'Green' Bonds Rapidly Emerge As Energy Finance Tool

摘要

So-called "green" financial products are rapidly expanding in size and scope as more investors grow concerned about climate risks and make bets on the low-carbon energy transition. Around $600 billion of climate-related bonds — designed to raise money for financing renewable energy, clean transport and similar assets — are currently outstanding, according to the nonprofit Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). Within that market, there is a growing segment of formally labeled "green bonds," in which issuers commit to earmark 100% of the proceeds to green projects and report on their progress (see table).