[forapurpose]

Shareholders live in the world that the company creates. For example if the company contributes to global warming, it doesn't affect the stock price but it does affect the shareholders.

Money and markets are great tools, but they aren't gods; they aren't the answer to all questions.

[function_seven]

Not that it's right or good, but shareholders profiting off of global warming are probably getting a net gain on the backs of the rest of the world.

If you want boards of directors to prioritize carbon neutrality and similar goals, you have to translate that into money. Tax the carbon and price the negative externalities. If you don't do this, and just hope all business people make decisions from their heart, you will always be let down.

[gamblor956]

The question really boils down to over what timeframe is shareholder value measured? A long-term approach would take into account externalities like global warming which affect future business operations and future shareholder value.

A short-term approach would look only to the current price of stock, regardless of all other considerations, justifying such things as massive layoffs, selling off core business assets, etc.

[droopyEyelids]

If we could get our whole culture to understand this the world would be a much better place