Franklin Templeton and three of its affiliated specialist investment managers – ClearBridge Investments, Brandywine Global and Martin Currie – have joined the industry-leading Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. These four signatories collectively represent more than USD948 billion in assets under management (AUM).
Launched in December 2020, Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and to supporting investing aligned with aims for net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Delivery of the commitment also includes prioritising the achievement of real economy emissions reductions within the sectors and companies in which the asset managers invest.
As of today, the number of signatories consist of 128 investors who have USD43 trillion in assets under management, a clear sign of the asset management industry’s recognition that climate change is an urgent priority that must be addressed.
Jenny Johnson, CEO and President of Franklin Templeton, says: “We are excited to make the commitment to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative alongside the growing community of signatories. We approach our journey with the clear acknowledgement that we must commit to finding the data and solutions to help us achieve global net zero emissions by 2050. We will work toward this goal in a spirit of authentic engagement and partnership with our clients and stakeholders, in keeping with our belief that good stewardship as a global asset manager means managing and allocating capital to benefit our clients across generations.”
An active manager, ClearBridge Investments is a top 20 shareholder in more than 275 public companies. Terrence Murphy, CEO of ClearBridge Investments, says: “ClearBridge is pleased to join the distinguished roster of signatories to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. As stewards of our clients’ capital with a 30+ year history of integrating sustainability-related investment risks such as climate change into our stock selection process, ClearBridge recognises the urgency of accelerating the transition toward global net zero emissions. Using a partnership approach, ClearBridge will use its role as large shareholders to drive positive change through ongoing company engagement.”
