Cop 17: UNEP FI promotes the mobilising of private capital towards a low-carbon and climate resilient economy

At the COP 17, UNEP FI managed to bridge the public-private divide on climate change by engaging in a number of focused and technical dialogues that centred on mobilising private capital towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

Topics discussed with international policy-makers were private finance engagement in the Green Climate Fund and REDD+ implementation, as well as approaches to use the risk management and transfer skills of the insurance industry to address loss and damages due to climate change. 

UNEP FI continued these discussions, with a webinar, Outcomes of the Global Climate Change Conference in Durban (COP17), that brought together experts from the private sector to discuss impacts of the Durban decisions and their implications on financial markets.

More information here.

Taking heed of the changing risk landscape across the world, UNEP FI supported the launch of a report on the emerging threats and opportunities the trend represents for South African insurers. 

The study, released in November, uses the concrete example of South Africa's Southern Cape Province, to offer a sanpshot of the challenges borne out of a quickly evolving local risk horizon. 

Among risk factors flagged by the report are an increased human development and growing exposure of infrastructure; changes in weather patterns as a result of climate change; and the deterioration and disappearance of regulating ecosystems. 

This report also initiates a dialogue on how insurers should collaborate with governments, clients and stakeholders in more systematically addressing the drivers of risk in an integrated manner. 

Full download here.

Re-launch of And Yet It Moves - Success Stories and Drivers of CDM Project Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

International carbon markets have promised to catalyze low-carbon investment in regions of the world that are in need of both sustainable growth and a stable climate system. The expectations for CDM project development in sub-Saharan Africa were therefore particularly high; the results to date rather disappointing. 

Through real-world case studies in a number of countries and across different types of low-carbon technologies, this study shows that, despite many barriers and difficult circumstances, it is possible to combine financial with environmental returns in a region that is in need of both.

Full download here.

Upcoming report launch: Financing Renewable Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, 21 February, Nairobi, Kenya

This month, UNEP FI will launch an in-depth report on the financing of renewable energies in developing countries, focusing on the drivers and barriers for private finance in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the world's lowest electricity access rate, at only 26 per cent. To close this gap, the involvement of private financiers and investors is crucial. For these private financiers, the risk-return profile of a project is the key determinant of whether or not to finance.

The focus of this report is to identify and portray current barriers to the scale up of private investment and finance for electricity generation form renewable energy sources in the Sub-Saharan region.

More information soon.

Webinar on the Natural Capital Declaration on 6 March, 9 AM CET, and 7 March, 3 PM CET

UNEP FI, the Global Canopy Program (GCP) and The Center for Sustainability Studies of the Business Administration School of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) invite all UNEP FI members to join this webinar to understand the nuts and bolts of this new initiative that will be launched a the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Hear first-hand:

• What the Natural Capital Declaration is comprised of;
• Why it is of interest to financial institutions - whether in banking, investment or insurance;
• How financial institutions can endorse the Natural Capital Declaration;
• Why NAB and Rabobank are committed to the Natural Capital Declaration as endorsers;
• Plans for Rio+20.

The seminar is going to be an interactive session during which there is an opportunity to interact with panelists and actively participate in the discussion. 

More information here.

Updated 2012 online-course on Climate Change: Risks and Opportunities for the Finance Sector

Next course: 16 April to 7 May 2012

With record levels of greenhouse gas emissions in 2011, and record levels of weather-related impacts, costs and financial losses, we know climate change is here to stay, and to only become stronger.

Responding to the need to better understand the impacts of this phenomenon, the Climate Change: Risks and Opportunities for the Finance Sector online course, equips participants with a fundamental understanding of the science behind climate change, the architecture of the international climate change regime, and how financial markets - across banking, investment and insurance - can cope with the resulting risks and seize the opportunities.

More information and registration here.

The Environmental and Social Risk Analysis Online Course

Next course: 

• English: 20 February - 9 March
• Spanish: 27 February - 16 March
• French: 12-30 March 

The aim of this course is to educate risk managers and analysts in commercial, corporate, investment and retail banking in or dealing with developing countries and emerging markets, in the identification, analysis and management of environmental and social risks generated through their lending and investment activities. Upcoming ESRA Online Courses:

More information and registration here.

The FEEE Online Course (Promotional Offer)

Next course: Spanish: 11 - 29 June

The objective of the Course is to promote the transition towards a low-carbon economy, through the financing and investment in energy efficiency projects, specifically in Buildings. Upcoming FEEE Online Courses: 

More information and registration here.

Four members joined the UNEP FI community over the December-January period.

Actis joins the Investment Commission and with the advent of Bradesco Bank, Bank bjb and Garanti Bank, UNEP FI's fast-growing Banking Commission expands.

Founded 68 years ago and listed on the Sao Paulo, New York and Madrid stock exchanges, Bradesco Bank is one of Brazil's chief private banks and owns the largest insurance company in Latin America.

Garanti Bank is Turkey's second largest private bank, and represents the highest ratings assessed to a Turkish bank.

Globe 2012, 14-16 March, Vancouver, Canada 

UNEP FI is proud to partner with Globe 2012, a platform for crucial talks on securing financial sustainability, responsible investment, integrated reporting, and a cleaner economy. Join business and government leaders from around the world as they consider the increasingly important role of sustainability in ensuring greater long-term stability of the global economy.

More information here.

Global Energy Basel, 21-22 February, Basel, Switzerland

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