Recent announcements by large asset management firms have indicated an increased emphasis on sustainability within the investment mainstream. This article argues that shareholders have a central role in driving the transition to a green economy and it explores the key reasons why their impact on listed enterprises is crucial. It is concluded that in order to support this development from a policy perspective, information standards must be adopted to promote transparency for the right audience. Furthermore, policy makers should direct measures towards passive investments as well. Ultimately, well-coordinated, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments can be leveraged as a central tool to mitigate the effects of climate change.