As the world shifts to low-carbon technology, the demand for minerals and metals such as copper and lithium has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, this shift has the potential to undermine strategies intended to uphold environmental, social, and good governance principles. Many of these minerals and metals come from regions in which government structures are unstable and can increase conflict.

Adam Matthews, the chief responsible investment officer at the Church of England Pensions Board, noted the potential of this increased demand to inflame existing instability. His organization has formed an alliance, the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030, in order to expose and fight the systemic risks stemming from this situation.

Paul Lee, head of stewardship and sustainable investment strategy at Redington, announced his concern over too much concentration on ESG. This over-focus has the potential to get in the way of good investing. Though refusing to single out any specific companies, Matthews went on to state