ESG-Investing Exam Questions and Answers

QUESTION: 36

Which of the following technologies is most likely to be viewed by investors as a strategic solution to the decarbonization of high-temperature processes?

Nuclear fusion
Next-generation battery storage
The use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Investors are most likely to view the use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen as a strategic solution to the decarbonization of high-temperature processes. Here's why:

Renewable Hydrogen:

Hydrogen produced using renewable energy (often referred to as green hydrogen) is seen as a key technology for decarbonizing high-temperature industrial processes. These processes, such as those in steel and cement production, require high levels of heat that are challenging to electrify directly.

Hydrogen can provide the necessary high-temperature heat without the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels.

Other Technologies:

Nuclear fusion is still in the experimental stage and is not yet a commercially viable solution.

Next-generation battery storage, while important for energy storage and grid stability, does not address the specific challenge of providing high-temperature heat for industrial processes as effectively as hydrogen.

Reference:

The CFA Institute's ESG curriculum discusses various technologies for decarbonization, highlighting green hydrogen as a promising solution for high-temperature industrial applications due to its potential to reduce emissions significantly.

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QUESTION: 37

In contrast to engagement dialogues, monitoring dialogues most likely involve:

a two-way sharing of perspectives
discussions intended to understand the company, its stakeholders and performance.
conversations between investors and any level of the investee entity including non-executive directors

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

In contrast to engagement dialogues, monitoring dialogues most likely involve discussions intended to understand the company, its stakeholders, and performance. Here's a detailed explanation:

Monitoring Dialogues:

Monitoring dialogues are conversations between investors and company management aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the company's performance and opportunities. These dialogues involve detailed questions from investors and are intended to inform buy, sell, or hold investment decisions.

The primary focus is on understanding the company's operations, management practices, and strategic direction.

Engagement Dialogues:

Engagement dialogues involve a two-way sharing of perspectives, where investors express their positions on key issues and highlight any concerns. These dialogues can include conversations with any level of the investee entity, including non-executive directors, and are aimed at influencing company behavior and improving ESG performance.

Reference:

The CFA Institute's ESG curriculum delineates between monitoring and engagement dialogues, emphasizing that monitoring is more about understanding and assessing company performance, while engagement aims to actively influence corporate practices.

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QUESTION: 38

Which of the following has the long-term goal to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industnal levels?

The Kyoto Protocol
The Paris Agreement
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The Paris Agreement has the long-term goal to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels.

Global Climate Accord: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to strengthen the global response to climate change by keeping the temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

Long-term Goals: The agreement sets long-term goals to guide countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptation efforts, and ensuring that finance flows support low-emission and climate-resilient development.

Commitments and Contributions: Countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their plans to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. These contributions are to be updated every five years with increasing ambition.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the goals and implications of the Paris Agreement for global climate policy.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the significance of the Paris Agreement in setting targets for temperature control and emission reductions.

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QUESTION: 39

Integrating the impact of material ESG factors into traditional financial analysis for a company with strong ESG practices most likely.

leads to a lower estimate of intrinsic value
has no impact on intrinsic value
leads to a higher estimate of intrinsic value

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Integrating the impact of material ESG factors into traditional financial analysis for a company with strong ESG practices most likely leads to a higher estimate of intrinsic value.

Risk Mitigation: Companies with strong ESG practices are often better at managing risks related to environmental, social, and governance factors. This risk mitigation can lead to more stable and predictable cash flows, positively impacting the intrinsic value.

Operational Efficiency: Strong ESG practices can lead to improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and higher profitability. For example, energy-efficient processes and waste reduction can lower operating costs, enhancing financial performance.

Market Perception and Access to Capital: Companies with robust ESG practices may benefit from a better market perception and easier access to capital at lower costs. Investors are increasingly prioritizing ESG factors, which can lead to a higher valuation for companies perceived as ESG leaders.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Highlights how strong ESG practices can enhance a company's intrinsic value by reducing risks and improving operational performance.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses the positive impact of integrating ESG factors on a company's financial analysis and valuation.

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QUESTION: 40

The UK's Green Finance Strategy identifies the policy lever of financing green as

strengthening the role of the UK financial sector in driving green finance
directing private sector financial flows to economic activities that support an environmentally sustainable and resilient growth.
ensuring that the financial sector systematically considers environmental and climate factors in its lending and investment activities.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The UK's Green Finance Strategy identifies the policy lever of financing green as directing private sector financial flows to economic activities that support an environmentally sustainable and resilient growth.

Encouraging Private Investment: The strategy aims to mobilize private sector investment into green projects and technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Supporting Green Growth: By directing financial flows towards sustainable economic activities, the strategy supports the transition to a low-carbon economy and promotes long-term economic growth that is resilient to environmental and climate risks.

Policy Framework: The strategy outlines a framework for aligning financial flows with sustainability goals, including setting standards, enhancing disclosures, and providing incentives for green investments.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the role of financial flows in promoting sustainable growth and the importance of directing investments towards green activities.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the objectives of the UK's Green Finance Strategy in supporting environmentally sustainable economic growth.

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CFA ESG-Investing Exam (page: 8) CFA Certificate in ESG Investing Updated on: 09-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 36

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QUESTION: 37

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QUESTION: 38

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QUESTION: 39

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QUESTION: 40

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CFA ESG-Investing Exam (page: 8)
CFA Certificate in ESG Investing
Updated on: 09-Feb-2026