Podcast: ESG in 2026 - Evolution or revolution?BY THE GREENER WAY | TUESDAY, 24 FEB 2026 1:07PM Despite global sustainable funds recording more than US$80 billion in net outflows in 2025, Australia and New Zealand are bucking the trend and continue to attract new capital. In this episode of The Greener Way, Australian Ethical deputy chief investment officer John Woods unpacks how ESG investing is evolving in 2026, explaining why there's still plenty of opportunities out there for sustainable investors, the importance of transparency, and the need for a reliable ESG fund labelling system. He also breaks down Australian Ethical's approach to investing in emerging markets, and how it's looking at renewables, climate tech, private credit, and solar-driven infrastructure. Related News |
Editor's Choice
Amazon signs tolling agreement for Victorian battery storage site
Amazon Australia has signed a battery storage tolling agreement for the Bairnsdale battery energy storage system (BESS) in East Gippsland, Victoria, with Anza Power, marking the first arrangement of its kind in Australia for a non-energy business.
Scaling women businesses can add $100bn to economy: Study
A new national study found that while women are starting businesses in record numbers, they soon reach a "scaling cliff" as very few grow into larger entities.
ARENA backs next wave of community batteries
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has marked the installation of its 100th community battery, while committing a further $23.2 million to three projects aimed at scaling neighbourhood energy storage.
Government invests $26m on low-emissions iron production
The government is funding up to $26 million on technology that could turn Australian iron ore into lower-emissions iron using renewable energy.
Videos
Brought to you by ![]()
Further Reading
Whitepapers
Modern slavery in the geopolitical crossfire
When investors frame the conversation about the risks of modern slavery, we tend to cite a common set of facts and a common set of arguments as to why ...
What ACCR v Santos means for your climate disclosures
The Federal Court has dismissed greenwashing claims brought by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) against Santos.
Materiality is not a single judgment: It is a governance system
Much has been written about sustainability materiality in recent years. The more fundamental problem is that materiality is still treated as a single ...
Roundtable reflections: Is ESG dead?
"Is ESG dead?" we asked at our recent Responsible Investors (RI) roundtable in May this year. Short answer: no.
Expert Feed
Australia's social media age ban: A digital turning point for society and investment markets
In a global first and a warning shot for platforms, at the end of 2025 Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from social media, with penalties ...
How economics and energy security are driving the next phase of the energy transition
Looking ahead, the next phase of the energy transition will be defined by practical system build-out rather than headline climate commitments.
Sustainability in 2025: Building resilience and navigating risks
In 2025, there is likely to be much scrutiny around US President Donald Trump's anti-green agenda in particular.
Balancing Investor expectations with entrepreneurial growth
Recent headlines highlighting corporate management shortfalls in companies led by their founders underscore the need for rigorous governance standards.
ACCESS MORE CONTENT
Financial Standard
Australia's most-read trade publication for wealth management professionals.
