Best MSCI ESG Research LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Did the EU Fix SFDR 21:43

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4d ago21:43

21:43

The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation is a corner stone of the EU’s plan to cut its carbon emissions and achieve its climate goals. But it's gone through a lot of changes, with the most recent announced on November 20. The question we had is, with these changes, did the EU keep the stated purpose of the SFDR in tact: promoting transparen…

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When Scandals Are Market Signals 17:42

18d ago17:42

17:42

Oil spills, labor violations, data breaches. When controversy strikes, should investors pull out, or hold their nerve? We unpack fresh analysis on what happens when portfolios steer clear of scandal-prone firms and the surprising impact on returns. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI Sustainability & Climate Guest: Drashti Shah, MSCI Custom Index Solutions…

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Your Guidebook to a Bumpy Energy Transition 13:16

25d ago13:16

13:16

The energy transition is underway, but it’s not a smooth ride. In this episode, we unpack why progress has been so uneven, from surging EV sales to rising coal demand. We explore how tech, cost, and policy are shaping risks and opportunities for investors. Host: Gabriela de la Serna, MSCI Sustainability & Climate Guest: Anthony Chan, MSCI Sustainab…

1
The Choice Between Data Centers and Carbon Emissions 20:25

1M ago20:25

20:25

We are in the era of data centers. They are being built with the speed and intensity of factories during the industrial revolution, and with the same sort of capital attraction. But their high emissions, which are under-reported by companies (we will tell you why!), have left both real estate and tech investors with a dilemma: take advantage of the…

1
The Next Frontier of Sustainability: Measuring Biodiversity Risk 17:43

2M ago17:43

17:43

Carbon, selfishly, has dominated the sustainability conversation for some time. But what about the often-overlooked foundation of our everything in our economy: biodiversity. How can you measure that if its basically everything? We show you how in this episode, exploring how every business, from agriculture to technology, depends on the health of e…

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Before the Storm Hits 16:29

2M ago16:29

16:29

Do hurricanes affect the market? Join us as we cover new research that tracks the financial fallout of storms on company equity. Through asset exposure and climate models, we’ll discuss how storm paths connect to stock prices and why investors may want to take notice, before the next hurricane hits. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Xi…

1
Paying the Price: Climate Costs Outpace Corporate Preparedness 12:31

2M ago12:31

12:31

As the planet continues to warm, physical climate risk is no longer an abstract future concern. It is financially material today. The question now is where those risks will materialize and how are companies prepared for those risks. We can help you find out - just by listening to this episode! Report discussed: https://www.msci.com/research-and-ins…

1
When Climate Hazards Collide 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

Climate change doesn’t just arrive one disaster at a time. It stacks crises on top of each other: drought followed by flood, heat followed by fire; shocks that turn small problems into big financial hits. In this episode, we talked about how compounding climate hazards are reshaping the bottled water industry, what a 2024 Nestlé scandal reveals abo…

1
How Company Ownership Shapes Performance 14:41

3M ago14:41

14:41

Controlled companies now outnumber widely held ones. New MSCI research shows that this market shift has significant implications for shareholder returns. Guest: Jonathan Ponder, MSCI ESG Research Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research

1
Sustainability Matters in the Bond Market 13:46

3M ago13:46

13:46

We already know there is a clear link between ESG ratings and the cost of capital. But the question remains: do ESG ratings matter for bonds and their credit spreads? Should fixed income investors care? Listen to this week’s episode to find out! Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Jakub Malich, MSCI ESG Research Link to paper discussed in…

1
What Sustainability Reporting Really Looks Like in 2025 24:08

4M ago24:08

24:08

As a new policy landscape emerges in North America, are companies scaling back on sustainability reporting? And will investors go with the flow? Join us as we look at live trends in company disclosures and where the 2025 proxy season is headed. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guests: Julia Morello & Jonathan Ponder, MSCI ESG Research…

1
What Flood Maps Miss 20:04

5M ago20:04

20:04

As the physical risks from climate change grow, so does our reliance on accurate maps to assess them. In this episode, we dig into the limitations of publicly available flood maps and explore how data and modeling in the marketplace have evolved - often surpassing the capabilities of standard public tools. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research Gue…

