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Banks' fossil fuel divestment and corporate governance: The role of board gender diversity

Simona Cosma, Simona Galletta, Sebastiano Mazzù and Giuseppe Rimo

Energy Economics, 2024, vol. 139, issue C

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between bank boards' characteristics and their commitment to divest from fossil fuels. Using data on worldwide listed banks from 2016 to 2022, the results show a positive influence of board gender diversity on bank divestment from fossil fuel companies. We find that this result holds even following numerous robustness tests. A sub-sample analysis reveals that the effect of board gender diversity is significant for laggards' countries in environmental performance. These results highlight that greater gender diversity in board composition promotes sustainability, facilitating a shift towards business models prioritizing environmental goals. Evidence also offers valuable insights for policymakers in their efforts to align financial activities with sustainability goals. By embracing these implications, banks can contribute to the global transition towards a more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible future.

Keywords: Banks; Corporate governance; Board gender diversity; Fossil fuel; Climate change; Green transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G21 G30 Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:139:y:2024:i:c:s014098832400656x

DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107948

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Energy Economics is currently edited by R. S. J. Tol, Beng Ang, Lance Bachmeier, Perry Sadorsky, Ugur Soytas and J. P. Weyant

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