Mathew Lee

Mathew Lee develops research at MSCI to answer “why sustainability matters” for the portfolios of the largest investors in the world. His research includes: estimating portfolio costs from physical climate risks, analyzing foreign investment resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act and classifying accounting methods companies use to lower their reported emissions. 

In 2023, Lee led one of MSCI’s first research pieces on how expensive adaptation could be: a $1 trillion vs. $4 trillion cost difference between scenarios where global temperatures rise 1.5 degree Celsius versus 3 degrees C. A 2024 follow-up piece examined 2,237 U.S. companies to identify rising temperatures as a leading hazard for business operations, health and safety. His other work on “orphaned emissions” found five methods companies used to exclude 17-95 percent of emissions. These insights inform MSCI clients’ allocation towards climate leaders.  

Lee led the Boston Chapter of Young Professionals in Energy and advised the Aspen Institute’s Future Leaders in Climate initiative.