What are the key themes, theories, and concepts that provide context for ESG factors in risk management strategies within the oil and gas industry?

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making has gained significant traction in recent years, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability and responsible investing. This detailed abstract provides an overview of the impact of ESG factors on individual investor performance, highlighting key findings, methodologies, and implications from empirical research in the field. The global financial crisis of 2008, coupled with increasing awareness of environmental degradation, social inequality, and corporate governance failures, has underscored the limitations of traditional financial analysis in capturing the full spectrum of risks and opportunities facing investors. In response, there has been a paradigm shift towards incorporating ESG factors into investment analysis, driven by rising demand for sustainable investing, regulatory and policy trends, recognition of materiality, and stakeholder expectations. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of ESG factors on individual investor performance, addressing key research questions such as: How do ESG factors influence individual investor decision-making and portfolio performance? What is the relationship between ESG ratings, financial performance, and risk-adjusted returns? What are the implications of ESG integration for long-term investment strategies and value creation? The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of financial data with qualitative insights from investor surveys and literature review. ESG factors are evaluated using established frameworks and rating methodologies, including environmental criteria (e.g., carbon emissions, renewable energy), social criteria (e.g., labour practices, diversity), and governance criteria (e.g., board structure, executive compensation). Empirical findings suggest a positive correlation between strong ESG performance and individual investor performance. Companies with high ESG ratings tend to exhibit superior financial performance, lower cost of capital, and improved risk-adjusted returns compared to those with poor ESG performance. Furthermore, there is evidence of sectoral differences in the materiality of ESG factors, with certain industries prioritizing environmental, social, or governance considerations based on industry dynamics and stakeholder expectations. The implications of ESG integration for individual investors are significant. By incorporating ESG considerations into investment strategies, investors can align their portfolios with their values and sustainability objectives, potentially enhancing risk-adjusted returns and contributing to positive societal and environmental impact. However, challenges such as data availability, methodological limitations, and market dynamics need to be addressed to realize the full potential of ESG integration in investor decision-making. In conclusion, the integration of ESG factors represents a fundamental shift in investment practices, reflecting a broader understanding of risk, opportunity, and value creation. By examining the impact of ESG factors on individual investor performance, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable finance and responsible investment practices, ultimately benefiting investors, companies, and society as a whole.

Non-technical risks play a critical role in the oil and gas industry, influencing operational efficiency, financial performance, and stakeholder trust. This review explores key insights and frameworks for understanding and managing non-technical risks in the oil and gas sector. The review begins by defining non-technical risks and highlighting their significance in the industry. It then discusses various types of non-technical risks, including regulatory, environmental, social, and geopolitical risks, and their impact on oil and gas operations. The review also examines the interconnected nature of non-technical risks and how they can escalate into larger crises if not managed effectively. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach to risk management that considers the interplay between different risk factors. Furthermore, the review identifies several key frameworks and methodologies for assessing and managing non-technical risks in the oil and gas industry. These include risk assessment tools, scenario planning, and stakeholder engagement strategies. The review concludes by highlighting the need for oil and gas companies to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate non-technical risks. It emphasizes the importance of integrating risk management into overall business strategies and decision-making processes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights and frameworks for navigating non-technical risks in the oil and gas industry. It offers practical recommendations for industry practitioners and policymakers to enhance risk management practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
 Keywords: Oil and Gas, Insights, Frameworks, Navigating, Non- Technical Risks

The present paper highlights the need to adopt sustainability strategies in the Romanian banking sector, from the perspective of the importance of the role of financial intermediary that commercial banks have, also reflecting the positive impact of these strategies on financial performance. The empirical study involved the use of linear regressions and processing by a program specialized in statistics and data science (Stata), and emphasizes the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors on Romanian banks and the opportunity to implement them in their own risk management strategies. For this purpose, were considered independent variables, at the microeconomic level: return on assets, the leverage multiplier, the credit-deposit ratio, the number of members of the management body, and at the macroeconomic level: the unemployment rate, the inflation rate and the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product. The dependent variable used was the dummy variable called ESG. The results of our research show that, as the return on assets or the leverage multiplier increases, the probability that the bank implements a risk management strategy associated with environmental, social and governance factors decreases, and the number of members of the management body positively impacts the decision to get involved in social responsibility activities. Through this research was assessed the opportunity to integrate the risks associated with sustainable development within the strategies of development and risk management at the level of financial intermediaries and the importance of standardizing sustainable practices throughout the entire banking system in Romania.

Companies are facing increasing pressure from investors, customers and regulators to address, monitor and manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk. Asset owners, such as private equity firms, particularly in the minerals sector are increasingly concerned with the way that asset managers manage ESG risk for corporate finance activities such as acquisitions, to protect value and even unleash value over the asset holding life. Common ESG risks include those related to climate change impact mitigation, environmental practices and duty of care. From a social and governance risk perspective, elements may include respect for human rights, anti-bribery and corruption practices, as well as compliance to relevant laws and regulations. Although some ESG risk elements remain constant over the asset holding period, others may be more fluid, and in this paper, we embrace the notion of uncertainty and a broader acceptance and comfort in the unknown.

