CalSTRS addresses climate change in investment portfolio

The $238.3 billion California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) board initiated the implementation of a Low-Carbon Transition Work Plan at its October meeting.

The transition plan builds on more than 15 years of work in climate-risk mitigation strategies.

The plan will guide CalSTRS in managing climate-related risks and identifying opportunities to invest in climate-related solutions across asset classes.

“There is no debate that climate change poses risks to the CalSTRS investment portfolio, and if unchecked, greenhouse gas emissions will have devastating impacts on society and the economy,” said Harry Keiley, investment committee chair. “CalSTRS is methodically and prudently examining how to prepare the fund to meet the retirement obligations of our members, while also adjusting to a low-carbon future.”

The board heard presentations from external experts as well as staff recommendations for starting to assess the low-carbon transitio