So the world’s in a tough spot because of “it that shall not be named” in this post. However, there are always a silver linings, which we highlight in our weekly Hopeful Headlines. This week, the steadiness of sustainable funds gave me a sense that there may be hope for a green future after all.

As coronavirus infects markets, sustainable funds prove their mettle

By Naveena Sadasivam, Grist, March 23, 2020

  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) funds are holding steadier in the volatile current stock market than conventional funds (like oil), according to analyses by Bloomberg and Morningstar.
  • Per the article: “The average ESG fund fell by about 12 percent …. it’s just half the decrease seen by the S&P 500 Index over the same period.”
  • ESG funds have proven particularly attractive to millennials practicing socially responsible investing. ESG funds include investments screened for “various ethical and social standards as well as transparent governance practices.”

Coal Is Now the World’s Most Expensive Fossil Fuel

By Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg Green, March 22, 2020

  • With oil taking a huge hit due to coronavirus, coal has taken over as the most expensive fossil fuel in the world.
  • Per the article: “It’s also the dirtiest fossil fuel, emitting about twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and 30% more than gasoline when burned.”
  • The new ranking, if sustained, could lead to decreased use and investment. Coal consumption is on the rise in Asia.

Here’s what a coronavirus-like response to the climate crisis would look like

By Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, March 24, 2020

  • Scientists, experts and activists discuss the lessons learned from coronavirus responses and how they can be applied to climate change.’
  • Notable quotes: “Skelton sees an important lesson for climate policy in the coronavirus outbreak: that confronting a crisis is far more difficult and expensive when it’s already on your doorstep.”
  • “‘It suddenly becomes really questionable why there’s never any money to deal with this [climate] crisis,’ Stokes said.”

Feature photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash.