Articles tagged with "sustainable-finance"
The EU’s Investment Giant Needs To Step Up On Clean Transport - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) role and responsibilities in advancing clean transport within the EU. While the EIB has made significant investments in road and rail electrification and urban mobility, it still supports some fossil fuel-related projects and technologies like plug-in hybrids, LNG, e-fuels for road transport, and biofuels. Notably, the bank’s €800 million loan to expand Spanish airports contradicts its climate commitments. The EIB’s current 2020–2025 Climate Bank Roadmap (CBR1) aimed to align operations with EU climate goals and surpass 50% green lending, but the upcoming 2026–2030 roadmap (CBR2) maintains the same green lending target without raising ambition, missing an opportunity to deepen climate action. Looking ahead, the article highlights three key investment priorities for the EIB to enhance its climate impact: first, supporting clean fuels for aviation and shipping, sectors that remain difficult to decarbonize and urgently
energyclean-transportEuropean-Investment-Bankdecarbonizatione-fuelsbattery-value-chainsustainable-financeSierra Club Endorses Report Revealing Pension Funds Failing to Stop Asset Managers Backing Fossil Fuel Expansion - CleanTechnica
A recent analysis by Reclaim Finance, endorsed by organizations including the Sierra Club, reveals that major pension funds and asset owners are failing to prevent asset managers from supporting fossil fuel expansion, thereby exposing beneficiaries to increasing climate-related financial risks. The study found that 30 leading U.S. and European asset managers held nearly $17 billion in bonds newly issued by fossil fuel developers between January 2024 and June 2025. Despite claims of engaging asset managers to improve climate practices, many continue to back fossil fuel expansion by voting in favor of company management at annual general meetings (AGMs). Notably, firms like BlackRock and Amundi have even increased their fossil fuel bond holdings during this period. The report urges asset owners to condition their choice of asset managers on ending support for fossil fuel expansion, emphasizing their fiduciary duty to protect clients’ retirement security from systemic climate risks. While a few asset managers, such as Ostrum Asset Management and BNP Paribas AM, have taken credible steps to limit fossil
energyfossil-fuelsclimate-riskpension-fundssustainable-financeasset-managementinvestment-strategiesSierra Club Applauds NYC Comptroller Recommendation to Drop BlackRock Over Inadequate Climate Plans - CleanTechnica
The Sierra Club has praised the New York City Comptroller’s recommendation to divest $42 billion in pension funds from BlackRock due to the asset manager’s inadequate climate action plans. If adopted by the NYC pension boards, this move would represent one of the largest climate-related divestments by a pension fund in the U.S. or globally, signaling a significant shift in how public funds address systemic climate risks. While other U.S. pension funds have increased climate expectations, none have redirected funds on this scale in response to sustainability failures. Ben Cushing, Director of the Sierra Club’s Sustainable Finance Campaign, emphasized that confronting climate risk is essential to protecting both the economy and the retirement security of millions of workers. He stated that fiduciary duty requires pension funds to move investments away from managers who fail to provide credible climate strategies. This action by the NYC Comptroller sets a precedent for other public pension leaders, underscoring that asset managers who do not take climate risk seriously may lose clients to those who
energyclimate-changesustainable-financepension-fundsBlackRockclean-energyenvironmental-activismSierra Club Urges CalPERS to Better Define What the Pension Considers ‘Climate Solutions’ Investments - CleanTechnica
The Sierra Club’s California Chapter recently testified at a California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) board meeting, urging the pension fund to better define and disclose the criteria it uses to classify its investments as “climate solutions.” CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the U.S., reported it has invested $60 billion toward its goal of $100 billion in climate-related investments by 2030. However, concerns remain about what qualifies as a climate solution, especially after it was revealed that fossil fuel investments were included in this category. The Sierra Club delivered a petition signed by 620 members, including 218 CalPERS beneficiaries, calling for clearer principles that exclude fossil fuels and focus on genuine decarbonization efforts. During the meeting, CalPERS board member Mullissa Willette acknowledged the need for stronger, transparent principles to guide climate investments and called for staff to disclose the criteria used. Sierra Club policy strategist Jakob Evans emphasized that adopting clear principles would not only strengthen Cal
energyclean-energyclimate-solutionsdecarbonizationinvestment-strategyclimate-action-plansustainable-financeUS Climate Groups Ready To Battle Trump Policies At UN Climate Summit COP30 - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the absence of official U.S. government representation at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, due to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which will not be official until 2026. This lack of presence from the U.S., described by EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra as dampening the summit’s mood, reflects the administration’s longstanding skepticism toward climate science and policies. Despite this, U.S. climate advocacy groups, coalitions, and local leaders remain committed to advancing climate goals, aiming to fill the void left by federal disengagement. They emphasize continuing efforts toward net-zero emissions and sustainable finance, positioning themselves as proactive leaders in the global climate movement. A coalition of over 100 local U.S. leaders, including governors and mayors affiliated with groups such as America Is All In, Climate Mayors, and the U.S. Climate Alliance, plans to attend COP30. These leaders intend to demonstrate that the Trump administration does not
energyclimate-changeCOP30Paris-Agreementsustainable-financerenewable-energyclimate-policyFederal Bank Regulators’ Withdrawal of Climate Risk Management Principles is a Reckless Political Move - CleanTechnica
