Why some Vanguard customers are protesting its approach to sustainability

Published Updated 5 Min Read

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As the threat of climate catastrophe looms, investment management companies have moved to provide their customers with sustainability-focused portfolios and increased transparency regarding where money is being invested. But is that enough?

Environmental activists from the grassroots organization Earth Quaker Action Team don’t think so. Last month, around 100 Quakers, activists and customers came together to protest at Vanguard’s headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where 16 were arrested. Vanguard is not only one of the biggest investment and assessment management firms in the world, but it is now the leading investor in fossil fuels, surpassing its competitor Black Rock this year, according to a report by the German environmental and human rights group Urgewald. 

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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