1
Sustainability and Fundamentals: 12 Years On 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

Let’s venture beyond the portfolio and into the engine room of company performance. In this episode, we explore how ESG Ratings relate to core business fundamentals like profitability, sales variability, and asset turnover. It’s a new piece of a much bigger picture that connects sustainability with financial performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI …

1
Energy in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act 22:51

5M ago22:51

22:51

On July 4, the United States enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping tax-and-spending package containing some 35 provisions affecting the energy sector. Here, we highlight the most significant measures and examine how the legislation could reshape energy-investment decisions for both corporations and investors. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI …

1
Making Food Healthier 15:47

5M ago15:47

15:47

Junk food is at the center of the political conversation in America and globally, with discussions about ultra-processed and artificial foods, and the changes we need to make to food, and how hungry we are but none of the food is "good." It is a thing! But what does it mean for food companies? And what does it mean for our social pillar where we lo…

1
From Targets to Tactics: How We’re Scoring the Energy Transition 20:22

6M ago20:22

20:22

The energy transition isn’t a straight line. Investors are increasingly look to understand where and how emissions create portfolio risk. In this episode, we explore MSCI’s new energy transition framework and take a closer look at materiality-weighted emissions, a new metric that draws a bolder line to company performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSC…

1
An Update on the Carbon Credit Markets 16:37

6M ago16:37

16:37

How is it going with the carbon credit markets? Are they pricing credits accurately? Is the vitally important Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation also known as CORSIA that relies on functioning carbon credit markets working out? Listen to this episode of Sustainability Now to find out! Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Res…

1
A Breakthrough in the Fight Against Superbugs 16:25

6M ago16:25

16:25

Could Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche’s late-stage antibiotic trials signal new hope against antibiotic‐resistant pathogens? On this special REPLAY episode (originally aired August 2024), we take a deep dive into the state of antimicrobial resistance, from hospital wards to farm fields. As these microscopic threats drive up healthcare costs, jeo…

1
Adapting to a Hotter Future in Asia 11:40

7M ago11:40

11:40

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of adaptation finance in helping Asia face the escalating impacts of climate change. As the region experiences rising temperatures and extreme weather events, the demand for resilience-building solutions is greater than ever. With a growing population, rapid urbanization, and a heavy reliance on …

1
Aerospace, Defense and Tariff Turbulence 15:57

7M ago15:57

15:57

Tariffs and tangled supply chains: This week, we explore how commercial aerospace and defense companies are navigating a new wave of trade restrictions. From Boeing to Lockheed Martin, what do transparency and oversight mean when the stakes — and the sky —are high? Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research…

1
The Physical Risks of Reshoring 16:04

7M ago16:04

16:04

From car factories to aluminum smelters to textiles, the purported goal of the Trump administration is to 'reshore' American manufacturing. Its a goal, in part, supported by his predecessor, Joe Biden, who enacted the CHIPS act to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to America. So, let's say manufacturing does come back and companies expand thei…

1
Borderline Traceable: Tariffs Meet the Transparency Test 14:53

8M ago14:53

14:53

Newly imposed U.S. tariffs have triggered market volatility and strategic recalibrations across industries. In this episode, we explore the role of supply chain traceability in managing risk — from regulatory exposure to sustainability trade-offs. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Aura Dron, MSCI ESG Research…

1
In Times of Crisis, Sustainability Matters 12:30

8M ago12:30

12:30

As I type this, we are in the midst of a market sell off. So, it’s a perfect time to look at what happened to our ESG indexes during the last market sell offs. Worrisome times! Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Xinxin Wang, MSCI ESG ResearchBy MSCI ESG Research LLC

1
Can Bombs and Bullets Be Sustainable? 17:35

8M ago17:35

17:35

Does the defense industry have an ESG problem? Is there such a thing as an ethical bomb? These are questions emerging as the European Union ramps up investment in its defense sector as part of a broader rearmament effort. In this episode, we examine whether these concerns are well-founded or simply a dubious proposition. Host: Mike Disabato, MSCI E…

1
It's the Egg-conomy, Stupid 18:06

9M ago18:06

18:06

Egg prices in the US have soared, but is avian flu the only culprit? This week, we crack open the structural issues in the egg industry, from supply chain vulnerabilities to price-fixing allegations. Plus, what it all means for investors — and your breakfast. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Cole Martin, MSCI ESG Research…

