On June 4, 2020, on the evening before World Environment Day, the International Union for Conversation of Nature (IUCN) explained in this blog why protecting our natural environment is a safer and cheaper option than waiting for the next crisis to hit.
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How Can Procurement Drive the Global Green Recovery?
Commentary
Public procurement is more crucial than ever, as most of the COVID-19 recovery spending will be channelled through this process—so how can we ensure it drives innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability? And can we take this opportunity to rebrand it as a strategic (not just administrative) government function? As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic began, we saw an...Read more »
53 Ways to Reform Fossil Fuel Consumer Subsidies and Pricing
Commentary
The evidence is crystal clear that fossil fuel subsidies are environmentally harmful and undermine efforts to tackle climate change. In the aftermath of COVID-19, governments have an opportunity to use subsidy reform and fuel taxation as tools for a green recovery. (…) Today’s low global oil prices provide a chance for countries to reform their fossil fuel subsidies without...Read more »
Cycling and COVID-19: Why investments to boost cycling are important for a sustainable recovery
Commentary
Around the world, the number of people walking and cycling has risen to unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the number of kilometres travelled by bike in Switzerland doubled during the country’s partial lockdown, while counting stations in Philadelphia saw the number of cyclists increase by an average of 150%. Government leaders are...Read more »
Spending to Build Back Better
Commentary
To ensure this spending does in fact “build back better,” governments must tie their spending to sustainability targets or conditions.
Is a low-carbon recovery already lost? (webinar recording available)
Webinars
A conversation with Prof. Gail Whiteman, Founder, Arctic Basecamp Monday, July 6, 2020, 6:00 PM Central European Summer Time (CEST). Are we indeed seeing a low-carbon recovery? What are the early signs and who are the front runners? And should we be doing more to reward them? Post-pandemic greenhouse gas emissions are rising, and, as we...Read more »
Environmental, Social, and Governance Targets of the March 2020 Economic Stimulus
Commentary
Examples of economic stimulus packages announced in March 2020 Can these economic stimulus packages be accompanied by targets on environmental performance, social cohesion, and economic governance? The humanitarian crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be devastating, and targeting stimulus spending on emergency responses, healthcare, food security, and keeping jobs and small businesses alive...Read more »
Why Investment in Climate Information and Early Warning Systems is so Critical in a Post-Pandemic Era. (webinar recording available)
Webinars
A conversation with Joseph Intsiful, a Senior Specialist at the Green Climate Fund who focuses on climate information and early warning systems, and Andrea Bassi, Senior Associate, IISD and CEO KnowlEdge. Webinar 2: July 10, 2020, at 10:00 AM Central European Summer Time (CEST) Watch the webinar’s full recording below: Joseph and Andrea explored why...Read more »
Debt-for-Climate Swaps Can Help Developing Countries Make a Green Recovery
Commentary
In Argentina, green debt relief has supported forest conservation, an approach that can and should be scaled up as coronavirus stretches budgets. At last month’s meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), three topics dominated the conversation: the coronavirus pandemic, greening the recovery, and climate change. For many developing countries, especially the poorest, the overwhelming...Read more »
An Economic Recovery Should Invest in Canadian Wealth and Well-Being
Commentary
Investments into Canada’s social, human, and natural capital are needed to ensure growth is sustained, equitable and opportunity-generating. Canada’s economy has been repeatedly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fall-out. The combination of economic shutdowns, social distancing requirements, low oil prices and historic declines in export volumes have extended the downturn. As both...Read more »
Building Climate-Resilient and Equitable Cities During COVID-19
Commentary
Cities are on the frontlines of COVID-19, with urban residents facing devastating health and economic impacts. Many city leaders are responding with creative solutions, recognizing that actions in response to the pandemic can also make cities greener and more climate resilient. Addis Ababa, Bogota, Kampala, Berlin and Brussels created new bike lanes to reduce risk...Read more »
Related News
The Rockefeller Foundation Commits USD 1 billion to Green Recovery in Developing Countries
On October 26, 2020, The Rockefeller Foundation announced its commitment of USD 1 billion over the next 3 years to strengthen health systems and improve access to clean energy in developing countries. This commitment to green recovery in developing countries intends to rebuild economies and secure a safer future. Beyond the economic benefits that this...Read more »
IEA Report Demands Greater Efforts for the Clean Energy Transition
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its new flagship report, Energy Technology Perspectives 2020. It analyses more than 800 different technology options to assess pathways to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 while ensuring a resilient and secure energy system. According to the report, transitioning only the power sector to clean energy would get the...Read more »
Using Debt Swaps to Tackle Debt, Climate, and Nature Loss
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) published a paper about the use of debt swaps to address the debt, climate, and biodiversity crises. Published in September 2020, the paper illustrates how governments could address this triple crisis in their COVID-19 recovery packages using debt for climate and nature program swaps. According to the...Read more »
