Podcast: July 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks
July 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks. Includes articles on the top sustainable pharmaceutical companies, clean energy ETFs, and more!
Transcript & Links, Episode 169, July 31, 2026
Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 169, published on July 31, 2026, titled “July 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks.”
Now, before I begin, I want to apologize if my voice at any time sounds a little rough!
This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to site for vital global, ethical, and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content, including stock symbols and bonus material, on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
I have a terrific crop of 27 articles for you in this podcast! Note: Sometimes companies are covered more than once. Now with so many articles to potentially cover, I’ve chosen 4 to quote from. Titles and links to the other 23 can be found on the webpage for this podcast edition.
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1) Top 10: Sustainable Pharmaceutical Companies from sustainabilitymag.com
I’m beginning this podcast with an article that reviews an industry that is controversial for some ethical and sustainable investors. Nonetheless, the sponsor of this industry analysis needs to be considered. The title of the article is: Top 10: Sustainable Pharmaceutical Companies from sustainabilitymag.com. It’s by David Weston. Here is some of his analysis.
“Here we present the pharmaceutical companies leading in corporate responsibility, innovation and dedication to a healthier, increasingly sustainable future.
10. Boston Scientific (BSX)
Founded: 1979
HQ: Marlborough, US
Net Zero Target: 2050
In the short term, it aims to achieve a 46.2% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 – compared to a 2019 baseline. By 2050, it wants to achieve a 90% absolute reduction.
9. UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
Founded: 1974
HQ: Eden Prairie, US
Net Zero Target: 2050
UnitedHealth Group is working to source 100% of its energy from renewable sources and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2030.
8. Danaher (DHR)
Founded:1969
HQ: Washington, DC, US
Net Zero Target: 2050
Danaher’s 2025 Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 30% lower than the 2021 baseline, with 70% of the electricity consumed in its operations drawn from renewable sources.
7. Elevance (ELV)
Founded: 1944
HQ: Indianapolis, US
Net Zero Target: 2030
Elevance Health… uses 100% renewable electricity, and encourages suppliers to adopt science-based targets… Its initiatives include energy and water efficiency, responsible waste management and low-carbon commuting.
6. Medtronic (MDT)
Founded: 1949
HQ: Minneapolis, US
Net Zero Target: 2045
Medtronic aims to have 75% of its suppliers backed by science-based targets by 2030… Medtronic also wants to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 52% by FY30 from a 2020 base year.
Top 5…
5. McKesson (MCK)
Founded: 1833
HQ: Irving, US
Net Zero Target: Reduce direct GHG emissions by 50% by 2032. It aims to reduce direct GHG emissions by 50% by 2032 from a 2020 base year.
4. Bayer (BAYN)
Founded: 1863
HQ: Leverkusen, Germany
Net Zero Target: Before 2050
By the end of 2029, it targets a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019 baseline. Strategies include… transitioning to 100% renewable electricity.
3. CVS Health (CVS)
Founded: 1963
HQ: Woonsocket, US
Net Zero Target: 2050
In 2021, CVS Health emerged as a global leader by securing SBTi validation for its net zero targets… The company is targeting 50% renewable electricity by 2040.
2. Haleon (H6G.SG)
Founded: 2022
HQ: Weybridge, UK
Net Zero Target: 2040
Haleon uses 100% renewable electricity across its production facilities.
1. Thermo Fisher Scientific (TN8.F)
Founded: 2006
HQ: Waltham, US
Net Zero Target: 2050
Thermo Fisher Scientific… interim targets including a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 levels and 80% renewable energy use by 2030.”
End quotes.
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2) Riding the Green Wave: Clean Energy ETFs Benefiting from etftrends.com
Now the case for green energy is clearer than ever, and this article offers reasons for it and what investments to look at. It’s titled Riding the Green Wave: Clean Energy ETFs Benefiting from etftrends.com. It’s by Ryan Schloesser, and here are some quotes from his article.
“Following a multi-year slump in clean energy ETF performance, geopolitical tensions sparking global energy security concerns and energy demand from AI data center projects have driven clean energy investment in 2026…
(Starting with) Gains in (3) Global Clean Energy (ETFs)
1. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN)
tracks the performance of the S&P Global Clean Energy Index… (The) iShares Global Clean Energy ETF has climbed over 20%, and has received inflows of $507 million so far in 2026.
2. Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW)
tracks the Fidelity Clean Energy Index, targeting global companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from renewable energy. The fund has seen a return of 17.3% and inflows of $60 million this year.
3. Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD)
follows the performance of the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index… (The) Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF has climbed 19% and recorded inflows of $6.5 million in 2026.
Capturing the North American Energy Shift (are the following 4 funds)
1. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)
tracks the WilderHill Clean Energy Index… The fund has climbed 20.6% this year with outflows of -$305.2 million as surging Treasury yields and potential interest rate hikes pressure smaller-cap holdings.
2. First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN)
tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index targeting North American companies across the green value chain… The fund has grown 27.2% this year and received inflows of $110 million.
3. ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) and 4. (the) ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY)
both provide North American exposure to the clean energy sector. (The) ALPS Clean Energy ETF tracks the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index… Focusing more on the electrification infrastructure component of the clean energy transition, (the) ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF tracks the Ladenburg Thalmann Electrification Infrastructure Index, providing exposure to the companies physically supplying electricity and grid infrastructure. This year, the funds have returned 5.4% and 22.7%, with inflows of $12.8 million and $58.6 million, respectively.
(And 2) Pure Play (Funds with) Exposure to Solar and Wind
offers concentrated exposure to a portfolio of companies involved in the global solar value chain by tracking the MAC Global Solar Energy Index.
2. First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN)
tracks the ISE Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index.
(The) Invesco Solar ETF has returned 14.7% with inflows of $536.1 million in 2026, while (the) First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF has risen 21.8% and recorded inflows of $62.8 million over the same period.”
End quotes.
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3) 3 AI Infrastructure Stocks That Could Double by 2027 from finance.yahoo.com
Many ethical and sustainable investors are heavily invested in the AI sphere. So as an homage to them, I have this recent article titled 3 AI Infrastructure Stocks That Could Double by 2027 from finance.yahoo.com. It’s by Will Healy at fool.com. Here’s a bit of what he says in his article.
“1. Nvidia (NVDA)
trades at a P/E ratio of 31, which is actually less than the S&P 500 average of 32. This has occurred as Nvidia’s revenue grew by 85% yearly in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 (ended April 26). When also considering the 211% profit increase for the same period, the earnings multiple would arguably appear low even if Nvidia’s stock price were to double.
2. CoreWeave (CRWV)
As one of the leading neocloud companies, CoreWeave has drawn increased attention.
Amid the potential for massive stock gains, huge losses and rapidly rising debt levels have soured some investors on this company… CoreWeave has Nvidia as an investor and a partner. That gives the company capital and access to Nvidia’s latest technology, giving CoreWeave a competitive advantage.
3. Meta Platforms (META)
Facebook parent Meta Platforms is in the process of transitioning into more of an AI-oriented enterprise. The company pledged to spend between $125 billion and $145 billion in capital expenditures (capex), most of which will probably go to building more AI infrastructure…
Indeed, the 26% forecasted revenue increase for 2026 is a slowdown from Q1. Nonetheless, that would put downward pressure on an already low P/E ratio if the stock price stayed the same. Moreover, if Meta’s AI inspired more confidence, its current valuation indicates the stock price could double without making Meta an expensive stock.”
End quotes.
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4) Top Wind Energy Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio for Solid Long-Term Returns — from Zacks.com
Lastly, I have this article covering a sector that most of you are concerned with. It’s titled Top Wind Energy Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio for Solid Long-Term Returns — from Zacks.com. It’s by Avisekh Bhattacharjee. Here are some quotes from his article.
“(Note that this is) an updated edition of the May 28, 2026 article.
1. NextEra Energy (NEE – Free Report)
is a public utility holding company engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. The Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company’s competitive energy business, NextEra Energy Resources LLC (‘NEER’), is a leading generator of wind energy globally.
2. Duke Energy (DUK – Free Report)
is a premier utility service provider offering efficient power and energy services. The Zacks Rank #2 company is currently focused on expanding its scale of operations, implementing modern technologies at its facilities as well as enhancing its renewable generation portfolio by investing heavily in infrastructure and expansion projects.
