BHP (ASX:BHP) share price struggles amid renewed climate pressure

BHP shares are in the red, instead of being in the green.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is slipping amid calls for the company to strengthen its adherence to the Paris Agreement.

The calls were put forward by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) on behalf of BHP shareholders as a movement to be considered at BHP's annual general meeting. The ACCR is a shareholder advocacy group.

Right now, the BHP share price is $51.70, 0.77% lower than its previous closing price.

Let's take a closer look at the news that might be weighing on the resource company's share price today.

A young boy standing in a grassy field surrounded by trees holding a world globe over his head.

Image source: Getty Images

BHP will consider adhering better to Paris Agreement

The BHP share price is slipping after the ACCR's request for the company to review its links with lobby groups advocating against the Paris Agreement.

The ACCR is representing shareholders calling for BHP to cut ties with industry groups working against the Paris Agreement's goals.

After Friday's close, BHP announced the movement would be put to the board at the company's annual general meeting.

ACCR's director of climate and environment Dan Gocher commented on the resolution potentially impacting the BHP share price today:

The advocacy by key BHP industry associations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been fundamentally at odds with the Paris Agreement's goals…

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) claims credit for the Government's 'gas-fired recovery'; the Minerals Council of Australia continues to block meaningful environmental and climate action—as well as having the gall to claim that Australian thermal coal could reduce global emissions; while the American Petroleum Institute has recently opposed the Biden Administration's electric vehicle policy.

It's the second time the ACCR has brought shareholders' concerns regarding the Paris Agreement to BHP's board.

In 2020 ACCR gained the support of 22.4% of BHP's shareholders when asking for a similar stance from the company. It called for BHP to influence its industry associations to transition to greener practices. Additionally, the ACCR asked BHP not to accept the pandemic as an excuse for their associates neglecting the Paris Agreement.

According to the ACCR, these expectations haven't been met. It urges shareholders to vote for its latest proposal.

ACCR's calls came the same day BHP announced it will forge forward with 2 new oil projects.

BHP share price snapshot

Despite today's slump, the BHP share price has been performing well on the ASX lately.

It has gained 20% since the start of 2021. It is also 29% higher than it was this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

A happy miner pointing.
Resources Shares

ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

The materials sector has been the worst hit by the war in Iran, but mining stocks found renewed favour last…

Read more »

a man wearing a hard hat and a high visibility vest stands with his arms crossed in front of heavy equipment at a mine site.
Resources Shares

3 ASX mining shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

ASX 300 mining shares have fallen 16% since the conflict in Iran began.

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Resources Shares

Following a key approval, one broker tips 80% upside for this ASX rare earths stock

There could be massive gains to be made.

Read more »

Two workers on site discuss the next stage of this civil engineering job.
Resources Shares

This ASX mining stock just jumped. Here's what's driving the move today

Nickel Industries shares are in the green today.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Why this buy-rated ASX mining share is tipped to surge 112%

A leading broker expects this ASX mining share to more than double investors’ money in a year.

Read more »

A woman in high visibility clothing and a hard hat stands in front of an aluminium smelter.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto just locked in a major deal. Here's why investors are buying today

Rio Tinto shares rise after announcing a major aluminium deal.

Read more »

Three miners wearing hard hats and high vis vests take a break on site at a mine as the Fortescue share price drops in FY22
Resources Shares

Are these 3 ASX 200 mining shares a buy, hold, or sell?

What changes have the experts made to their ratings and price targets since the war in Iran began?

Read more »

A man in a hard hat gives a thumbs up as he holds a clipboard in one hand against a blue sky background.
Resources Shares

ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive

The ASX 200 materials sector has slumped 19% since the war in Iran began.

Read more »