A total of 214 long-term institutional investors with over $15trn (£11.6trn) in assets under management have urged the G7 heads of state to stand by their commitments to tackle climate change.
In a letter signed by organisations such as HSBC, Allianz, and Aviva, the group call on governments worldwide to deliver on CO2 emission reduction targets, describing it is "essential" for the safeguarding of their investments.
This comes amid speculation that US president Donald Trump is set to announce the country's withdrawal from the Paris agreement, which aims to keep global temperature rises well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
"Investors are sending a powerful signal that climate change action must be an urgent priority, especially for the US, whose commitment is in question," Ceres CEO, Mindy Lubber, said.
"Global investors are eager to open their wallets to a low-carbon future, but it won't happen without clear, stable policy signals from countries worldwide - in particular the US government - whose waffling is hugely troubling."
As well as meeting emission reduction targets, the investors' letter calls on G7 leaders to:
Reiterate their support for and commitment to implement the Paris agreement, including the delivery of their own nationally determined contributions in full
Bring forward focused and targeted long-term climate and energy plans that will ensure their future actions align with in the agreement
Drive investment into the low-carbon transition through aligning climate-related policies, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and introducing carbon pricing where appropriate
Implement climate-related financial reporting frameworks, including supporting the Financial Stability Board Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures' recommendations.
"The implementation of effective climate policy mechanisms and the regular monitoring of outcomes is vital for investors to make well-informed investment decisions," the letter states.
"Investors are willing and ready to work with governments to facilitate the changes that are needed to improve the pricing of climate-related financial impacts, and to mobilise the capital flows required to underpin a strong and resilient financial system."
Government leaders will have the chance to reiterate their commitment to the Paris agreement at the 43rd G7 summit in Italy on May 26-27.