New Report on Nature-Based Solutions seeks to boost investments for a Green Recovery
On August 27, 2020, partners of the U.K. Ignition project launched the report Nature-Based Solutions to the Climate Emergency: The Benefits to Business and Society. The project’s aim is to develop innovative financing solutions for investments in Greater Manchester’s natural environment, helping the city to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The report presents...Read more »
Natural Capital: HSBC and Pollination create large investment venture
On August 26, 2020, The Guardian reported the creation of a new joint venture that seeks to invest billions in natural capital around the world. HSBC Global Asset Management and Pollination, a climate advisory and investment firm, are forming the world’s largest investment firm dedicated to environmentally friendly projects beyond renewable energy. The plan is...Read more »
Bioenergy: Five principles for recovery and acceleration
In August 2020, the Biofuture Platform launched a set of voluntary principles designed to help economies create jobs in the bioenergy sector. The Biofuture Platform is a government-led, multi-stakeholder initiative supporting international coordination for a low-carbon bioeconomy. The bioenergy sector, currently employing around 3 million people worldwide, was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. At...Read more »
Ending the Carbon Economy to Build Back Better
In August 2020, more than 100 economists called for an end to the carbon economy in a letter published by The Guardian. They argue that, while the current crisis drastically reveals the weaknesses of the current economic system, it also offers a window of opportunity to build back better and foster stability. The letter includes...Read more »
UN PRI Releases Framework to Guide Responsible Investors in Engaging with Policy-Makers on a Sustainable Recovery
On July 6, 2020, the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) released a framework to guide investors in engaging with policy-makers on a sustainable recovery. UN PRI writes that, as policy-makers are rolling out recovery strategies, investors should engage with them to provide technical expertise and to ensure that capital is steered toward...Read more »
How efficient cooling can support a green recovery
In June, E3G and the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program published a report on how climate-friendly cooling can support a clean, resilient Covid-19 recovery. They identified six key opportunities for including sustainable cooling solutions in stimulus packages that can create jobs, reduce emissions, secure the supply chains of medical care products and food, and boost the...Read more »
Global supply chains face turbulence not turmoil?
Bloomberg’s Supply Lines provides thought provoking perspectives Jim Thompson, founder and chairman of Crown Worldwide Group. Thomson draws from experience since 1965 in the logistics industry. He suggests that COVID 19’s supply chain disruptions will signify and bumpy ride rather and a dramatic fall in global trade. Thomson also remains skeptical that digital technologies and...Read more »
Why Is Inclusiveness so Important for a Sustainable Recovery?
Evidence is emerging regarding the consequences of economic and income inequality. The UN High Commission for Human Rights reports on the disproportionately severe impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethic minorities. Likely causes for the higher death rates across minorities in all countries include poor health care, overcrowded housing, exposure to environmental risks, and broader...Read more »
Clean Energy Stimulus Plan published by the IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published a Sustainable Recovery Plan on June 18th, 2020 that suggests a $3-trillion stimulus package for transitioning globally towards clean energy over a course of three years. The plan focusses on stimulus measures for six sectors that the EIA identifies as fundamental...Read more »
Sustainable investing passed its first real test
Sustainable investing will play an important role in financing COVID-19 recovery measures alongside other pressing social and environmental objectives. Therefore, it is great to see that sustainable investing passed its first real test of how much investors really care about sustainability. The FT reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has not seemed to impact investor’s commitment...Read more »
No Sustainable Recovery Without Gender Equality
In a sustainable recovery, social protection measures must reflect the current role of women in the care economy. UN Women also pleads for ensuring women have a seat at the table in the design of economic recovery packages, as there is plenty of evidence that more inclusive responses to crises are also better and more...Read more »
Sustainable Policy Responses for the Aviation Sector
The Climate Action Network published a policy manual on June 03, 2020 for governments on how to attach carbon emission targets to bailouts provided to the aviation industry. The manual lists further policy recommendations for aligning this industry with the goals of the Paris Agreement and achieving net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. Policies should address...Read more »
Access to Opportunities for Disadvantaged Groups Key to Sustainable Recovery
In May 2020, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Secretariat published a new report that analyzes the inequalities that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrates how already disadvantaged groups have been disproportionately affected. The report illustrates why it is so important for a sustainable recovery to ensure access to opportunities on the...Read more »
How Can Economic Recovery Measures Be Designed to Build Back Better?
