Today, in corporate America and European Union, the environmental impact of climate change has also triggered a corresponding paradigm shift in the investment climate. The so-called green investing is now a buzzword associated with environmentally responsible companies engaged in, among other things, activities as renewable and alternative energy technology, organic food production and distribution, green architecture, even healthy living.

In the relatively new field of green investing, between the two super economic powers, Europe is far ahead and stronger. Hence, with the growing green-consciousness taking root and steadily becoming a factor in formulating investment strategies, the corporate world has taken notice of the impact of environment on the performance of stocks.

The mutual fund industry alone in the US is taking cognizance of this emerging investment market trend. For an investor in search of sound and solid business ideas there are thousands of mutual funds to choose from and mutual funds, in turn, are mostly invested in stocks and bonds.

Increasingly, companies with strong environmental, social and governance policies are becoming more noticeable on the radar screen of prospective investors in the capital market. In fact, there is a group of investors and investor professionals engaged in the practice of socially responsible investing whose criteria in the selection of investment vehicle mainly include environmental performance.

Jack Robinson, one of the pioneers in business with strong environmental footprint, saw as early as 1979 that companies with strong environmental factors generated positive returns for investors. He incorporated in 1983 Winslow Management Company to further put to test this idea and his instinct proved him right on target.

Over the years, he noted that accounts incorporating environmental attributes simply outperformed and outclassed others. Thus, in 1991, Winslow started focusing on green investing and several years later launched a small-cap growth mutual fund, the Winslow Green Growth Fund, which subsequently came to be recognized as a trail-blazer in the emerging field of green investing.

Such a trend, inevitably, is replete with significance. It can resonate globally and, eventually, carve out a niche in our local capital market for investors who put a high premium on socially responsible investment vehicles.

This is also a booster, a shot in the arm for environmental advocacy groups to wage a sustained and committed campaign for environmental activism. For sure, in the midst of a runaway disposable society abetted by crass commercialism, no single group can ever hope to achieve a goal as huge as environmental protection without the help of other sectors.

Toward this end, the State must exercise political will. The corporate world must have a heightened sense of corporate social responsibility. Investors can play a pivotal role by choosing environment-friendly companies. Advocacy groups must pursue their vision with moral courage and dedication.

And consumers, like you and me, can wield tremendous power. For starters, and going back to basics, we can collectively patronize business establishments, like eateries and fast-food chains, practicing traditional wrapping using banana leaves instead of styropor packaging. This is doable, a good starting point for consumers and a favorable signal for green investing.

E-mail: businessagenda_report@yahoo.com.ph.