Nature loss

Deforestation Debt Universe

Written by Josephine Richardson, Patricia Hutchinson & Emiel Loh

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The Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute (AFII) presents the ‘Deforestation Debt Universe’ – an expanded resource designed to bring greater transparency to the financial risks associated with deforestation for fixed income investors.

We have identified over 100 issuers, with nearly $1.3trn of debt outstanding, that have high to critical exposure to one or more of the commodities that are driving deforestation. This group will be subject to ongoing analysis by the AFII as part of our efforts to highlight sustainability-related financial risks to bond holders.

The Deforestation Debt Universe is built on data from trusted sources Forest IQ, Forest 500, and ZSL SPOTT. The issuers covered are significantly exposed to deforestation risk through the commodities soy, palm oil, beef, leather, timber, and pulp & paper.

These companies may present unwanted risks to investors. Deforestation exposure comes with credit, regulatory, and reputational risk implications that could adversely affect companies and influence the pricing of their issued securities. By highlighting those companies most exposed to these risks, we hope to support investors and provide opportunities for effective engagement.

About the authors

Josephine Richardson

Josephine Richardson

Managing Director, Head of Research

Based in London, Jo leads AFII’s research and a global team supporting fixed income investors as they align their portfolios with climate and sustainability goals. She joined AFII after 18 years in fixed income markets at JPMorgan.

Emiel Loh

Emiel Loh

Emiel was formerly a Research Analyst at AFII.

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