Introducing Figure 8's Newsletter: That Figures!

That Figures!

Issue #1, January 2023

Hello there!

With this inaugural edition of our newsletter “That Figures”, we’re excited to kick off a new way to communicate with our wonderful and growing community of clients, colleagues, and friends. Here you can expect to find things that are a little more personal and a little less formal -- our thoughts on current news and emerging trends, highlights of innovative changemaking ideas and ventures, resources for giving and volunteering, reading and podcast recommendations, and a few personal updates from our team sprinkled here and there.

More than anything, we’re excited to share things that inspire us and that we hope will inspire you. Let us know what you think – we welcome your ideas and feedback! If you like what you see, please share this newsletter with your circles.

Since this first edition comes as we kick off the new year, we decided it’s an ideal time to share some of our predictions for 2023. The past year was certainly a challenging year for the markets –- but also a pivotal time for investors making change. We enter this new year feeling hopeful, energized, and motivated to continue our work and are excited to have you join in that journey.

— Lisa & The Figure 8 Team

Bring On 2023!

We’re going to boldly go where well, lots of market prognosticators have gone before, and pronounce our predictions for the new year. Here are some of the things we foresee for 2023:

Climate will top the agenda.

With world leaders coming to consensus in accepting the existential threat of a warming planet, we foresee a massive acceleration in the buildout of clean energy technologies and the investment opportunities that go with it. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August, ushers in a new era for clean energy in the US. For 2023 we are optimistic about US solar production, satellite-delivered asset-level emissions data, and breakthroughs in battery technology. We also expect the SEC to institute game-changing new rules requiring climate risk disclosures from publicly traded companies.

The clean energy transition will boost racial economic justice.

Big economic shifts bring opportunity, which historically has too often benefited the wealthiest people and companies. Not this time! We see the movement for a just transition taking off, spurred in part by the Inflation Reduction Act’s $47 billion provision for environmental justice. It’s not just about protecting vulnerable communities from negative climate-related impacts; we see economically promising solutions coming from those very same frontline communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice. As an example, check out Bloc Power.

Human ingenuity will save us again and again.

While we can’t rely on science and innovation to solve all the challenges facing humanity, we are bullish on human creativity! We’re now watching for the same mRNA technology underlying the most effective Covid vaccines to begin trials for the treatment of malaria and tuberculosis. And we’re keeping a close eye on energy storage: we see scientists on the cusp of battery innovations that enable the renewable energy grid.

Worker power will persist.

After decades of decline in labor union clout, today’s hot job market has sparked a resurgence of support for the voices of workers. While the labor market may yet cool, workers have been empowered! Wages are up – and the momentum behind the push for better pay and working conditions is not slowing down. In 2023, we expect increasing union membership, a spotlight on paid sick leave as a key benefit, and more companies transitioning to cooperative worker-owned structures.

And finally, we’re going to go out on a limb and predict that the political battle over “ESG” will fizzle.

The label “ESG investing” might have recently come under attack from red-state legislatures and Mike Pence, but the financial powerhouses have already learned that management of environmental and workforce issues is essential to financial outcomes. Whatever it’s called, wherever it happens, the research and relevance behind environmental, social, and governance factors is here to stay. Watch here for more of our commentary on this coming soon.

With that, we are manifesting a sustainable, just, and peaceful 2023 all around!

Things We Wanna Share!

For Listening:

We consume a LOT of content about climate issues and the one we’re most inspired to share is Bloomberg’s Zero Podcast hosted by the magnetic and insightful Akshat Rathi. For us, every episode is compelling & substantive.

Bloc Power (mentioned above) sits at the nexus of climate opportunity and racial economic justice. You can hear more in this terrific ImpactAlpha Podcast interview of Bloc Power cofounder Donnel Baird.

For Reading:

For a hopeful and optimistic look at the potential impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, check out “The Climate Economy Is About To Explode” in The Atlantic.

For Telling People What’s What:

When you hear people claim unions will never make a comeback (or if you yourself have doubts!) show them “How Unions Are Winning Again, in 4 Charts”

Should you find yourself getting into a debate over the merits of ESG investing you can find facts and figures to share here, at “10 Things To Know About ESG and Sustainable Investing”

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You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This material is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities.