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Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

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Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

#1
Climate change is a major factor that will shape the future of the global economy and society. The UN says we need to act urgently to avoid the worst impacts by cutting emissions by 2030, but that seems unlikely. Some investors are focusing on the winners of the green transition, such as clean tech or renewable energy, but the real money is in shorting the losers.

Which companies or industries are most vulnerable to the physical, regulatory, or reputational risks of climate change and will likely go under in the next decade? How can we find and short them effectively and efficiently? For example, airlines, ski resorts, coastal real estate, or agriculture? And no, oil companies are not an option because they seem too resilient and diversified.

Re: Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

#4
You would think that shorting would be a guaranteed money maker. The fact that most companies disappear with in 5 years makes it seem that making money by shorting stock is easy. Well, in practice, very few investors can make money, consistently, by shorting stock.

Your best bet is to find companies that can adapt and thrive in a climate change environment. Look into the inflation reduction act passed last year by the Biden administration. There are billions in incentives for climate change businesses. Companies that are created because of the incentives are likely to do well.

Re: Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

#7
Picking stocks is hard. I remember one investor pointing out that the other way to make money off a societal change is to steer your career in more profitable directions.

If you really have an interest in climate change, the Department of Energy is well funded and staffing up.

https://www.energy.gov/careers/jobs

Re: Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

#8

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For shorts, the cost of time matters, so if you post here and it causes an avalanche that collapses the security, you reduce your risk greatly through collective action. Given the op context, this is worth way more than a few % alpha

Re: Ask HN: How can I profit from climate change?

#9

You would think that shorting would be a guaranteed money maker. The fact that most companies disappear with in 5 years makes it seem that making money by shorting stock is easy. Well, in practice, very few investors can make money, consistently, by shorting stock. Your best bet is to find companies that can adapt and thrive in a climate change environment. Look into the inflation reduction act passed last year by th…

Yeah the next Buffet is gonna be somebody who directs a money firehose to their ESG portfolio. Not a short seller.
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