Key Impact Points: Setting a New Standard for Banks ING today announced validation of its climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), marking a significant milestone in global climate action for financial institutions. SBTi confirmed ING’s targets to cut emissions across its own operations and extensive client portfolio,
Key Impact Points: Landmark Carbon Removal Agreement Eion, a leading innovator in enhanced rock weathering (ERW), has secured a substantial $33 million carbon removal purchase from Frontier buyers. Under the agreement, Eion will remove 78,707 tons of CO2 between 2027 and 2030 by spreading olivine, a rapidly weathering mineral, across
H.E. Ambassador Ilana Seid, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations, has recently assumed the prominent role of Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Ambassador Seid’s distinguished background in global finance uniquely positions her to champion investment strategies aimed at achieving resilience and
In a significant shift to the international climate negotiation landscape, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) announced the introduction of two global “mini-COPs”—officially branded as “Global Climate Weeks”—as a precursor to the annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). This innovative approach marks a departure from the traditional
Key Impact Points: Climate Finance Shortfall Threatens Global Stability The COP29 climate summit in Baku ended without sufficient agreements on climate finance. High-income countries pledged vaguely to “take the lead” in raising $300 billion annually by 2035, relying on unspecified sources. This lack of clarity fails the urgency required to
Key Impact Points: Groundbreaking Social Finance Initiative Standard Chartered has launched its first-ever Social Bond, issuing EUR1 billion aimed primarily at financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), healthcare, education, essential infrastructure, and food security projects in emerging markets. Around USD4.2 trillion in annual investment is needed across emerging markets to
Key Impact Points: New Leadership Strengthens Sustainability One Earth has announced the appointment of Will Peterffy to its Board of Directors. As Founder and CEO of One Small Planet, Peterffy brings a robust track record in sustainability-focused business practices and innovative financial solutions aimed at environmental health. Peterffy stated: “Since
Key Impact Points: Accelerating Momentum in Nature Finance Private finance for nature surged dramatically, reaching USD 102 billion in circulation in 2024—up significantly from USD 9.4 billion in 2020, according to UNEP FI’s recent insights. A new iteration of the State of Finance for Nature report by UNEP, integrating fresh
Key Impact Points: Withdrawal from Just Energy Transition Partnership The United States has officially withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a critical financing initiative aimed at assisting countries like South Africa and Vietnam transition from coal-based energy to sustainable sources. This initiative, launched at COP26 in Glasgow in
Key Takeaways: Sustainability Finance on the Rise A new study conducted with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) analyzed 104 companies in emerging markets, revealing a significant shift toward sustainable finance. Over half (51%) of companies are using green finance instruments, with green bonds (53%) as the most common, followed by
