A rise in issuances, an increasingly diverse issuer base and the development of guiding principles have all contributed to the rise of green bonds. But, as they become more investor friendly, advocates of such products are keen to ensure that they remain environmentally friendly, too.
Latest articles from Climate & Carbon

Can green bonds help prevent climate catastrophe?
January 2, 2014A groundswell of support for green finance means headway is being made in the transition to a low-carbon economy, with new sustainable models of finance, the issuance of green bonds and initiatives to level the playing field among banks.

Carbon trading runs out of gas
January 2, 2014The volume of carbon trading has fallen heavily since the 2009 Copenhagen agreement, and market participants are advocating radical steps to revive the market.
Look to the futures market to solve carbon tax conundrum
August 27, 2013When it comes to the issue of global warming, a carbon tax that forces all sides to put their money where their mouth is on the futures market could help to resolve a long-running debate.

Green energy feels the chill
December 3, 2012Tighter bank financing, falling government subsidies and rising US shale gas production are all putting the squeeze on the renewable energy industry.

ECB relieves pressure on commodities finance
December 3, 2012The worst of the liquidity squeeze on eurozone banks has eased conditions for commodities finance during 2012, but the business still faces significant challenges.

Private equity and the rise of renewable energy
November 1, 2011Private equity firms have cultivated greater interest in renewable energy during the past few years and with many governments paying more attention to renewables, offering subsidies to encourage investment in the sector, it appears their timing could not have been better. But can the pace of growth be maintained?
European Commission plots carbon markets recovery
June 30, 2011A year that began with confidence-rattling fraud now heads towards a new emissions credit supply phase, updated green industry incentives and cautious hope for regional and global emissions targets.

The nuclear policy debate after Fukushima
June 1, 2011The accident at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami has led many countries to slow down or cease their nuclear energy programmes.

UK low-carbon sector let down by banks and state, says scientist
February 14, 2011Sir David King, former chief scientific advisor to the UK government, believes the UK's policy-makers and financiers fail to support its promising low-carbon sector. The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, which he heads, is working to change that.