Low angle view of modern skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan.

Finance

Harnessing the Power of Green Banks to Drive Climate Action

As we headed into Climate Week in New York City last week, we heard calls for swift action on climate change from citizens marching on the streets of cities and towns across the world to the Secretary General of the United Nations. Secretary Guterres urged heads of state to come…

How Private Finance is Moving the Needle on Climate Action

New York City is abuzz with Climate Week, with hundreds of events showcasing climate action, report releases, new partnerships, and ambitious commitments. Adding to the buzz is the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI), a private-sector-led initiative formed by Michael Bloomberg and chief executives from seven major private-sector institutions. This…

Bidding on the Future: How Auctions Help Policymakers Unlock Climate Action

With scientific reports warning of the urgency of concerted climate action, and with current national climate targets leaving us far short of what’s needed to avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change, policymakers around the world must find ways to kick-start the low-carbon transition. To succeed, they…

Unsnarling Climate Finance Gridlock

For developing countries seeking financial support for climate investments, navigating the global climate finance system is akin to exploring a foreign city without a map. There are billions of dollars managed by hundreds of funds—each with their own applications, funding requirements, and approval processes. Along the way, developing countries may…

Why Local Is Better than Global in the World of Low-Carbon Finance

Building climate-friendly technologies comes with a price tag; installing solar panels, erecting wind turbines, and implementing new public transportation systems all cost money. Yes, these projects often pay for themselves in the medium run, and are often even cheaper than high-carbon alternatives on a life-cycle basis, yet the up-front costs…