Fund Balance

Environmental Finance is conducting its annual survey of the voluntary carbon markets, polling its readers on the leading project developers, traders, brokers, advisors, verifiers and other service providers active in these markets. […]

Agribusiness group Bunge is to buy environmental asset manager Climate Change Capital (CCC), the companies announced today, in a move that will see CCC’s backers take a hit on their investment. […]

The US Department of Energy (DOE) may have approved a $1.4 billion partial loan guarantee for a rooftop solar project last year to help prop up now bankrupt solar panel manufacturer Solyndra, according to Republicans. […]

EU economic and finance ministers have reiterated their call for the global aviation and maritime transportation sectors to pay for their carbon emissions to raise climate finance. […]

Ninety-two banks and investors have put their names to a call to 415 companies to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. […]

By Celine Lim Listen to Durban Debrief Part One Listen to Durban Debrief Part Two Listen Durban Debrief Part Three Listen to Durban Debrief Part Four Listen to Durban Debrief Part Five It was standing room only at this week's DC Durban Debrief event, co-hosted by local carbon contemplators Ecosystem Marketplace, Climate Focus and McGuireWoods LLP. Over […]

10 December 2011 | DURBAN | 0907 GMT | Attention has now shifted to the high-level talks, which are being adequately covered by the mainstream media. We will be in transit until Sunday, and hope to have a more reflected and comprehensive summary for you then. 10 December 2011 | DURBAN | 0617 GMT | Market mechanisms have made it through to the high-level sess […]

9 December 2011 | DURBAN | 2130 | The Ecosystem Marketplace team is calling a night in Durban. We will be in transit tomorrow but we hope to provide a wrap-up on Sunday. 9 December 2011 | DURBAN | 1940 GMT | The formal negotiations for these texts have wrapped for the night, but bilateral and ndabo talks continue. 9 December 2011 | DURBAN | 1830 GMT | REDD: […]

With the midnight hour approaching, negotiators seem to adding to the current REDD text rather than refining it. The document has now expanded to a heavily bracketed four pages. […]

REDD: Fearing that the LCA process will come to an end without chance to conclude REDD, the SBSTA REDD facilitator Tony La Viña implored delegates to come up with a work program that could keep the process going should LCA fail. That mean agreeing on four core elements: one defining potential sources of finance, one dealing with the content of the technical […]

Green Green is a 2009 film depicting deforestation of Indonesian tropical forest to make way for industrial palm oil plantations, seen through the experience of a particular injured and displaced orangutan called ‘Green’. It is made by French independent film-maker Patrick Rouxel. At the biennial WildScreen film festival of 2010, the largest global gathering […]

Read my Dad’s book, The Making of a One-handed Economist! It’s available here. I am of course biased. Nevertheless I do think that this is a super antidote to the great number of dry, academic textbooks out there on economics. Dad manages to convey complex economic theory with humour and without equations, drawing on many […]

2011 marks the 200 year anniversary of the Luddite rebellion in the UK. The Luddite’s were workers whose livelihoods, cottage industries and communities were disenfranchised by capital intensive innovations in industrial technologies, primarily in the textile industry. Organising under a fictional leader called Ned Lud, they contested the transformations of […]

To mark Earth Day on 22nd April I was invited to reprint a short article on the theme of ‘Bioculturalism and economic growth’ for the Indian environmental magazine Geography and You. You can find it here: Download […]

On 8 July, an opinion piece was published in the journal Nature under the title ‘The Business of Biodiversity‘. In it, Ricardo Bayon of EKO Asset Management Partners, and Michael Jenkins,  Director of Forest Trends, argue that: ‘Imposing a price on natural resources and ecosystem services is by far the most effective way of forcing […]

SOCAP is proud to partner with CSRwire on a monthly newsletter: Impact Investing Monthly. Impact Investing Monthly will bring you insight from global leaders on the spectrum of investing for social impact, including socially responsible investing, corporate social responsibility and more. Our 1st issue has launched and ... […]