On June 5, 2020, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published a brief on how economic recovery measures can be designed to build back better. Governments must put well-being and inclusiveness at the centre of their approach to a resilient recovery, while at the same time staying on track to achieve the goals of...Read more »
More Than USD 500 Billion Going to High-Carbon Industries
While many calls to action for green or sustainable recovery have been made, The Guardian reported on June 6, 2020, that at least USD 500 billion will be benefiting fossil fuel industries, without green strings attached.
On Air Pollution and Avoiding Other COVID-19 Waves
On May 29, 2020, The Guardian reported increasing evidence on the link between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 infections and death rates. To make societies more resilient and avoid a second wave, tackling air pollution must play a central role in the recovery.
Investing in Climate Change Adaptation Can Generate More Than USD 7.1 Trillion in Net Benefits
The World Resources Institute reports that the rate of return of climate adaptation investments ranges from 2:1 to 10:1. The investments considered in the simulation include strengthening early warning systems, making new infrastructure climate resilient, improving dryland agriculture for crop production, protecting mangroves, and making water resources more resilient. These five investment areas alone can...Read more »
Recovery Plan: Italy intends to invest in a green transition and sustainable mobility
The Italian government unveiled the outline of the national COVID-19 recovery plan, which will allocate a total of EUR 196 billion to six key areas. The plan includes the following investments: EUR 74.3 billion is earmarked for a green revolution and ecologic transition.EUR 48.7 billion will go toward digitalization and innovation.EUR 27.7 billion will be...Read more »
UN Secretary-General Calls for Green Recovery to Save the Planet
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgency of a green recovery in a speech on December 2, 2020. In his address at Columbia University in New York, he painted a bleak picture of the state of the planet, pointing to the concerning results of the provisional State of the Global Climate report by the...Read more »
UK Government Outlines 10-Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution
On November 17, 2020, the United Kingdom government unveiled its 10-point green recovery plan. The GBP 12 billion stimulus package will benefit the green economy across the country, for instance going toward carbon capture, hydrogen, nuclear, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Prime Minister Boris Johnson estimates that the green recovery plan will create 250,000 new...Read more »
Green Climate Fund Invests in Building Climate Resilience in Mongolia
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a USD 23.1 million grant towards strengthening the climate resilience of Mongolian herder communities. The project aims to enhance climate-informed natural resources management and sustainable livestock practices, building on traditional cooperative approaches among herders. It will also introduce innovative technologies for the traceability of sustainably sourced livestock products and...Read more »
New Initiative Launched to Restore Nature Across England
On November 5, 2020, an England-wide nature restoration initiative was launched. It aims to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change, and to help people reconnect with the natural world. Led by Natural England, the Nature Recovery Network (NRN) Delivery Partnership brings together representatives from over 600 organizations, such as RSPB, Wildlife and Countryside Link, and...Read more »
EU allots P3.76 Billion for green recovery in the Philippines
As of October 26, 2020, the European Union (EU) has allotted PHP 3.76 billion in grant funding to the Philippines under the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme. This grant will support sustainable recovery efforts in the Philippines, particularly within the energy sector. During a webinar held on October 22, 2020, the head of the EU...Read more »
Spanish Recovery Plan Will Invest EUR 72 Billion in EU Funds
In early October, the Spanish President Pedro Sánchez presented plans to invest EUR 72 billion in European funds over the next three years, aiming to create 800,000 jobs. The Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan addresses four key areas for a COVID-19 recovery: ecological transition, digitalization, gender equality, and social cohesion. The Spanish government expects the...Read more »
Study: Green recovery plans outstrip return-to-normal stimulus
On October 19, the We Mean Business Coalition published a report illustrating that green recovery plans boost income, employment and GDP better than traditional stimulus measures. It therefore recommends governments to reject return-to-normal stimulus packages, e.g. with a focus on VAT reductions and increasing household spending, in favour of targeted support for green technologies and...Read more »
Mobilizing Private Finance for Nature
In September 2020, the World Bank published a new paper about private finance for nature. The detailed piece, which is available on the Green Finance Platform, argues that private finance can and must be harnessed to better protect and manage biodiversity and ecosystem services around the world. The authors underline that governments and regulators, supported...Read more »
IMF Recovery Index: Little support for green recovery measures