As climate change and geopolitical conflicts intensify, understanding how geopolitical risks affect companies prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices is crucial. This study investigates the dynamic relationship between global geopolitical risks and the performance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and non-ESG companies, particularly their influence on green markets. Utilizing a robust methodological framework, including the dynamic time-varying parameters vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) model, and causal impact modeling, we analyze daily financial data from 2021 to 2024. The results reveal a substantial negative impact of geopolitical risks on non-ESG companies, contrasting with the resilience of ESG-committed counterparts. This suggests that ESG-committed companies demonstrate better resilience against geopolitical risks, emphasizing the protective role of ESG practices amid uncertainties. Additionally, the inclusion of ESG companies in green markets diminishes the severity of the negative impact of geopolitical risks, underlining the transformative role of ESG commitment in shaping investor behavior towards sustainable investments. Our findings offer insights for policymakers and investors navigating geopolitical risks and ESG performance, with a focus on environmental management, and provide guidance for effective risk mitigation and investment policies to enhance environmental sustainability.

The oil and gas sector is under pressure because of its impact on sustainability. Company’s stakeholders are aware of the ethical behavior of those firms related to hazardous activities. Literature has analyzed the relationship between corporate social responsibility and different measures of efficiency (e.g., financial performance or market value) without a conclusive result.This research establishes an ESG index (environmental, social and governance) that allows a comprehensive measure of corporate social responsibility and its effects on corporate financial strategy. The study analyzes how the ESG index influences the value of oil and gas companies as well as their financial performance and financial risk. To do this, the PLS-SEM was applied to a sample of 219 oil and gas companies in different countries. Results show that the environmental and governance dimensions are the backbone of the ESG index that positively impact on all three.

This study examines the impact of eco-friendly trends and Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) factors in the beauty industry. Recognizing the significance of eco-friendly trends and ESG in the sector, the research aims to achieve its objectives by extracting key keywords using big data and analyzing them through social network analysis. The data utilized for this study covers the period from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. The findings of this research reveal that both eco-friendly trends and ESG have a substantial influence on the beauty industry as a whole. Firstly, eco-friendly trends have brought about changes in beauty product development and production methods. Increased consumer environmental consciousness has led to a higher demand for natural ingredients, renewable materials, and recyclable packaging. As a result, numerous beauty brands are launching eco-friendly product lines and adopting environmentally sustainable production practices, promoting these initiatives in their actual beauty products. Secondly, ESG factors significantly impact the business operations and sustainability of beauty industry companies. Companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in environmental, social responsibility, and governance aspects are more likely to gain greater trust and support from consumers and investors. Complying with social values, ethical principles such as opposing animal testing, ensuring product safety, fair trade, diversity, and inclusivity, enhances companies' competitiveness. Lastly, this research finds that eco-friendly trends and ESG not only affect the beauty industry itself but also influence investment decisions. ESG evaluations assist investors in assessing a company's long-term value creation capability and risk management. Business strategies that consider ESG factors have the potential to attract investor interest. It is important to note that this study is based on current trends and data, but the beauty industry is continuously and rapidly evolving. Ongoing updates to research findings and further investigations into new trends are necessary.

The oil and gas industry is enmeshed in a continuous debate regarding the negative impact that its activity has on the sustainability of the environment. Increasingly, the market and stakeholders are positively evaluating those firms which are socially responsible and penalizing those that are not. Literature has analyzed the market view through the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) controversies and their relationship with Corporate Financial Performance (CFP), as well as with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. This study analyzes the influence of ESG controversies as a moderating variable on the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance factors and Corporate Financial Performance from a market valuation perspective. To perform this analysis, PLS-SEM structural equations have been applied to a sample of 264 oil and gas firms globally. The results confirm the moderating influence of ESG controversies on the relationship between E, S, and G factors and Corporate Financial Performance.

An important condition for the successful incorporation of ESG principles in banks’ activity is reflecting the data on the implementation of environmental, social and governance activities in the reporting for stakeholders. The paper aims to build the models of ESG factors’ impact on the banking industry. Methodologically, the study rests on the theories of ESG banking and green (responsible) finance and uses the methods of dialectical and economic statistical analysis. By means of correlation analysis the authors reveal causal relationships and establish the ESG factors affecting the banking sector of the Russian Federation. The obtained data point to the importance of green finance within the framework of the sustainable environmental and economic development of the banking industry. The study does not fully confirm the thesis that following the ESG principles will lead to an increase in the profitability and efficiency of the banking sector: only social factors directly influence the performance of the banking sector, while environmental factors have an inverse effect, and there is no relationship with the governance factors. The findings can be useful while incorporating ESG principles in the regulation of financial markets and in investment practices. This will enable the organisations in the banking sector to form an ESG-based strategy, control the factors affecting the financial sustainability of the baking industry, manage ESG risks based on an extensive dialogue with stakeholders, and win goodwill.

Environmental, social, and corporate governance, which is commonly shortened to ESG, is becoming an increasingly important part of the oil and gas industry as it faces a transition towards the usage of renewable energy sources. Today, businesses are increasingly looking for new ways to promote ESG initiatives, as a growing number of customers and investors are urging organisations to take ESG issues more seriously. Businesses are also looking for new ways to promote initiatives related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. This pattern can be explained by the fact that consumers are becoming more conscious of the significance of the problems being addressed. Even if the pressure on oil and gas companies is rising, the sector now has a lot of alternatives thanks to the increased emphasis on environmental, social, and governance concerns. This paper explores how ESG is redefining the sustainable energy sector as well as the reasons why it is necessary for businesses to address environmental challenges and adapt to this new paradigm. In addition, it explains how ESG is transforming the energy industry.