2018 RIA Investor Opinion Survey

Canadian Investors are Concerned about Climate Change, and Want to be Informed about Responsible Investments

The 2018 RIA Investor Opinion Survey, which is based on an Ipsos poll of 800 individual investors in Canada, found that 80% of respondents are concerned about climate change and the environment. It also found most investors view climate change as a financial issue: 70% of respondents believe climate change will have negative financial impacts on companies in some industries within the next five years, and 79% believe this to be true within twenty years.

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Most investors recognize climate change also presents opportunities: 66% of respondents said they would like a portion of their portfolio to be invested in companies that are providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

Highlights

  • 81% of respondents expressed concern about climate change, and respondents ranked environmental issues as the most important factor among E, S, and G issues.
  • 73% of respondents believe it’s likely that climate change will create risks for the global economy within five years; this figure climbs to 81% over a twenty-year horizon.
  • 70% of respondents believe climate change will have negative financial impacts on companies in some industries in the next five years; this number rises to 79% over the next twenty years.
  • 66% of respondents would like a portion of their portfolio to be invested in companies providing solutions to climate change and environmental challenges.
  • 86% of respondents agree that financial advisors and institutions should be knowledgeable about how ESG risks could affect their investments.
  • 81% of respondents would like their financial services provider to inform them about responsible investments that are aligned with their values.
  • 71% of respondents agree that companies with good ESG practices are better long-term investments. However, 81% of respondents know little or nothing about RI.

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