Ahoy! If you are reading this, that means you are a Vanguard employee and we want to hear from you.
We are Vanguard S.O.S., an effort focused on getting Vanguard to help lead the transition to a zero emissions economy. We have heard from so many Vanguard customers who want their asset managers to do better on climate. We have begun speaking directly with Vanguard employees and have learned so much. We want to hear even more – you can take our anonymous survey here.
Vanguard is lost at sea when it comes to climate.
Vanguard leadership knows it’s lost its edge when it comes to protecting its customers from climate risk. As of 2021, Vanguard had over $300 billion in fossil fuel exposure, including $104 billion invested in the twelve largest fossil fuel projects being planned or already under development around the world. Compared to its peers, Vanguard is overweight in investments in heavy emitters and has one of the worst voting records of any large asset manager.
Vanguard is in danger of compromising its legacy of courage and leadership if it does not take decisive and bold action on climate.. What do you want your legacy to be? As an employee of Vanguard, you are at a crossroads. Either you can continue with business as usual, or you can become a leader in your company and industry by championing climate-safe options.
Customers want actual green investment options, not more greenwashing.
Customers all over the world have started demanding sustainable investing. As it stands, Vanguard’s current fund lineup will not cut it for the upcoming generation of investors. 9 out of 10 young investors believe that it is a company’s responsibility to consider environmental factors in their business decisions, with repercussions and boycotts if they do not meet the investor’s standards.
As an investment manager, promoting sustainable options within portfolios has the power to shape the future, for your career, your company and because of Vanguard’s impact, even the planet. Sustainable investment offerings are not new, but they are becoming increasingly popular, reaching US$1 trillion for the first time in 2020 and growing. It is a competitive advantage for you to have the experience and fluency in navigating climate risk no matter what stage of your career you are in.
Climate risk is investment risk. Taking meaningful climate action now makes investments future-safe.
There is a myth that people can only focus on doing good when they are financially secure or have retired. If you have read this far, we suspect that you know this is a false dichotomy. Whether you care about a healthy planet or about diversity, equity and inclusion issues, you know that as a Vanguard employee you can make a difference today through your job.
What is your view on how Vanguard can change course? Click here to complete an anonymous survey. We want to hear from you! If you think this effort is important, please share this with your colleagues. We are partnering with Vanguard employees who care about climate and want Vanguard to be a leader.
If you would like to get more involved with Vanguard S.O.S., along with other Vanguard employees and customers, you can sign up to our newsletter here or email: info@vanguardsos.org.
The courageous choices you make now will be your legacy for a lifetime.