Investing in the Era of Climate Change

One of the top ten business books of the fall.

Patrick Bolton, Barbara and David Zalaznick Professor of Business, Columbia Business School:
Climate change is the main challenge facing investors this century. The greening of the financial sector has been so sudden that there are still very few books that cover this important topic. Investing in the Era of Climate Change by Bruce Usher, a pioneer investor and instructor in climate change solutions, provides in a user-friendly way a comprehensive analysis of all the challenges climate change poses for investors. It is an invaluable reference, and I will be sure to use it for my classes on climate finance.

Benjamin Baker, managing director, Greenbacker Capital:
Bruce Usher has a unique ability to connect the history of climate change with its present and future states. Even more importantly, Usher has found a way to distill a daunting subject into an engaging discussion of sustainability that can be enjoyed by experts and laypeople alike. Investing in the Era of Climate Change’s presentation of the industry’s vast array of potential solutions—both practical and aspirational—is likely the most comprehensive and comprehensible available today.

Kim Lew, president and CEO, Columbia Investment Management Company:
Addressing the threat to the planet created by rising CO2 levels is an escalating imperative that requires a global solution at a time when countries are increasingly more protective, insular, and arguably self-interested. In Investing in the Era of Climate Change, Bruce Usher brilliantly lays out the problem of climate change and explains why global private capital can, should, and will be the solution. Every investor should read this book to gain insights on ways they can contribute while generating outperformance—and because ignoring the threat will put their portfolios at significant risk.

Jacques Perold, CEO, CapShift, and former president, Fidelity Management & Research Company:
In this extraordinary distillation of the complexity of climate change and the power of capital to change its trajectory, Usher offers a robust understanding of the key climate-related investment opportunities, pitfalls, and dilemmas. A thought-provoking and must-read book for anyone who cares about solutions to the most intractable issue of our time.

Jason Bordoff, cofounding dean, Columbia Climate School, and director, Center on Global Energy Policy:
This is a much-needed book on a vital topic. Usher brilliantly captures the critical role of the private sector in addressing the climate crisis. Investing in the Era of Climate Change is a comprehensive guide to investing in climate solutions, relayed in an engaging and accessible style. This book is a must-read for anyone in this field, written by one of its pioneers.

Costis Maglaras, dean and David and Lyn Silfen Professor of Business, Columbia Business School:
Climate change and our collective response to it will affect every aspect of our lives and every industry—from energy, to transportation, food and agriculture, construction, manufacturing, consumer goods, and more. We are in a period of disruption, change, and opportunity. Bruce Usher provides expert insight into the investment landscape and opportunities that will both help the planet and create wealth. Business practitioners and MBA students alike will learn much from this book.