> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/sustainable-finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/sustainable-finance/interviews/lessons/history-of-sustainable-finance.md). # History of Sustainable Finance ### Key dates timeline **1700s - John Wesley's novel idea** The founder of the Methodist movement, is credited with the first conscious investment practice. Urging followers to refrain from making investments in 'sin stocks' such as weapons and tobacco. **1971 - Pax World Fund launched** To avoid supporting companies contributing to the Vietnam War, the first sustainable mutual fund is launched. **1988 - Institutions Created** After NASA's James Hansen told a congressional hearing that there was a 'real warming trend', climate change attracted global attention. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are established. **1997 - Agreements in Japan** The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is signed by 192 states. **2006 - Principles in Place** The United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is launched to encourage further development of sustainable investing. **2007 - Impact Investing** The term 'impact investing' is coined by the Rockefeller Foundation. Putting a name to investments that intend to generate both a financial return and social impact. **2009 - A Network is Born** The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) is created to promote investing with the aim of creating a social benefit. **2015 - Frameworks in France** At COP 21 the Paris Agreement is signed by 196 parties agreeing to meet certain future climate goals. **2020 - The Largest Asset Manager Acts** Larry Fink, founder and CEO of BlackRock, wrote in his annual letter that companies generating more than 25% of revenues from coal production will be removed from their active portfolios. **2021 - Study Shows Sustainable Finance is Significant** The Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), found that 35.9% of total assets under management were sustainable as of 2020. **2022 and beyond - You Can Make an Impact** The industry is still growing and getting more attention everyday. Could you be a key part of this exciting future? ### Our favourite video {% embed url="" %} Source: Swiss Learning Exchange {% endembed %} ### If you want more {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %}