The issue of cluster munitions has risen to prominence in recent years and received strong public attention in 2011. In light of this controversy Deutsche Bank developed a policy to stop business relations in this area. The matter shows the need for an open and transparent dialog with stakeholders to reconcile conflicting demands.

Human rights abuses include poor working conditions such as child labor and forced labor, conflicts between communities and security forces and infringement of water rights.

Demand for palm oil has increased rapidly over the past decade due to dietary changes and the fact that it is now also used as biofuel. Global palm oil production is predicted to be double the 2000 level by 2030 and triple by 2050.

The potential to extract shale gas through frackinghas doubled estimated global gas reserves and is improving energy security. An increase of shale gas production has reduced energy prices, benefitting global economic growth. Shale gas is the least carbon-intensive fossil fuel and remains an important bridging fuel as lower-carbon energy sources are established.

There is no better area than energy efficiency to demonstrate how banks serve the real economy and contribute to the social and environmental aspects of sustainability while creating returns.