AI’s build-out promises many economic benefits, not least higher productivity. But these long-term gains are being overshadowed by the near-term costs of the expansion. Because data centres – the physical foundations of AI – consume vast amounts of water, electricity and land, their construction is facing fierce resistance from communities which are worried about having…

Hundreds of environmental, social and governance (ESG) engagements can take place in a single year and still tell investors little about whether anything has actually changed. For years, stewardship has been measured by volume: engagements held, votes cast and reports published. These metrics have their place, but they risk missing the more important question: what…

Viktoras Kulionis puts AI’s thirst for power into context. To some environmental commentators, AI is the real-world equivalent of Erysichthon, the mythical Greek king who was cursed with a destructive and insatiable hunger.

Risks from biodiversity loss, climate change and geopolitical conflict are converging to cause potential shocks to financial markets. Investors can no longer afford to ignore these dynamics.