Measures urged to mitigate ESG 'greenwashing' risks

In the global green bond market, about one-third of corporate green bond issuers have had a poorer environmental performance following their initial green bond issuance, according to a report issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in November.

Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific, extended a warm welcome to all the experts, business insiders and investors who gathered for the gathering to address the issue of greenwashing.

He said he hoped the event would help experts learn from each other and work together to find innovative measures to avoid greenwashing threats.

Daniel Cheng, managing director of Dunwell Enviro-Tech (Holdings) Ltd and the event moderator, said "ESG is a common topic for discussion, but more attention must be paid to greenwashing."

As president of the Hong Kong Environmental Industries Association, Cheng has been in the environmental business for about 30 years. He regards the revolution as a journey, and said that to mitigate greenwashing risks, one needs to start by educating and encouraging employees, families and friends.