Seize your pension power to protect the planet

When I hear the words ‘the financial sector’ I think/I feel…

The story of your pension… Your money

Your pension fund

The investment managers

Corporations

UK GDP Amount invested by UK pensions The size of our pension funds

Your money > Pension fund > Investment Managers > Corporations The story of our pensions

Most of our pension funds are…

The financial case for action Government action: -Global climate deal -Emissions cap -‘Stranded assets’ No government action: -Dangerous climate change -Impacts entire economy

What can pension funds do? DIVEST DIVERT DISRUPT DISCLOSE DEMAND

Case study: The Environment Agency Pension Fund Fighting climate change and protecting financial returns Carbon footprint Selecting and instructing investment managers Low-carbon investments of 13%, with a target of 25%

Seizing our pension power Start with an

Meet your pension fund “As a young person with over 40 years to go until retirement, my number one investment priority is to finance a future that is safe from the impacts of climate change.” Amanda, Aviva customer “I came away from the meeting with a much better understanding of how my pension fund works… I told them frankly that there wasn’t much point having a pension if it was invested in destabilising the future. Until that changes pensions will continue to undermine their own purpose.” Max, Aviva customer

“We want to make decisions we will be as proud of in 20 years’ time as we are today, and unsurprisingly our customers want us to think long term as well. Recently we invited in some pension customers to talk to us about their concerns. One woman in her mid-20s said something that particularly stood out: “I want my pension to help create the future I want to retire into”. So these issues are as big a concern for customers as they are for us in the room today.” Mark Wilson, Aviva CEO, at UN Principles of Sustainable Investment Pension power in action!

"Good morning. My name is Sarah Smart. I am the Chair of the Pensions Trust which is the indirect owner of 138,000 shares in British Land through the Legal & General Global Equity Passive Fund. My question is: Will the Board commit to implementing the Living Wage for all British Land’s staff, including on-site contracted workers in the UK, with a view to seeking accreditation over the next year as a Living Wage employer?“ Sarah Smart, Pensions Trust, British Land AGM

Any questions?

Your pension fund meeting You’ve been given the opportunity to meet with the CEO of your pension fund:  How will you convince them to take your concerns on board?  What tone do you want the meeting to have?  What are your top 3 questions?

Taking action!  your pension fund:  Team up with others in your pension fund with any questions or