• Improvements in energy efficiency and a shift toward more environmentally friendly natural gas and renewable energy sources are forecasted to cut the annual growth of CO₂ emissions by three quarters over the next 20 years as compared to the prior two decades.
  


• While it is difficult to reduce CO₂ emissions given significant global economic growth, energy intensity, or the amount of energy used relative to economic activity, is decreasing materially.¹
  


• Innovation is enabling these changes. New technologies and the efficiencies they create are driving renewable energy costs lower. Wind and solar costs are estimated to decline significantly over the next several years such that their cost per kilowatt hour will be equal to or less than that of traditional fossil fuels, such as coal or gas.²
  


• ​ESG strategies often invest in companies that deliver these improved, more environmentally friendly efficiencies. Research suggests that ESG holdings may benefit your portfolio as well as Mother Nature (see Alger On the Money, “A New Way to Lower Risk?​”).
  

¹ U.S. Energy Information Administration, “International Energy Outlook 2017.”

² Nextera Energy, “February/March 2018 Investor Presentation.”