Researchers from the Global Development Policy Center at Boston University have developed a way to measure the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IMF COVID-19 Recovery Index aims to quantify the extent to which the organization recommends (or conditions) borrowing countries to increase their efforts to combat the pandemic, protect vulnerable...Read more »
Nature Conservation: McKinsey report quantifies global benefits
A new McKinsey report highlights the business case for stepping up global investments in natural capital. The authors illustrate the critical need for expanding nature conservation, analyzing global risks to natural capital, and the crucial value of nature for human activities. To reduce the loss of natural capital around the world, scientists and policy-makers demand...Read more »
New Climate Finance Instruments Launched to Accelerate Green Recovery
On September 28, the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (the Lab) launched eight innovative finance solutions designed to channel private resources to climate action in developing economies. The instruments pay attention to supporting the most vulnerable populations during and after the pandemic while building long-term resilience. The finance instruments will support nature-based solutions as well...Read more »
World Leaders Pledge to Put Biodiversity and Climate at the Heart of Recovery
Political leaders from around the world have launched the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, committing to reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. Supported by more than 70 countries and several non-state actors, the pledge is meant to send a united signal to step up global ambition for biodiversity, nature, climate, and people. The Leaders’ Pledge for Nature...Read more »
How Governments Can Boost a Green Recovery
In an article published in September 2020, authors from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) make the case for scaling up green recovery efforts worldwide. The article underlines that well-designed economic stimulus packages can create much-needed jobs and lower emissions while also transforming the countries for leadership in the green economy over the longer term. The...Read more »
British Inquiry: People want fair and green recovery
In September 2020, The Guardian reported that a majority of people across Britain supports an ambitious transformation of the United Kingdom into a greener, fairer, and more equal society. The assessment is based on an extensive inquiries by a cross-party group of MPs, which involved over 55,000 people through representative polls, workshops, and telephone conversations....Read more »
Resilient Recovery: Canadian Task Force shared final report
The Task Force for a Resilient Recovery has released its final report, recommending CAD 55.4 billion in green recovery investments to support long-term jobs and economic growth in Canada. The Task Force encourages Canada’s leaders to learn from the missed opportunities after the 2008/09 financial crisis when countries invested in recovery measures that resulted in a historic...Read more »
GBP 40m for Nature-Focused Initiatives in the U.K.
The British government has launched its GBP 40 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, supporting up to 5,000 jobs in areas such as tree planting and nature conservation. Environmental groups can now apply for grants worth GBP 50,000 to GBP 5 million. The fund is aimed at labour-intensive projects that deliver nature-based solutions to climate change...Read more »
Green Recovery: OECD publishes analysis
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a new policy brief about opportunities for a green, inclusive COVID-19 recovery. The document, called Making the Green Recovery Work for Jobs, Income and Growth, includes a review of announced recovery and stimulus policies in OECD and Key Partner countries. On the one hand, OECD governments...Read more »
How to Make a Green Recovery Inclusive for all Canadians
The Smart Prosperity Institute has published an article outlining opportunities for a green and inclusive COVID-19 recovery in Canada. The authors underline that some groups within society, especially women, younger workers, persons of colour, and persons with disabilities, have been hit disproportionately hard by the recession. The article, therefore, calls on the government to carefully...Read more »
Green Recovery: ADB outlines pathway to a low-carbon and resilient future
In August 2020, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) published a brochure informing countries about sustainable recovery opportunities. Apart from presenting the central reasons for a green recovery, the document, called A Pathway to a Low-Carbon and Resilient Future, also entails three items that could help decision-makers design such programs: It lists possible low-carbon and resilience-enhancing...Read more »
ADB Adjusts Bangladesh’s Financing Plan to Support Recovery
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has restructured its financing plan for Bangladesh to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) for 2021 to 2023, which was published in August, includes USD 5.28 billion in loans. A major part of the funds (USD 2.39 billion) will be disbursed in...Read more »
USD3.6 million for Nature-Based Solutions in Ethiopia
The UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Government of Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 13, 2020, kicking off a USD 3.6 million project on nature-based solutions for water resources infrastructure and community resilience in Ethiopia. The project is part of the Ethiopian Government’s Green Legacy initiative and serves as the official...Read more »
Sustainable Recovery in Colombia: President underlines ambitions
Colombia’s president Ivan Duque sees his country on track to economic recovery. Participating in a virtual conference on August 20, 2020, he discussed the key role of the government’s stimulus and recovery plan, called Compromiso por el Futuro de Colombia. It includes investments over COP 100 billion (about EUR 22 million) and the creation of 1...Read more »
USD 2 Billion Loan for Climate Adaptation in Bangladesh
Bloomberg Green reported on August 24, 2020, that Bangladesh is expecting the World Bank to approve USD 2 billion in loans to support its ambitious climate adaptation plan, with the first installment planned for the beginning of next year. The funds would be used to implement the Delta Plan 100, which aims to minimize damages...Read more »
Brazil: Low-carbon recovery could save rainforest and boost economy
On August 13, 2020, Climate Home News reported on an international study about green recovery opportunities in Brazil. The study by the New Climate Economy and World Resources Institute, in partnership with former finance ministers and World Bank executives, finds that the government could rebuild the economy faster after the pandemic by making low-carbon growth...Read more »
Nairobi Expands Green Infrastructure to Tackle Economic Downturn and Climate Threats
On August 14, 2020, Reuters reported on Nairobi’s increased efforts to expand green infrastructure. The article highlights how such investments address challenges posed by the pandemic and the climate crisis. The Kenyan capital is improving the protection and quality of green spaces, especially along the Nairobi River, while supporting people in need. In March, the...Read more »
EIB finances Sustainable Recovery Projects in Barcelona
On August 3, 2020, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced the financing of nearly 40 projects in Barcelona that serve multiple objectives for the city. On the one hand, the projects contribute to the climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts of the city; on the other hand, they create jobs and enhance social inclusion. Therefore,...Read more »
Transition to Zero Emission Economies: Job booster for Latin America & the Caribbean
On July 29, 2020, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) published the results of a study that highlights the enormous job creation potential associated with a transition to a net-zero carbon economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Even though such a transition would terminate around 7.5 million jobs in...Read more »
The Need for a Sustainable Blue Economic Recovery
In this article, Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Dona Bertarelli, UNCTAD’s new Special Adviser for the Blue Economy, call for a sustainable blue economic recovery and describe what that could look like. The health of the oceans is in steep decline. A natural resource so crucial...Read more »
Financing a Sustainable Recovery: U.K.’s first local government green bond
On July 17, 2020, West Berkshire Council issued the U.K.’s first local government green bond using the crowd investment platform Abundance. This innovative financing solution is called Community Municipal Investment and targets local citizens to become investors for green projects in their own municipalities. Within a week, GBP 300,000 of the GBP 1 million target...Read more »
Addressing the Nature Crisis in a Sustainable Recovery
On July 15, the World Economic Forum released a new report on the need to address the future of nature, in addition to climate change, in a post-COVID-19 recovery. The report highlights that a business-as-usual approach has no future. In addition to fighting climate change, three systems need to undergo a fundamental transformation to address...Read more »
New Zealand’s Infrastructure Fund for Economic Recovery
The Government of New Zealand earmarked a NZ$ 3 billion portion from the country´s COVID Response and Recovery Fund to invest in infrastructure plans. The Cabinet announced on June 30th 2020, how the Infrastructure Fund will be allocated across regions and sectors with the target to create more than 20,000 jobs and unlock additional investments....Read more »
Nature-Based Solutions Essential for Sustainable Recovery
The risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases are increasing because of a loss of ecosystems and deforestation. This is why including nature-based solutions and green infrastructure in a sustainable recovery is essential, as reported by Business India on June 4, 2020.
USD 188 Million to Support Environmental Sustainability in Pakistan’s Green Economic Stimulus
On June 2, 2020, Pakistan Today reported on the World Bank’s USD 188 million in funding for the Government of Pakistan for disaster risk reduction and the restoration of the natural environment. This will strengthen Pakistan’s green economic stimulus recovery package.
What Cardamom Small Producers Can Teach us About Green Recovery
The Inter-American Development Bank supports Guatemala under its REDD+ framework to scale its good practices on sustainable forest management and agriculture. The management of the cardamom value chain in Guatemala is an example of how to make agriculture more resilient in a post-COVID-19 recovery. It is also exemplary in its positive social impact, especially by...Read more »