Intentional Investment: The power of the invisible
by Raquel Bell, Head of Impact and Culture
We often focus on the tangible—what we wear, what we eat, what we bring into our homes. These are visible choices, shaped by what we see and consume daily. But what about the invisible decisions we make? The financial choices we rarely think about—where our money sits, how our retirement funds are invested, or what our insurance premiums support—have profound economic and environmental implications, shaping both our future and the world around us.
But how do we invest with intention? And how do we strengthen this mindset like a muscle? For me, intentional investing starts with three key elements: awareness, motivation, and action. It’s an ongoing process—one that requires clarity about what impact you want to make, how you want to align your finances with your values, and who you want to support in shaping a better future.
The Case for Intentional Investing
Climate action is not just about reducing waste or switching to renewables—it’s also about directing financial flows toward solutions rather than problems.
Consider these facts:
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, we need to reach net zero by 2050 (United Nations, Net Zero Coalition).
$6 trillion per year is required to decarbonize the global economy (World Economic Forum).
Financial institutions play a pivotal role in either funding or mitigating the climate crisis. Supporting companies with credible transition plans is key to real impact.
Your Retirement Plan
Retirement plans manage trillions of dollars, but many default investment options include fossil fuel-heavy portfolios. Investing in climate-solution funds can ensure your savings contribute to a sustainable future while mitigating financial risks associated with climate change.
What you can do:
Check if your 401(k) or IRA includes sustainable investment options.
Advocate for sustainable investment choices in your workplace retirement plan.
Ask about adding funds that align with both financial performance and sustainability, ensuring long-term resilience and impact.
Banking
Large banks play a crucial role in financing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Eleven of the largest U.S.-based banks allocate an average of 19.4%—and up to 30%—of their portfolios to high carbon industries (Project Drawdown).
What you can do:
Research your bank’s sustainability commitments.
Consider switching to a bank that actively finances the transition to a low-carbon economy while supporting climate-aligned industries and local communities.
Your Insurance
Insurance companies are often overlooked, but they are major investors in high-emissions industries. The premiums you pay may be funding industries that accelerate climate change, increasing long-term risks. Some insurers are beginning to divest from high-carbon industries—others are not.
I invite you to reflect on the power we all hold. Through our financial choices, we have the opportunity to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.
Let’s start the conversation and make intentional investing the norm. Reach out to us if you need advice on how to get started!