Proxy voting encourages corporations to align their business practices with our values and concerns. Addressing environmental issues through proxy voting affirms the commitment of the Sisters of Mercy to “act in harmony and interdependence with all creation.”
Corporations, through their operations, impact the environment, which can have a material effect on their public perception, financial performance and sustainability, and thus on shareholder and stakeholder rights and value. All companies face issues of increasing energy efficiency and reducing their energy footprint. In particular, energy companies (such as oil, gas, mining and utility companies) contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn contribute to global warming. Water availability has become an increasing concern, and its lack of consistent availability throughout the world has led to calls for companies to acknowledge accessibility to safe and adequate water as a basic human right.
- We support resolutions that address the risks posed by climate change.
- We support resolutions calling for reports addressing environmental impact and risks resulting from company operations, such as greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water usage and health risks.
- We support resolutions requesting a company to reduce its environmental impact and/ or environmental footprint where the proponent demonstrates potential negative impact on the environment from the company’s operations.
- We support resolutions requesting the company to adopt recognized environmental principles such as the CERES principles.
- We support resolutions requesting companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or take specific actions to reduce them, such as developing/using renewable or less-polluting sources of energy.
- We support resolutions requesting the company to acknowledge that access to safe and adequate water is a basic human right.
- We support resolutions calling for the company to issue a report on its water use, footprint and risks.
- We support resolutions requesting companies to respect the rights of local and indigenous communities in matters affecting their environment and to avoid destruction of their natural resources and environment.
Toxic chemicals, such as PVC, may be used by companies in making consumer products, and scientists have raised serious health and safety concerns about the use of some chemicals. Companies face risk from harm to consumers and affected communities, particularly where dangerous chemicals are released into the environment.
- We support resolutions asking companies to issue a report on risks associated with chemicals that present health and safety concerns.
