Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm, has come under scrutiny for its investments in fossil fuel companies and its lack of transparency regarding the carbon emissions of its portfolio companies. A recent report by the nonprofit organization Majority Action revealed that Carlyle Group’s portfolio companies are among the top polluters in the world. The report also showed that the firm has invested over $50 billion in fossil fuel companies since 2010.
In addition to its investments in the fossil fuel industry, Carlyle Group has been accused of actively lobbying against climate policies and regulations that could affect its portfolio companies. This has led to concerns about the firm’s impact on the environment and its role in exacerbating the global climate crisis.
One of the major issues highlighted in the report is the lack of transparency regarding Carlyle Group’s portfolio companies’ emissions. The firm has not disclosed this information, making it difficult for investors to assess the firm’s climate risks and impact. Furthermore, the report revealed that Carlyle Group’s carbon emissions have reportedly doubled since 2015.
Environmental groups have called on Carlyle Group to align its investments with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report also calls for greater transparency and accountability from private equity firms like Carlyle Group.
The urgent need for divestment from fossil fuels has become increasingly clear in recent years, as the devastating impacts of climate change continue to be felt around the world. With its significant investments in the fossil fuel industry and lack of transparency regarding emissions, Carlyle Group is seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.
The report by Majority Action highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from private equity firms like Carlyle Group. Given the urgent need to address the global climate crisis, it is imperative that investors and financial institutions take action to divest from fossil fuels and support the transition to a clean energy future.
