“When it comes to making the transition to a more sustainable economy, investors should play a leading role,” State Treasurer Erick Russell said at The Dodd Center for Human Rights on Feb. 27, as part of the opening event for a two-day conference hosted by the Business and Human Rights Initiative at UConn.
“As investors, we can play a role in the battle against climate change that can be both vital and transformative,” said Russell. “Capital can fuel the transition to renewable energy, revolutionize agriculture, and drive technological innovation—and every investment decision helps contribute to that.”
Russell emphasized the importance of transitioning to net zero in a way that also protects human rights. He noted that sustainability goals must ensure no one is left behind. Companies can achieve this by focusing on labor during the transition, such as reskilling workers for green jobs. A just transition, which supports employees through the shift to a low-carbon economy, not only creates a green economy but also respects workers’ rights. “Just transition is critical. It’s a critical topic for investors to engage in, and while we have made strides on this, more transparency is certainly needed,” said Russell.
Russell’s address was followed by a discussion moderated by Associate Professor of Business Law Stephen Park and Assistant Professor of Business Law Rachel Chambers, the co-directors of the Business & Human Rights Initiative.
All levels of government are crucial agents in executing a just transition to a sustainable economy, the panelists said. This has been especially true at the state level, where policymakers have been active and innovative in crafting laws, policies, and practices that seek to address the roots of the problem.
“We believe as an investment firm that companies that responsibly manage those challenges over the long term will outperform,” said panelist Mary Beth Gallagher, an asset manager who invests in public companies as the Director of Engagement at Domini Impact Investments. “We are fundamentally trying to generate sustainable, equitable returns for our shareholders, but we believe thinking about managing human rights responsibilities as well is really not separate from that, but fundamental and critical to a company operating well.”
After the panel discussion, the moderators opened the floor to questions, fostering an active discussion among the panel members and audience. Students asked questions ranging from how they could get involved in promoting just transitions to how this can be achieved while protecting workers’ livelihoods.
“One of the premises of the Business and Human Rights Initiative is that ethical and socially responsible business practices should be informed by human rights,” said Park. “As part of our mission of engaged research, we brought together an amazing group of financial professionals, human rights practitioners, and academic researchers to explore the human rights implications of the climate transition. UConn was the perfect place for this convening.”
This event was made possible by the Business and Human Rights Initiative, a partnership program between Gladstein Human Rights Institute and UConn School of Business.
Article adapted from UConn Today: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/03/sustainable-investing-is-smart-investing/
