This book treats different themes which are intrinsically linked and of extreme significance for the entire global community such as the necessity to cut emissions and transit toward a more sustainable and green economy. The content extends to the urgency to shape a new multilateralism and reinforce cooperation to achieve global goods, where the environment comes first, to the green finance which will play a fundamental role for the green transition paying particular attention to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.A particular emphasis is given to the so-called 'Dual Circulation Strategy' (DCS) which is presently becoming the priority not only for China but also for the rest of the global community. Due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic and other external factors, China has substituted GDP growth with the so-called six guarantees (liù bǎo 六保) which represent the six fundamental aspects of the economy and society that according to the central government must receive priority attention, and protection in economic policy to ensure economic recovery. China also introduced the concept of an 'ecological civilization' (shēngtài wénmíng 生态文明) through green, low-carbon economic development. One of the targets is to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, though the rest of the global community and in particular the European Union with its Green Deal, and the US with its renewed climate policies, are pushing to reach this objective in 2050.In order to grant all these developments, 'green finance' plays a fundamental role for the success of this green transition. Therefore, a substantial part of this book explores the many aspects surrounding this theme. Due to renewables playing a very important role in the green transition, the final part of this book explores investment opportunities related to the development of these alternative sources of energy.

Inclusive Green Growth: The Pathway to Sustainable Development makes the case that greening growth is necessary, efficient, and affordable. Yet spurring growth without ensuring equity will thwart efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to health, education, and infrastructure services.

This book presents an overview of the key debates that took place during the Economic and Social Council meetings at the 2007 High-level Segment, at which ECOSOC organized its first biennial Development Cooperation Forum. The discussions also revolved around the theme of the second Annual Ministerial Review, "Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to sustainable development."--P. 4 of cover.

This book aims to fill the literature gap on digital instruments and FinTech in enhancing green finance. ​Technological innovation can increase transparency, accountability, and speed, decentralize the financial system, improve risk management, increase competition, lower costs, improve efficiency, increase cross-sectoral collaboration and integration, and scale up green finance. Artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger technologies (DLT) or blockchain, peer-to-peer lending platforms, big data, Internet-based and mobile-based payment platforms, Internet of Things (IoT), matchmaking platforms including crowdlending, tokenizing green assets are potential means to scale up the green finance for achieving the SDGs. The COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturns, and the uncertainties shrank the new investments in renewable energy projects globally. Low investment in renewable energy projects could threaten the expansion of green energy needed to provide energy security and meet SDG7 and SDG13. Investments in renewable energy projects are scarce because of several risks and a low rate of return. Although several new green financing solutions such as green bonds, green banks, green credit guarantee, carbon taxation, carbon trade, village funds, and community trust funds have been established in different countries, these are insufficient, and alternative ways to finance projects are required. The book provides several high-quality studies on utilizing digitalization, FinTech, financial innovations, and other new technologies to fill the finance gap of green projects to meet the SDG goals. The chapters are written by scholars in diverse countries and regions and include practical policy recommendations.

This report assesses progress in implementing the commitments and actions in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The global economic recession and financial turmoil from COVID-19 (coronavirus) are derailing implementation of the Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even before the pandemic, the 2020 Financing for Sustainable Development Report (FSDR) of the Inter-agency Task Force noted that there was backsliding in many areas. Due to the crisis, global financial markets have witnessed heavy losses and intense volatility. Particularly worrisome is the prospect of a new debt crisis. The FSDR highlights both immediate and longer-term actions, including arresting the backslide, to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Recommendations are included in the report.

The European Union in the Twenty-First Century: Major Political, Economic and Security Policy Trends unpacks some of the most prominent issues faced by the EU over the last two decades and considers how they may shape its future, as well as the future of international politics.

Beginning with an exploration of the origins and evolution of sustainable development and finance, this book continues with sections on public and private sector finance and investment for sustainable development, climate finance, and the emerging ‘blue’ economy. A concluding chapter incorporates the recommendations for sustainable finance going forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating global environmental crisis.

Sustainable finance involves making investment decisions that consider not only financial returns, but also environmental, social, and governance factors. Additionally, the role and contribution of sustainable finance mechanisms in the transition to a resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable economy are critical for sustainable development. As a rapidly developing research area where theory and practice intersect, sustainable finance deserves detailed examination from different perspectives. This book addresses current developments in the field, conveying the relevant theories in connection with their practical application. It considers the sustainable finance ecosystem from a broad and integrated viewpoint and presents a comprehensive and cohesive roadmap. It analyzes current issues and evolving theories including, but not limited to, the EU Green Deal, Green taxonomy, impact investing, Environmental Social Governance investing and the carbon and energy markets, offering a cross-disciplinary perspective of the challenges and impact of these concepts. The book tackles key concerns such as the issues with implementing and impacting the efficiency of sustainable finance, greenwashing and related terminology, sustainability rating and the risk context and, Environment Social Governance risk as well as the global regulatory challenge. Further, it highlights the importance of sustainable finance instruments for channeling capital to address climate change and support the Sustainable Development Goals. Analysing and mapping the Sustainable Development Goals against each topic under discussion provides a structure that supports the book's originality. The book is written in an accessible style and will appeal to a wide audience from academics, researchers and advanced students to regulators, standard setters, ESG intermediaries, auditors and policymakers. Güler Aras is a Professor of Finance, Accounting and Sustainability at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.

This unique annual collection of key economic and statistical data on states with fewer than 5 million inhabitants is an essential reference for economists, planners and policy-makers working on issues of concern to small states. This volume contains 68 tables covering development indicators and 4 articles focusing on the green economy.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Finance, Technology and Law Reform Achieving the SDGs requires a fundamental rethink from businesses and governments across the globe. To make the ambitious goals a reality, trillions of dollars need to be harnessed to mobilise finance and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Bringing together leaders from the World Bank, the financial and business sectors, the startup community and academia, this important, topically relevant volume explains what the SDGs are, how they came about and how they can be accelerated. Real-world case studies and authoritative insights address how to direct investment of existing financial resources and re-align the global financial system to reflect the SDGs. In depth chapters discuss how financial institutions, such as UBS Wealth Management, Manulife Asset Management and Moody’s Rating Agency are supporting the SDGs. The opportunities arising from Blockchain, Big Data, Digital Identity and cutting-edge FinTech and RegTech applications are explored, whilst the relevance of sustainable and transparent global supply chains is underscored. Significant attention is paid to law reform which can accelerate progress of the SDGs through SME Financing, Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer Lending and tax restructuring. To achieve the ‘World We Want’, much needs to be done. The recommendations contained within this book are critical for supporting a fundamental shift in thinking from business and governments around the world, and for building a more just and prosperous future for all.