Looking to Climate Change for Investment Opportunities

It may sound a little tactless, but the negative effects of climate change can present opportunities for savvy investors who know where to look.

John Vechey of PopCap Games recently joined The Motley Fool for a climate change summit. Among his guests were Stu Dalheim, vice president of shareholder advocacy at Calvert Investments, and Todd Larsen, director of corporate responsibility for Green America. In the video below, Stu and Todd talk about one tool you have in your toolbox as an investor: your proxy ballot.

Todd offers a number of suggestions of strategic sectors that will be called on more and more to respond to the effects of climate change, while Stu points out the wisdom of strategies that mitigate climate factors in the face of such a severe downside risk. Both provide specific company examples for your consideration.

So are you interested in putting some of these opportunities to work for you, but unsure where to begin? Millions of Americans have waited on the sidelines since the market meltdown in 2008 and 2009, too scared to invest and put their money at further risk. Yet those who've stayed out of the market have missed out on huge gains and put their financial futures in jeopardy. In our brand-new special report "Your Essential Guide to Start Investing Today," The Motley Fool's personal finance experts show you why investing is so important and what you need to do to get started. Click here to get your copy today -- it's absolutely free.

The article Looking to Climate Change for Investment Opportunities originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Sara Murphy has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow her on Twitter @SMurphSmiles. The Motley Fool recommends Exelon and Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of Starbucks. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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