Dr Oliver Hartwich: Mugged by reality: energy orthodoxy meets realpolitik

“These days, ESG means Energy, Security and Geostrategy.” René van Vlerken, CEO of Euronext Amsterdam, was explaining to our delegation how Europe’s largest stock exchange operator had expanded sustainable investing orthodoxy. He was matter-of-fact about this remarkable shift.

The New Zealand Initiative’s “Go Dutch” study tour had come to learn about Dutch innovation and productivity. We found a continent that had been mugged by reality.