1
EU's Omnibus Proposal: What You Need to Know 28:22

9M ago28:22

28:22

In February 2025, the EU Commission proposed the first Omnibus Package of sustainability rules, with the aim of simplifying and reducing EU sustainability reporting requirements. But did it work? Has the outcome been "good" or "bad"? And what are these new rules set to do to the future of sustainable finance in the EU? Listen to this episode of ESG…

1
Are Banks Ready for Climate Risks? 15:29

9M ago15:29

15:29

Banks face growing pressure from regulators to assess the risks climate change poses to their loan portfolios. Some regions, like Europe, are tightening standards, while others, like the U.S., remain hesitant. Our latest research reveals that banks with high exposure to industrials—especially in APAC—could see default risks rise by 50% over the nex…

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Crude Awakenings: The Shifting Energy Landscape 23:07

10M ago23:07

23:07

Oil and gas are in, renewables are out — at least, that’s what the headlines say. But what’s really happening in energy markets? We take a closer look at shifting U.S. policies, investor reactions, and how global energy trends might shape the future. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guests: Mathew Lee, Chris Cote & Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG …

1
How to Make Money and Not Lose Money (Historically) 13:49

10M ago13:49

13:49

The quest for higher returns with lower risk is a fundamental principle of successful investing. Study after study shows that investors can use sustainability data to identify more profitable, less risky companies with higher long-term returns. But what about protecting your portfolio from massive drawdowns? Or better yet, seeing which sustainabili…

1
Demystifying Climate Scenarios 17:32

10M ago17:32

17:32

What are climate scenarios? Can I do them myself, or do I need a supercomputer and an advanced degree to make them work? They are certainly important in this day and age, especially as once-in-a-lifetime destructive events seem to be becoming the norm. That’s why we decided to do an episode demystifying the whole process of climate scenario analysi…

1
Where is the Next Fire? 12:50

11M ago12:50

12:50

Fires continue to rage in Southern California, destroying homes and businesses and leaving thousands stranded. But Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are unfortunately not unique when it comes to wildfire risk. So where is the next fire likely to be? And what can investors do about it? We discuss on this week's episode of ESG now. Host: Mike Dis…

1
High Rollers or Higher Risks? Gambling Goes Digital 15:41

11M ago15:41

15:41

One of Australia's biggest casinos is in big trouble, plagued by money laundering investigations and a dwindling pool of domestic gamblers. We look at whether the rise of online gambling may make problems like these redundant in future, and what new risks investors may want to be on the lookout for. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: SK…

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The Sustainability and Climate Trends to Watch for 2025 18:15

12M ago18:15

18:15

Join us as we cover the sustainability and climate trends that our team thinks will shape the year head. We talk about the energy transition opportunities that are emerging in private markets, rising social risks and the tech giants, falling data access for AI models and much more. Here’s to a big, intriguing 2025! Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Re…

1
The First Ever (Public) Price Forecast for Airline's Carbon Credits 18:41

1y ago18:41

18:41

We put out the world’s first price forecast for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)! In it we analyzed the potential demand, supply and prices for credits under CORSIA, and how much the scheme could cost the airline industry in terms of higher ticket prices or lower profits. In this episode we explore the repo…

1
What the Market Thinks: A Climate Risk Survey 17:18

1y ago17:18

17:18

What do market participants actually think is going to happen to their assets due to climate change? And when do they expect it? And do they think we will ever abandon fossil fuels? Well to answer those questions (and any others!), you need a survey. Luckily, we've got one! We've linked it below, and created a podcast episode about it. Enjoy! Link …

1
Powering AI: The Nuclear Option 16:26

1y ago16:26

16:26

Energy-hungry data centers are the backbone of AI. And as big tech companies look to meet rising demand for AI capabilities, their emissions are ticking up. So, are net zero ambitions at risk? Or can they be saved by a decades-old energy source in a new guise? Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guests: Yoon Young Chung & Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG R…

1
The World Electric Vehicles May Create 24:59

1y ago24:59

24:59

VW announced it would shut at least three of its German plants, axe tens of thousands of jobs and slash pay by 10%. This is notable because VW is the powerhouse of Germany which typically has been the EU’s industrial engine – meaning jobs, meaning unions, meaning political might. But this is more than a VW story. It is a story of how the energy tra…

