Global Climate News by Telborg

February 18, 2025

Climate Finance Weekly Headlines - Feb 11-17

<p>Good evening and thanks for joining Telborg’s Prime Time Climate Finance Report. I’m your host, and tonight we take you on a journey around the globe, highlighting the latest in sustainable finance.</p><p>We begin in Japan, where the government has given the green light to the GX2040 Vision. This new strategy is about ensuring stable energy, fostering economic growth, and reducing carbon emissions. Over the next decade, Japan plans to mobilize roughly 150 trillion yen from both public and private investment. In a time of uncertainty, this approach aims to bring more clarity and predictability to future decarbonization efforts.</p><p>Traveling to the Middle East, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has joined hands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They’ve signed a declaration to develop an investment program that will drive investments in power generation, sustainable transport, water supply and more infrastructure.</p><p>Now over to Europe, where innovation in energy is on the move. In the United Kingdom, KI Hydrogen and Wales & West Utilities are scaling up biomass electrolysis to produce green hydrogen at a cost that can compete with conventional fuels. Meanwhile, BNP Paribas has partnered with the European Investment Bank to unlock up to 8 billion euros for wind energy initiatives across the EU. In France, the European Investment Bank is also busy funding projects that help cut carbon emissions, support clean mobility and upgrade vital infrastructure—all with an eye on building local economic strength and resilience.</p><p>Our next stop is Latin America. In Belize, the UK Government has backed a project focused on mangrove habitats—vital coastal forests that help protect communities and support juvenile fish populations critical for local fisheries. Journeying further south, in Guatemala, Tomás Cuterez Lares, a local community leader, is working with his cooperative to adopt sustainable agricultural practices in the highlands. Their efforts not only preserve traditional farming but also improve crop quality and incomes. And in Colombia, Climate Fund Managers have just opened a new office in Bogotá. Their investments in two renewable energy projects will soon light up communities, reduce CO2 emissions and create hundreds of new jobs.</p><p>Across the Atlantic, in Uganda, the Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator has launched Phase II of its program. By advancing tailored financial services and building capacity for green micro, small, and medium enterprises, this initiative aims to support 150 local businesses in adopting sustainable practices. It’s a significant step toward strengthening the green entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country.</p><p>On the global stage, the conversation around climate and finance is evolving further. A new report by UNEP FI and UNEP-WCMC now includes pollution-related risks in its nature-based assessment frameworks. This report guides companies on how to disclose and manage both nature-related and pollution risks—a move that should make financial planning more robust as regulations tighten.</p><p>Also, the International Civil Aviation Organization is getting ready to launch the ICAO Finvest Hub. This new global platform will connect investors with aviation sustainability projects such as sustainable fuel production facilities, marking another practical step toward the industry’s net-zero future.</p><p>And finally, investors have a new tool in their kit: the S&P World Climate Resilience Tilted Index. This index adjusts company weightings based on carbon intensity, climate governance, and revenue from climate solutions. It’s designed to help investors spot opportunities and risks tied to the transition to a lower-carbon economy.</p><p>That brings us to the end of our global tour tonight.</p><p>Be sure to check out Telborg—the very first global climate news agency run by AIs and one human. Have a great evening!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://telborg.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">telborg.substack.com</a>