High Meadows Institute is a Boston-based think tank and policy institute focused on the role of business leadership in creating a sustainable society.
Who We Are
Who we are
We are a Boston-based policy institute focused on strengthening the role of business leadership in creating a sustainable society.
Learn MoreOur work
We conduct research, lead programs and develop frameworks to increase private sector contribution in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
See MorePrograms
Three key challenges in today’s global economic system underpin our work. Find out more about these challenges and how we are working to address them.
Learn MoreFinancial Times Moral Money Forum
In partnership with High Meadows Institute
Can carbon markets accelerate progress towards net zero?
Carbon markets have long been a minefield for corporate climate strategy, with a lack of regulation and standards leading to accusations of “greenwashing” and ineffective offset schemes failing to reduce atmospheric carbon. But while cutting emissions is vital to addressing the climate crisis, there is huge potential for carbon pricing to play a crucial role in achieving net zero, if it can reach scale across all economic sectors.
The second report of 2023 explores the innovations spurring the growth of carbon markets and transforming incentives for companies and cautions that the path to net zero remains far from clear.
So you think you know your supply chain?
For all the sophistication of our international supply chains, forced labor and other forms of worker abuse remain all too common in today’s global economy. After decades of risk with no silver bullet solution, growing pressure from consumers, activists, and investors is forcing companies to take these human rights issues seriously. As the data deficit begins to shrink, it will prove increasingly difficult for abusers of workers — and the companies they supply — to dodge the consequences.
The first report of 2023 explores the new regulations and technologies that are working to combat supply chain abuses and the important role that stakeholders have to play.
Our Most Recent Projects and Resources
Our Most Recent Publications
Our Most Recent News and Briefings
Blog
System change investing – A new approach to ESG
ESG strategies are flawed because they ask companies to voluntarily stop causing harm, while operating within systems that reward harmful behavior. Allison Kostka discusses how taking a systems-level approach to investing can drive broader positive systemic change.
Read Blog
Should AI be an ESG priority?
The current rapid and unregulated growth of AI has given rise to increased concern over potential ethical issues. High Meadows Institute President & CEO Chris Pinney discusses the potential impact of AI on ESG and the need for responsible oversight.
Read Blog
Disney, Bud Light and Corporate Activism
When it comes to corporate activism, some companies are more willing than others to take a stand. Allison Kostka explores the challenges of both speaking out and staying silent and the importance of having a corporate strategy.
Read Blog
Achieving Net Zero Goals – Time to Focus on the Human Capital Challenge
Is human capital development the key to the net zero transition? President & CEO Chris Pinney discusses the urgent need to address the "green" skills gap to meet the growing demand for clean energy jobs.
ReadPublications from Our Fellows
Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory: Investing That Matters
Jon Lukomnik and James P. Hawley offer a bold critique of Modern Portfolio Theory and propose a new imperative to improve finance’s ability to fulfill its twin main purposes: providing adequate returns to individuals and directing capital to where it is needed in the economy.
21st Century Investing: Redirecting Financial Strategies to Drive Systems Change
William Burckart and Steve Lydenberg explore how investment has evolved since the 20th century and how institutions and individuals can go beyond conventional and sustainable investing to address complex problems such as income inequality and climate change on a deep, systemic level.