Where the Money Tree Grows

Book excerpt: OUR GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM, WHICH FOR MANY YEARS HAS SERVED US WELL, IS UNDER GREAT STRESS. WE LIVE AS IF RESOURCES ARE LIMITLESS, THE CLIMATE IS CONSTANT, AND THE ECONOMY WILL HAVE ETERNAL GROWTH. Today's levels of consumption are unsustainable, as is our way of investing. But by choosing the right investments for your retirement and for other savings goals, you can make more difference than by just recycling and buying organic products. The authors show that sustainable savings are among the most effective tools to combat climate change and achieve a sustainable future. In addition, such investments are profitable: companies that perform well on sustainability outperform their competitors, generate better returns, and have stronger financials. Where the Money Tree Grows is a book that gives you practical guidance on how you can use your savings to effectively contribute to a more sustainable world while making profitable investments. You'll get concrete advice on how to save sustainably, and how you can find investment opportunities linked to the greatest challenge of our time. Sasja Beslik is Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Finance Development at J. Safra Sarasin and has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. In 2013 he was awarded an Order of the Seraphim medal by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for his work in the field of finance and sustainability. He is the author of the weekly newsletter ESG on a Sunday. Karim Sayyad CFA is Vice President, ESG Strategy at Credit Suisse with 10 years of financial experience and has previously worked at Nordea Asset Management with impact private equity, ESG analysis and active ownership.