In this issue
- The current geopolitical state of the world and Investment implications
- DV Safe Phone – A second life for your phone
- Regenerators news – Watch, read, listen
- High Sea Treaty – a World first
- Shareholder activist update
The current geopolitical state of the world and Investment implications
David Bassanese serves as an Independent Analyst on the Ethical Investment Funds Management Investment Committee and is also Chief Economist at Betashares.
You can watch David unpack the initial market implications of the escalating Middle East conflict here: Middle East Flashpoint
“The escalating conflict in Iran has jolted markets this week, pushing energy prices higher and driving flows into safe-haven assets such as the US dollar. With no clear path to de-escalation, volatility is likely to remain elevated in the near term.
History suggests geopolitical shocks are not always uniformly negative for markets. However, a sustained oil price spike would pose a more material risk to the global economic outlook. We will continue to update investors as events unfold and outline the potential investment implications.”
Donate Your Old Phone to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
MetLife as holding company for a fund we invest in, is working with the charity DV Safe Phone, an organisation that repurposes donated mobile phones into secure, untraceable lifelines for victims of domestic violence.
These phones help individuals stay connected to loved ones, access support services, and begin rebuilding their lives.
Since 2020, DV Safe Phone has collected, repaired, and redistributed thousands of free phones through a nationwide network that includes police, hospitals, safe houses, and community organisations.
For many DV victims, having access to a safe phone can quite literally be life‑saving.
How You Can Help
Your unused phone could make a real difference.
If you have any old mobile phones that are no longer in use, please consider donating them to DV Safe Phone. You may also wish to ask colleagues, family members or friends if they have devices they would be willing to contribute.
Before donating, please ensure that:
- The phone has been fully wiped of personal data
- Any passcodes or PINs have been removed
Where to Donate
You can bring donated phones when visiting our Brisbane office, or simply drop them off.
If you are located in another state, please speak with your adviser for details on how to donate.
Regenerators news
Watch
Invite a young person to join
Do you know a young changemaker aged 9-16 who cares deeply about the planet and wants to help shape the future?
Invite them to join the Future Council, a global network of young people working together to imagine and create a better world. join the Future Council.
As Dr Jane Goodall reminds us:
“Each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it yet, you may not have found it, but your life matters and you are here for a reason.”
Read
In 2022, Faith In Nature made history by appointing Nature itself to its board, giving the natural world a formal voice in corporate decision-making.
The upcoming book Nature’s Boardroom explores this ground breaking idea of nature governance in business. Author Simeon Rose offers insights, challenges and practical tools to help organisations rethink their relationship with the natural world.
Nature’s Boardroom will be released in March 2026 and is available now for pre-order.
Do
Shares these lessons with educators you know
The Regen Learning Hub offers more than 100 free lessons for parents, teachers and educators anywhere in the world, from primary school through to adult learning.
These resources explore regenerative ecological and social solutions, helping students imagine what the future could look like if we focus on possibility, creativity and collective action.
Listen
The “The Nature Of” podcast, hosted by Atmos Editor-in-Chief Willow Defebaugh, features conversations with leading thinkers exploring our relationship with the natural world.
In the episode “The Land Loves You Back,” she speaks with Robin Wall Kimmerer – botanist, bestselling author and professor – about shifting our perspective from learning about nature to learning from it.
The High Seas Treaty Marks a Turning Point for Ocean Protection
The High Seas Treaty will govern about two-thirds of the planet’s oceans including vast areas beyond any single country’s borders.
The world’s first legally binding agreement to protect marine life in international waters has now taken effect, marking a historic moment for ocean conservation after nearly two decades of negotiations. As of January, 83 countries had ratified it, including the recent addition of major maritime powers such as China and Japan.
The high seas face mounting threats from destructive fishing practices, shipping, plastic pollution, overfishing and potential deep sea mining, all compounded by climate change. Despite their ecological importance, only about 1% of international waters are currently protected.
The treat will participating nations to cooperate on ocean science, data sharing and technology, while also supporting developing countries to build the capacity needed to participate in global ocean governance.
However several countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom remain as signatories and have yet to ratify the agreement.
Until ratification occurs, these countries can attend negotiations as observers but do not have voting rights in decisions that will shape how the treaty is implemented.
ABC News
Shareholder activist update - CEF calls out Whitehaven Coal over rising emissions
Whitehaven Coal’s expanding mining operations in Australia are increasing the company’s methane and fuel emissions, raising concerns about its long-term climate and regulatory exposure.
A new report by CarbonBridge and Climate Energy Finance (CEF) highlights these growing risks. The analysis estimates Whitehaven could face between $129 million and $221 million in cumulative government liabilities by 2030 as emissions regulations tighten.
For some of our clients who hold activist positions in Whitehaven, this forms part of a broader shareholder engagement strategy. By maintaining a position in the company, investors are able to directly engage with management and advocate for stronger emissions management, improved disclosure, and greater transparency around climate-related financial risks.
Climate Energy Finance and CarbonBridge