On October 16, 2024, U.S. federal bank regulators—the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)—withdrew the climate risk management principles they had finalized just a year earlier in October 2023. These principles provided critical guidance for large banks on managing climate-related financial risks, including directives on net-zero commitments and climate scenario analysis, which are essential for addressing both physical and transition risks posed by climate change. The withdrawal marks a significant policy reversal that critics argue undermines efforts to safeguard financial stability against climate-induced disruptions. Jessye Waxman, Campaign Advisor with the Sierra Club’s Sustainable Finance campaign, condemned the move as a politically motivated step that disregards the growing scientific consensus on climate risks and their systemic threat to the financial system. She emphasized that the risks of climate change to the economy have only intensified, and that abandoning these regulatory principles could increase the likelihood of another financial crisis akin to
energyclimate-risk-managementfinancial-stabilityclean-energynet-zero-commitmentsclimate-changesustainable-financeCompeting Through Creativity & Resilience: How Regions Can Lead on Advanced Energy - CleanTechnica
The article "Competing Through Creativity & Resilience: How Regions Can Lead on Advanced Energy" summarizes key insights from a panel at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) conference in Detroit, focusing on how U.S. regions can capitalize on advanced energy opportunities amid waning federal support and rising energy demand. The discussion highlighted that creativity and efficiency are becoming critical for economic and community development, with regions needing new strategies to navigate uncertainty in clean energy project pipelines. Despite strong demand revealed by federal incentives like the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), challenges remain in reaching low-income communities without concessional capital and adapting to expiring tax credits and evolving regulations. Organizations such as LISC and Michigan Saves exemplify efforts to deploy sustainable finance and leverage private capital despite funding uncertainties. The panelists emphasized that competitiveness in advanced energy will be shaped not only by policy but also by rising energy demand, grid constraints, and long interconnection queues. The growing electricity needs driven by technologies like AI and data centers
energyclean-energyenergy-transitionsustainable-financegreen-energy-projectseconomic-developmentenergy-demandThe Federal Government Can't Prevent Asset Managers From Net Zero Investments - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the evolving stance of US asset managers and financial institutions toward net-zero investments amid political and market pressures. Despite expectations that hedge funds would be bearish on oil stocks, many have shifted focus from shorting oil to investing in renewables, particularly solar energy. This shift occurs despite the Trump administration’s rollback of climate policies and promotion of fossil fuels, which has pressured banks and investment houses to align with a fossil-fuel-centric energy paradigm. Many financial institutions had initially pledged to support the transition to a low-carbon economy in line with the Paris Agreement, but some major US and Canadian banks later withdrew from these commitments, influenced by political opposition to climate action. However, recent market dynamics are driving renewed interest in clean energy investments. Factors such as rising OPEC+ supply, slowing demand in the US and China, and US policies boosting oil supply have unsettled fossil fuel producers and lowered oil price forecasts. Meanwhile, nuanced investments in renewables continue, supported by governance models involving sustainability
energyrenewable-energynet-zeroclean-energy-investmentssolar-powerclimate-policysustainable-financeClimeFi Carbon Removal Market Review Q2’25: Major Buyers & CDR Policies Take Shape - CleanTechnica
The global carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market experienced unprecedented growth in Q2 2025, with contracted volumes more than doubling from 13.5 to 29.2 million tonnes of CO₂. This surge was driven primarily by biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS), which accounted for 99% of the volumes, and market spending reached $3.9 billion. Corporate buyers, led by Microsoft with a 6.75 million tonne agreement, continued to dominate demand, alongside other major players like J.P. Morgan and TikTok. Despite a significant slowdown in verified credit issuance—down 86% this quarter—diversification in financing increased, with $182 million raised in equity and grants and $78 million awarded through XPRIZE. Key policy developments also shaped the market landscape. The EU’s near-final Green Claims Directive will restrict companies from claiming carbon neutrality based solely on offsets, requiring demonstrable direct emissions reductions and certified removals under the EU’s Carbon Removal Certification
energycarbon-removalclimate-policycarbon-marketsbiomass-carbon-removalnet-zero-targetssustainable-financeWhy Investors Must Move Beyond Simple Climate-Friendly Portfolio Strategies - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica emphasizes the urgent need for investors to move beyond traditional climate-friendly portfolio strategies that focus narrowly on individual companies. It highlights that climate change poses systemic risks to the broader economy and long-term investments, making conventional approaches like ESG integration and shareholder divestment insufficient. Instead, investors and portfolio managers must adopt a more holistic strategy that includes diversifying holdings and leveraging multiple financial levers—such as directing capital, engaging with companies, supporting strong public policies, and holding financial intermediaries accountable—to drive real-economy decarbonization and enhance market stability. A key concept introduced is the "triple dividend of resilience," which frames climate adaptation investments as not only a way to avoid losses from climate impacts but also as a source of induced economic development and additional social and environmental benefits. Research cited from the World Resources Institute (WRI) dispels the misconception that adaptation is unaffordable or competes with other investments, showing instead that adaptation efforts generate broad economic and community gains
energyclimate-changesustainable-financeinvestment-strategiesdecarbonizationresilienceESG-integration