Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) could make billions more in investment capital available for sustainable development. That is the astounding finding of a recent report, commissioned by the G20. Given that MDBs’ whole purpose is to maximise the impact of their funds, their donors are wondering why they have left money on the table. Donors and … Continue reading Reforms needed for multilateral development banks to provide more capital for sustainable development
Category: financial instruments
A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002
While governments focus on how to protect consumers from escalating energy prices, Belgium shows an important way forward. Since 2002, eligible households have been shielded from price fluctuations in the energy market. People don’t have to struggle. Carl Packman discusses the approach taken by Belgium in an article on The Guardian website. There is … Continue reading A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002
African leaders frustrated that leaders from the north avoided COP27 preparatory meeting on adaptation
With two months to go until COP27, leaders of African countries had hoped to take advantage of the Rotterdam meeting held this last week to summon international attention on adaptation concerns. Well, they were disappointed. Laurence Caramel discusses the situation in an article on the Le Monde website. African leaders denounce rich countries' absence … Continue reading African leaders frustrated that leaders from the north avoided COP27 preparatory meeting on adaptation
Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits
After three months, the special offer in Germany of the 9-euro ticket for nationwide use on local and regional public transport made tourist highlights accessible at low cost and even achieved some carbon emissions reductions. Some news agencies note that 52 million tickets were purchased during the three month experiment. Kate Connolly discusses in an … Continue reading Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits
Five Canadian banks risk being forced to leave UN net-zero banking club
The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), formed ahead of last year's UN climate conference in Scotland, is part of a larger network called Race to Zero that seeks to rally companies, cities, financial institutions and other civil society groups to steer the world to a climate-safe future. To be a member of GFANZ … Continue reading Five Canadian banks risk being forced to leave UN net-zero banking club
British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling
A British oil company has won over €190 million ($190m) in compensation from the Italian government for blocking a planned project off Italy’s Adriatic coast. Arthur Neslen discusses the arbitration results in an article on The Guardian website. Bravo to Yamina Saheb, friend of EiD, for her role as whistleblower to expose the impact of … Continue reading British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling
European mayors pledge sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities
Mayors from European cities travelled to Kyiv on Friday 19 August to sign a political agreement to support the sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities. The accord outlines plans to match rebuilding needs in Ukraine with capabilities of other European cities. The pact is backed by the city network, Eurocities, and signed by Ukraine’s Congress of … Continue reading European mayors pledge sustainable rebuilding of Ukrainian cities
The world’s most influential banks need to substantially accelerate climate efforts
Many of the world's biggest banks are falling far short of aligning their practices with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting the Earth's warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a new report from the IIGCC warns. The report is discussed in an Associated Press news item on The Independent website. Banks far … Continue reading The world’s most influential banks need to substantially accelerate climate efforts
We have a lot of work cut out for us to get the energy efficiency improvements we need
Minimum energy performance standards for buildings coupled with generous tax rebates for renovations – 110% in Italy – could unlock the energy service company market in Europe. Sonja van Renssen discusses the main issues with Jessica Stromback in an article on the Energy Monitor website. Expect a “seismic shift” on energy efficiency – Jessica … Continue reading We have a lot of work cut out for us to get the energy efficiency improvements we need
New IISD report on how Glasgow Statement signatories can meet their commitment to shift international public finance out of fossil fuels and into clean energy by the end of 2022
The International Institute for Sustainable Development has recently published Turning Pledges Into Action. Glasgow Statement signatories made a commitment to end new international public finance for fossil fuels by the end of 2022 and fully shift their focus toward financing clean energy. Now, it's time to turn those pledges into action. This report analyses the … Continue reading New IISD report on how Glasgow Statement signatories can meet their commitment to shift international public finance out of fossil fuels and into clean energy by the end of 2022
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 