Posts Tagged ‘environment bonds’

Your Grandparents Had War Bonds. You’ll Have Climate Bonds.

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Not your Grandma’s socially responsible investment, climate bonds address one of the most pressing issues of our generation: climate change.

  • James Cameron of Climate Change Capital has proposed environment bonds (also called climate bonds) as a way for governments to raise money to develop clean technology.
  • Bonds offer secure returns, which should appeal to investors in the current economic climate, as well as contribute to the sense of renewed idealism among investors who seek to use their finances for good causes.
  • Environment bonds would be directed to the new technologies and infrastructure needed to lower and trap carbon emissions.

Facts & Figures

  • Bonds were created in the 20th century to fund World War II fighting efforts.
  • From 2000-2030, carbon dioxide emissions are predicted to increase by 40-110%.
  • It takes carbon dioxide 100 years to filter out of the atmosphere.

Best Quote

“I sense that there is now will for people to put their money to productive use. There is something powerful in the idea that, ‘My money built that and it works and I use it.’ Building things for a purpose that binds investor, worker, user – and society – is a noble cause.”  – James Cameron, Executive Director of Climate Change Capital