1
Finally! A Global Carbon Market! 14:28

1y ago14:28

14:28

Well not yet. But on October 11, a UN expert group reached a compromise on key elements of a global carbon trading system. If it passes (we go into this, don’t worry), it will resolve nearly a decade of talks on a what is seen as a fundamental tool for the Paris Agreement to be achieved. So, in this episode, we discuss why this global carbon market…

1
A/Cs and Adapting to Climate Change 15:04

1y ago15:04

15:04

Heat waves are getting longer and more intense. And although mitigating climate change will remain a long-term priority, investors will also be thinking about adaptation technologies. The humble air conditioner is an off-the-shelf solution, but does it have any downsides? Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Mathew Lee, MSCI ESG Research…

1
Does the Environmental Pillar Matter? 18:47

1y ago18:47

18:47

Today is the last part of a three part series we've done for ESG now: we examine whether investors should care about incorporating environmental data into equity analysis. In previous episodes we discussed the social pillar and the governance pillar, now its on to the environmental pillar of our ESG ratings model. We look at the environmental pilla…

1
So, About That Climate Transition... 19:16

1y ago19:16

19:16

It’s climate week in The Big Apple! And the perfect time to take a look at different investment approaches to a low-carbon transition. We talk through financial risks and opportunities for companies, transition funds, and how the things are playing out in bond markets. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guests: Meggin Eastman, Chris Cote & Mic…

1
Asset Risks in a Time of Flood 15:31

1y ago15:31

15:31

Flooding is one the costliest of all natural hazards and climate change is raising the stakes. In this episode, we discuss the need for precise asset locations and forward-looking climate models to figure out your risk exposure. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Matthias Kemter, MSCI ESG Research…

1
The 2024 Proxy Season 14:07

1y ago14:07

14:07

The 2024 proxy season has come and gone. In recent years, environmental and social proposals were abundant and saw record high support among shareholders. But what about this year? In this episode we take you through our findings from the 2024 proxy season, what they mean for sustainable investing, and where the future is liking headed. Host: Micha…

1
Investing in the Fight Against Superbugs 16:04

1+ y ago16:04

16:04

Antimicrobial resistance is getting worse. Set to impact healthcare, agriculture and insurance, it’s a phenomenon worth paying attention to. On this episode, we take a look at whether there’s an investment case for fighting back against the superbugs. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Namita Nair, MSCI ESG Research…

1
Net-Zero Tracker 2024 15:39

1+ y ago15:39

15:39

We periodically put out this report called the Net-Zero Tracker, and it examines the progress by the world’s listed companies toward curbing climate risk. This episode is a dive into the most important bits of our most recently published report. Link to the Net-Zero Tracker: The MSCI Sustainability Institute Net-Zero Tracker Host: Mike Disabato, MS…

1
Does Social Matter? 12:55

1+ y ago12:55

12:55

The social pillar has often been maligned as the ignored sibling of the ESG acronym. In its essence, the social pillar is a measurement of how a company, its employees, its products, and the community it operates in are supported and often challenged. For this episode, we show you why that all matters for measuring a company’s market performance. H…

1
The Cost of Missing Sustainability Targets 16:33

1+ y ago16:33

16:33

It’s early days for sustainability-linked bonds, where issuers see their interest rates rise after missing sustainability targets. But instead of throwing in the towel after some initial setbacks, we talk about companies that have doubled down on their sustainability commitments. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Guilherme de Melo Silv…

1
Does Governance Matter? 12:49

1+ y ago12:49

12:49

Good governance is foundational to effective capital markets, promoting accountability, transparency and sound decision-making aligned with investor interests. But how do those potential benefits translate into market performance? Well today, we answer that question for you! We answer the question: does governance even matter. If you want to read t…

1
Sustainability and the Cost of Capital 17:08

1+ y ago17:08

17:08

Data from over 4,000 issuers, spanning nearly a decade revealed that companies with better MSCI ESG Ratings tended to have a lower cost of capital. It’s big news for investors and another step towards understanding the relationship between sustainability and financial performance. Host: Bentley Kaplan, MSCI ESG Research Guests: Jakub Malich & Anett…

1
How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Nuclear Energy 20:08

1+ y ago20:08

20:08

Our demand for electricity is growing for the first time in decades. Nuclear energy is being proffered as the answer to our voracious energy-appetites. But are investors capable of propping up an industry with so much complexity and risk? This episode provides an answer. Host: Michael Disabato, MSCI ESG Research Guest: Elchin Mammadov, MSCI ESG Res…