Ragnar Lothbrok's Take: Trump's Anti-ESG Crusade - A Shield Wall Against Progress?

The Great Drain: Gold Flowing Out of the Green Sea

Hear me shield brothers and sisters! The whispers on the wind speak of gold not flowing *into* the green sea of sustainability but *out*! Morningstar a seer of sorts claims that $6.1 billion has been yanked from these 'ESG' funds in the first three months of this year alone. A worrying sign like ravens circling a battlefield foretelling ill tidings. It seems even the descendants of Rollo aren’t immune to the allure of quick riches over long term prosperity. Do they not see that raiding the future is a fool's errand?

Trump's Frosty Breath: A Winter for Green Shoots

This Trump a chieftain of sorts in this 'White House'—a longhall made of stone I gather—has blown a frosty breath upon these green shoots. He has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement a treaty much like the one I struck with King Ecbert only perhaps less treacherous. He has also blocked subsidies for electric chariots and supports the digging of the earth for fuel. Some say 'the gods are with him' but I say he is blinded by the glittering gold. It reminds me of the time Floki found those shiny rocks…we know how that ended.

DEI: The New Gods of the Modern Age?

And then there's this 'DEI' – Diversity Equity and Inclusion. New gods for a new age it seems. Trump seeks to banish them much like King Aelle sought to banish me. But as I showed Aelle ideas cannot be so easily killed. These policies like a well forged axe are meant to ensure fairness and strength in our societies. To cast them aside is to weaken our own defenses. I am not entirely sure what these words mean but I am never one to turn down an intriguing concept.

The SEC's Retreat: A White Flag Over Green Hills

Even the 'Securities and Exchange Commission,' guardians of the gold in this land have retreated from defending a climate change rule. They have hoisted a white flag over the green hills! It seems the winds of change are blowing against the current. Are they cowards or do they see something we do not? Perhaps they fear the wrath of this Trump more than the wrath of a dying planet. But what if the Earth dies out will there be anything to leave for our children or grandchildren? I think not!

Not Game Over Yet: The Seeds of Resistance

Yet the saga is not over! Like the warriors of Kattegat after a crushing defeat there is still resistance. California a land far to the west has implemented pro ESG rules. And many still believe in these 'ESG' investments claiming they lead to greater long term riches like finding a hidden treasure island. Some claim it is 'woke capitalism' but I ask what is wrong with being awake to the future? The young ones especially they see the worth in it. Perhaps they are wiser than we old dogs.

The Future Beckons: A Choice Between Greed and Glory

So what is to be done? Do we follow Trump down the path of short sighted greed or do we set sail towards a sustainable future? The choice is ours. Remember my sons fear is only a tool. And I fear nothing. Especially not a future where our children curse us for our folly. As I always say life is all about risks so lets risk saving the earth! I believe that the earth is not dying it is being killed and those who are killing it have names and addresses. Skål!