What’s Happening In Sustainable Finance: Reflecting On COP26 Pledges, Sustainable Finance For Gender Equality, And More ESG In Conversation podcast

What’s Happening in Sustainable Finance: Reflecting on COP26 Pledges, Sustainable Finance for Gender Equality, and More

3y ago 31:24

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Episode Summary Hosts

Nicholas Gandolfo, Director, Corporate Solutions
Aditi Bhatia, Regional Sales Manager, Corporate Solutions

Your hosts Nick and Aditi showcase recent deals and transactions in the global sustainable debt and loan markets, share interesting reports, and highlight new labeled products and regulatory developments in this space.

Climate Promises Made, but What Do They Mean in Practice?

Reflecting on the outcomes from COP26, Nick and Aditi highlight some of the commitments made during the conference and what they could mean going forward. Many of the delegates, including some of the world’s largest polluters, made pledges to target net-zero emissions, curb deforestation, reduce methane emissions, and ‘phase down’ coal and fossil fuels.

The issue of what developed nations could and should do to support developing nations in building resilience against the impacts of climate change was also a hot topic. Some participants and observers were dissatisfied with the outcomes from COP26, and their disappointment was understandable. Though things may not be progressing as far or as quickly as needed, it is promising to see that these pressing climate issues continue to take center stage.

Bridging the Gender Gap Through Sustainable Finance

Among the recommended reading for this episode, a recent report from the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA), UN Women, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) stands out. Bonds to Bridge the Gap: A Practitioner’s Guide to Using Sustainable Debt for Gender Equality, outlines how sustainable finance can help direct capital to reduce the financial and economic inequalities between women and men. The report offers case studies and examples of gender-related activities, targets, and key performance indicators for issuers to consider.

In a blog post from last year, Sustainalytics’ Ijeoma Madueke also discussed the idea of using gender lens investing and gender bonds to finance the empowerment and socio-economic advancement of women and girls globally. It’s clear that gender is a key issue that could, and should, be included in more sustainable finance transactions.

Key Moments