3. American Electric Power (AEP – Free Report)
is a public utility holding company, which, through directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries, generates and transmits electricity. Wind forms a part of the company’s broader strategy to diversify its generation portfolio and lower carbon emissions…
The Zacks Rank #2 company is expanding its regulated renewable asset base.
4. Vestas Wind Systems (VWDRY – Free Report)
is a renowned designer, manufacturer, installer and service provider for wind turbines across the globe. To capitalize on rising demand for renewable power, the company emphasizes wind capacity expansion, technological advancement and sustainable energy development…
In June 2026, the Zacks Rank #2 company secured five new orders to deliver wind turbines in Germany.”
End quotes.
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23 more articles from around the world with Sustainable Investment Picks for July 2026.
1. Title: This Solar Power Stock Still Has a Bright Future from barrons.com. By Avi Salzman.
2. Title: Solar Beats Coal for the First Time: 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now from fool.com. By Reuben Gregg Brewer.
3. Title: 3 Consumer Staples Stocks Riding The Fairtrade Spending Trend from simplywall.st. Reviewed by Sasha Jovanovic.
4. Title: 1 Nvidia-Backed AI Infrastructure Stock to Buy Hand Over Fist Right Now from fool.com. By Dave Kovaleski.
5. Title: Top 10: Wind Power Companies from energydigital.com. By James Darley.
6. Title: This AI Infrastructure Company Has a $638 Billion Backlog and Is Trading Near an 18-Month Low from fool.com. By Matt Frankel, CFP®.
7. Title: 3 Green Investment Stocks Backed By Copper, Biofuels And Solar Demand from simplywall.st. Reviewed by Sasha Jovanovic.
8. Title: Forget Nvidia: This Infrastructure Upstart Is The Real Backdoor AI Winner from fool.com. By Leo Sun.
9. Title: 3 Stocks to Buy on the AI Infrastructure Sell-Off from fool.com. By Geoffrey Seiler.
10. Title: This ESG ETF Owns Google and Intel but Won’t Touch Meta, and It’s Up 22% in a Year from finance.yahoo.com. By Michael Williams at 24/7 Wall St.
Continuing
12. Title: 3 Alternative Energy Stocks Investors Are Watching After The Oil Shock from simplywall.st/. By Sasha Jovanovic.
13. Title: ENVX Stock Soars at Yahoo: Is This the Next Big Environmental Investment?! From catalogo.cpal.edu.pe/. By CPAL.
14. Title: Buy 3 High-Flying Alternative Energy Stocks to Tap AI Data Center Boom from Zacks.com. By Nalak Das.
15. Title: 1 Growth Stock That’s Pulled Back 39% and Looks Worth Buying Aggressively Right Now from theglobeandmail.com. By Sneha Nahata at fool.ca.
16. Title: 3 Green Energy Stocks to Buy in July from finance.yahoo.com. By Joel South.
17. Title: 2 AI Infrastructure Stocks That Could Outperform NVIDIA from zacks.com. By Tirthankar Chakraborty.
18. Title: ESG Investors: Why This Dividend ETF Is a Top Pick from ca.finance.yahoo.com. By Baystreet.ca.
19. Title: AI Infrastructure Will Mint More Millionaires Over the Next Decade: 3 Stocks to Buy Right Now from fool.com. By Leo Sun.
20. Title: AI Stocks Investment Strategy 2026: Top Picks & Market Analysis from intellectia.ai. By Jason Huang.
21. Title: 3 Climate Finance Stocks Linked To The World Bank Green Funding Push from simplywall.st. Reviewed by Sasha Jovanovic.
22. Title: BE vs. PLUG: Which Alternative Energy Stock Looks More Attractive? From zacks.com. By Tanuka De
23. Title: 4 High-Growth AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy for Long-Term Gains from zacks.com. By Anirudha Bhagat.
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Ending Comment
These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, “July 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks.”
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Thank you for listening.
Again, I want to apologize for my voice sounding, at times, a little rough!
My next podcast will be on August 28th.
See you then. Bye for now.
© 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul
