With the end of the 2022 proxy season, the number of shareholder resolutions increased to more than 250– up from 145 in 2021, says a report from Morningstar, as shareholders continued to use their proxy votes to drive positive change and address systemic issues. Key takeaways include asset managers adding more clarity to their policies on features of environmental and social proposals they will and will not support, which will help investors make informed choices about manager selection. Climate is the most common environmental issue covered among asset managers, but biodiversity and related topics, such as deforestation and water use, are becoming more prominent. Among social issues, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is the most common topic, covering issues from board level to the general workforce. Broader human capital management issues, human rights, and labour rights are often also covered.
- PWC