The 5M Project Coordinator is responsible for a wide range of operations support for both the development and community building sides of the 5M Project. The position will be very active with absorbing strategic development and related operations flows and ensuring execution of action steps by all ... […]

B Corporations are invaluable because they create high-quality jobs and improve the quality of life in our communities. Already, there are more than 500 Certified B Corps from 60 industries across nearly 40 states. Georgia now boasts six Certified B Corps (Better World Books, Freeworld Media, Gray ... […]

The world is changing at a meteoric rate, says ING Direct CEO Arkadi Kuhlmann. No longer can organizations spend years developing new products, getting everything right the first time. Today’s leaders need to make quick decisions that maximize new possibilities as they arise. Look at ING Direct, ... […]

Entrepreneurs from 60 countries vied for the 25 slots available to attend the 2012 Unreasonable Institute. After conducting 125 interviews, the Unreasonable Institute has narrowed it down to 46 exceptional Finalists. Now, in a true test of their entrepreneurial mettle, each of these Finalists face one final challenge ... […]

Portfolio managers are failing on ESG integration, according to Mercer research out last week. Only 9% of more than 5,000 ESG strategies analysed gained top ratings, based on the extent to which portfolio managers integrate ESG into the investment process and follow good stewardship practices. Quoted in an article in the FT, NSFM supporter and European […]

In a statement prepared for Accenture’s AGM, NSFM Director, Steve Viederman acknowledged the company’s efforts on integrating ESG whilst calling attention to the sharp contrast between the statements in Accenture’s citizenship report, its public policy positions and the public policy positions of the organisations on whose boards Accenture sits and helps to […]

Recently published, Evolutions in Sustainable Investing aims to give real world guidance for investment professionals on delivering attractive risk-adjusted and opportunity-directed returns across asset classes and regions. Filled with interviews with leading practitioners, this book weaves a narrated web around best sustainable investment practices, guiding […]

Martin Wolf has presented a provocative diagnosis of the current flaws found in capitalism. Unfortunately, he has nothing to say about the biggest issue of all – how to transform capitalism so that it does not continue to destroy the planet. Read John Mathews’ full article here. […]

‘Remuneration for pension fund managers has come under the spotlight as investors have taken aim over investment banking pay, according to a paper published by Keith Ambachtsheer at the University of Toronto’s Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. While much attention in compensation strategy is focused on how pension funds should exercise their say on pay […]

Relatively few energy companies responded to the CDP Water Disclosure – but those that did reported high levels of exposure to water issues. Deloitte’s Will Sarni considers the implications […]

The creation of an environmental bond market has been frustratingly slow – but interest is building. Mark Nicholls reports […]

Our new quarterly carbon markets and finance publication is now available FREE, online. […]

Rio de Janeiro is embarking upon an ambitious plan to cap and trade greenhouse gas emissions within the state. Walter Figueiredo De Simoni explains […]

There has been an explosion of clean-tech clusters, promising to help accelerate the next generation of sustainable technologies. Peter Adriaens, Shawn Lesser and Ben Taube explain […]

Just two days before the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule was due to come into effect, a federal court slammed on the brakes. Gloria Gonzalez reports on latest dose of regulatory uncertainty for US utilities and emissions markets […]

Did the Durban climate talks begin to lay the foundations for adaptation finance mechanisms, asks Dirk Forrister […]

Chris Cundy reports on what the Durban climate talks mean for a market in REDD+ carbon credits […]

Durban may have kept the climate talks on track, but with no additional demand for carbon credits, the CDM is on life-support. Mark Nicholls reports […]

Comings and goings in Environmental Finance this month […]

At $3 Billion Per Annum, Biodiversity Markets Dwarf the Voluntary Carbon MarketThe biodiversity market posted at least $3 billion in transactions last year, showing steady growth, according to a new report out from Ecosystem Marketplace. The “2011 Update: State of Biodiversity Markets” tracks biodiversity offsets and other compensation mechanisms globally, t […]

Visual Journalism and the Growth of Social Capital MarketsAt the intersection of private enterprise and social service delivery, a new generation of social entrepreneurs are launching viable ventures to address our most pressing social challenges across an array of geographies and sectors. A new investment class is rising to meet their needs, and there is a […]

Top 5 Dirty Secrets of Impact Investing1. Any investment can be an impact investment, by adding environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives in addition to financial return targets.2. “Impact Investment” as a formal discipline only emerged in 2007. While some of us have done social investing for decades under different names, most teams and managers […]

Three Often Ignored Factors in CSR – Are you doing all Three?Corporate Social Responsibility begins with self-responsibility. If not, social responsibility can’t sustain. When we aren’t self-responsible, we drain personal energy needed to power our social mission. We punch a hole in our energy bucket, limiting our effectiveness. Social responsibility is not […]

The topic of sustainable and impact investing often brings together an unlikely crowd, from tree-huggers to philanthropists to Wall Street veterans. While it can be a fascinating and productive combination, there are clear challenges in communicating between these groups that can impede progress in accomplishing our overarching goal—to create positive social […]

Energy and water. Water and energy. Both are critical to human development, and both are strongly interrelated.With few exceptions, water is necessary to generate and distribute energy. In turn, water can’t be collected, purified and transported without energy. A term has even been coined to describe the relationship: the Energy-Water Nexus.For a company lik […]

Trendwatch Sustainable Industries From Confrontation to Collaborationadmin Section OverviewBy: Andrea Newell Non-government organizations (NGOs) have been forging relationships with businesses for years, and more so in the past decade, but NGOs and businesses need to work together even more in the future. Because economic recovery isn’t just about the financ […]

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In 2007, the Bali Climate Change Conference brought together representatives from 180+ countries to create a roadmap that would develop sustained action for the environment to 2012 and beyond. That same year, Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on The Inconvenient Truth. This was the first year the mainstream masses started to connect the dots bet […]

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+acumen chapters – self-organized, volunteer-led groups in cities and schools around the world – are actively supporting Acumen Fund’s mission to create a world beyond poverty through education, fundraising and service.  To start a +acumen chapter in your city, contact Jo-Ann Tan at jtan@acumenfund.org. You can learn more about +acumen chapters[.....] […]

It’s a typically hot morning in Accra, Ghana when I step out of the passenger side door of my taxi.  It’s 9:15am, and my back is drenched in sweat from the 10 minute taxi ride from my apartment to my office.  I walk towards Auntie Akos and receive my normal morning greeting:  A huge smile,[.....] […]

I recently attended a conference on “Sustainability as a key factor for mitigating risk in agricultural supply chain finances,” co-hosted by the Rainforest Alliance and Citi Foundation. A pretty specific topic, for sure, and you may be asking yourself, “how many people are there trying to figure that out?” Well, you’d be surprised. There were at[.....] […]

This year many members of our community came together on February 14th to celebrate Generosity Day by saying YES!   The day has passed, but the movement continues.  +acumen chapters are continuing to explore what it means to be generous through a series of community events and activities.  Here’s a sampling of what’s going on around[.....] […]

Acumen Fund Expands into West Africa, Investing In Pioneering Entrepreneurs Supporting Land Rights and Agriculture in Ghana New Office in Accra, Ghana Led by Godfrey Mwindaare Builds on Acumen Fund’s Decade of Innovation in East Africa and South Asia ___ Accra, Ghana, February 15, 2012 – Acumen Fund, a pioneer of impact investing working to create[.....] […]

On March 8, the Environmental Business Cluster (EBC) will provide an opportunity to meet with the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB). This program is part of EBC's "Meet with" series - a partnering and coaching series... […]

The Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship is a program of the Skoll Foundation that provides a cash award to social entrepreneurs whose work has the potential to make a significant impact on issues such as environmental sustainability, health, tolerance and... […]

From March 26 - 28, 2012 the Cleantech Group will present Cleantech Forum San Francisco. The theme of this event is "The Power of Global Partnerships." The Cleantech Forum is a leading cleantech investment event that brings together investors, senior... […]

The MIT Club of Northern California will present a program entitled Clean Tech Investing for 2012 - What's Hot and What's Not? on December 7. This event will feature the following panelists: Pierre Lamond, Khosla Ventures Steve Goldby, Venrock Partners... […]

On January 19, 2012, SVForum will present a special program entitled Clean Technology Conference: Sustainability. A description of this program is as follows: The domestic clean technology industry has faced political, financial, regulatory, and competitive challenges. However, venture capitalists continue... […]

In just two years, Mitsubishi's electric car went from high-priced experiment to one of the most affordable electric cars on the road. […]

BASF is on a buying spree, scooping up every battery company it can get its hands on. […]

Pay-as-you-go solar power provides rural African households with clean, affordable energy. […]

Chalk up another win for Goldwind, which just picked up a $140 million wind farm deal. […]

As Japan continues to back away from its previous nuclear power ambitions, a new wind power technology is moving in. […]

By Robert Kropp. The firm expands upon a manifesto written by co-founders Al Gore and David Blood and calls for mandatory integrated reporting and the pricing of externalities, an end to quarterly earnings guidance, and loyalty-drive securities for long-term investors. […]

By Robert Kropp. SocialFunds.com talks with Rob Berridge of Ceres about the organization's past success and its plans for driving change in the stewardship of the environment through shareowner resolutions. […]

By Robert Kropp. The computer giant agrees to allow institutional investors meeting ownership thresholds to nominate candidates for its Board of Directors. […]

By Robert Kropp. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a partnership of the UN Environment Program and six countries, seeks to encourage reductions in methane, black carbon, and ozone that could reduce global warming and avoid millions of premature deaths. […]

By Robert Kropp. The Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance wraps up its first year with case studies designed to help provide sustainable financial products and services to the world's poor. […]

Facebook Heather Milton Lightening: Detroit Indigenous Community Historical Overview: "etroit, is Richard White’s The Middle Ground: Indians, Empires and Republics in the Great Lakes Region, 1650" […]

Speakers include Dr. Rudolph C. Ryser, Chair of the Center for World Indigenous Studies; Mary Williams, Lillooet Tribe - Canada; Sherwin Broadhead, former Superintendent of the Colville Confederated Tribes; John Williams, Lillooet Tribe - Canada […]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2009Contact: The Indigenous Environmental Network Media TeamMobile Number: +45 526 85596E-mail: indigenous.environmental.network@gmail.comWebsites: http://indigenousenvironmentalnetwork.blogspot.com/North American Indigenous Peoples Demand More in CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark - As the United Nations Framework Convention o […]

WHEN: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 6:00 - 6:30pmWHERE: Asger Jorn Room, located in Hall H of the Bella CenterAs the climate negotiations wind down, indigenous peoples are still fighting for the recognition of their rights in the final outcomes of COP15. Over the past two weeks, indigenous peoples have been working to ensure all potential climate policies […]

Tweet For most of last year, and continuing quite unabated into this New Year, the mood in our country has turned very much against the Big Six energy companies. And it’s not hard to see why. People are fed up with the unethical pricing, complex tariffs, awful customer service and the dire lack of investment […]

One Saturday, mid-November 1896, a small group of pioneering motorists set off in some of the first horseless carriages – their plan was to drive from the Metropole Hotel London to the Metropole Hotel Brighton. We know this now as the London to Brighton run. Their aim was to demonstrate and promote the recently invented […]

Hiya – Paul here. I’ve got something a little different for you… it’s a guest post from an Ecotricity staff member and is definitely one for our ‘Food‘ section. We think it’s a very moving and inspiring post – we hope you do to. Without further ado – I’ll hand you over to James… —————————————————————————————— […]

About this time last year, we launched our first ecobond – a fairly radical idea at the time. We had three principle aims: To give our customers the chance to share in the financial benefits of our work and the green energy revolution generally, without having to put things on their roof tops (which doesn’t […]

For a better price, a greener outcome, or better customer service. These seem to be the big three. Customer Service is perhaps the most overlooked of them all – it’s the one where customers have least data to compare – to actually identify a better service. Switching for this reason will often be a reaction […]