effects of many ESG risks. Moreover, given the potential consequences of being underfunded, pension funds are particularly exposed to ESG-related downside risks, especially those related to climate change. We discuss the implications of these risks and provide evidence on institutional investors’ perspectives on climate-related downside risks and how these risks are priced in financial markets. We also document how institutional investors address climate risks in the investment process, with a focus on the role of engagement versus divestment.