Benjamin Cohen

🌍 In this new phase of climate policy and finance, how does CPI build the bridge between climate goals and climate action?    Our newly released 2023 Impact Report showcases the highlights of our work last year.  In 2023, our team of 150+ staff created impact through:  📑 100+ active projects   📊 80+ publications and data tools  🎯 300+ events and speaking engagements     CPI has evolved quickly to address the energy transition and climate change, from adaptation to zero-carbon buildings, as well as significantly expanding our sector- and country-specific work.  As CPI grows, we remain grounded in our core principles: of helping governments, businesses, and investors to address climate change while seizing opportunities for equitable and sustainable economic development.  Read how we are creating impact here: https://bit.ly/3ABkVo0 #climatefinance #impactreport #justtransition #netzero #sustainablegrowth

72

2 Comments

$250 billion per year in #ClimateFinance by 2035 as proposed in the latest #COP29Baku draft is woefully inadequate. The #Adaptation Gap Report shows $400 billion is needed annually just for adaptation alone. This shortfall jeopardise our planet’s future. The draft also Invites developing country parties to make additional contributions. The world deserves real ambition, not diluted responsibility.

83

6 Comments

From commitment to action: sharing examples of climate-conscious changes In this month's blog, ACF's CEO Carol Mack discusses the recently launched Funder Commitment on Climate Change progress report and the benefits of sharing and learning from other foundations. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/g-YsVKGe #ClimateChange #ACFLeadersForum24

9

In this item for Euronews, my colleague Mark Chandler argues that better ways to measure #climate adaptation can help spur more and more-efficient adaptation funding toward populations that need it most - such as #smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries. "Less than 1% of international climate finance was spent helping smallholder farmers adapt to climate change in 2021, with many forced to spend up to 40% of their own incomes to cope with floods, droughts and crop pests." How to measure better? Mark cites a new adaptation index to show how farmers are progressing on climate-friendly practices - evidence to guide good financing decisions in the buildup to COP29 Azerbaijan. Conservation International #climatechange Heifer International Global Environment Facility Global Environment Fund

8

Did you miss it? Watch on demand now: Accounting for nature in blue carbon habitats 🧬 Learn how West Africa Blue overcame the limitations of traditional biodiversity monitoring techniques. 🌊 Hear how Kelp Blue are developing universal kelp ecosystem health metrics to help evaluate the impacts of giant kelp farming. 🔢 Explore how organisations are future-proofing biodiversity data collection by focusing on integrity, scale, robustness. If you have any questions that went unanswered during the session, pop them in the comments and we’ll get back to you! https://lnkd.in/eDwf6uwZ #FreeWebinar #ListenAgain #BlueCarbon #BlueFinance

20

At the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago, Global Strategy Group (GSG) and a coalition of leading environmental organizations – NRDC Action Fund, Climate Power, EDF Action, and LCV – presented polling that simulated a debate between Democrats and Republicans on climate and clean energy issues and showed Democrats are positioned to win on these issues at the ballot box. For us at NRDC Action Fund and NRDC Action Votes, this research validates a strategy that helped Democrats in tough races win on environmental issues in 2020 and 2022. Climate denialism will cost Republicans votes because it is seen as a significant character flaw, not just a policy difference. Voters simply do not trust candidates who deny the reality already hitting their pocketbooks with soaring insurance premiums and other fallout from unprecedented severe weather events.  NRDC Action Votes ads have highlighted the weirdness of climate denial, helping defeat candidates who side with Big Oil over science, health, and common sense. So many thanks to Melissa Bell, PhD at Global Strategy Group for her and her team's amazing work on this project. https://lnkd.in/e6DaXmNR

11

*Wonk alert* As a comms professional, I closely follow the work of Yale's Anthony Leiserowitz. I was super excited to read that Tony and colleagues recently published an article in Nature, 'The evolving climate change investing strategies of asset owners,' a deep dive into #assetowners engagement with climate change. This dovetails with CPI's recent analysis of #pensionfunds progress on aligning portfolios with climate change realities, 'State of European Pension Funds’ Net-Zero Transition.' After banks, pensions funds are the largest source of investable capital, and other asset owners like foundations and family offices are hugely influential in investment trends. We need more active engagement from asset owners to address the climate emergency. #climatefinance Both studies find ample opportunity for asset owners to engage with advisors, asset managers, portfolio investments, and each other to overcome barriers and accelerate efforts. Learn more: The evolving climate change investing strategies of asset owners https://lnkd.in/gt5ixy_w State of European Pension Funds’ Net-Zero Transition https://lnkd.in/gnhu-JXp

18

1 Comment

Several U.S. government agencies have released the Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles. The statement demonstrates support for high‑integrity voluntary carbon credit markets to advance decarbonization. Find out what companies should know. Ashley Conrad Walter | Lana Le Hir | Avani Panchal #Decarbonization #CarbonMarkets #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets #CarbonCredits #EnergyTransition #EnergyTech #Sustainability #ESG #VCM #Climate #ClimateChange https://lnkd.in/ehpRGcE7

15

Thanks to World Wildlife Fund for this nuanced and thoughtful take on the ongoing debate about the role of Environmental Attribute Commodities, including but not limited to carbon credits, in Scope 3 decarbonization strategies under emerging Science Based Targets initiative rules. I am encouraged to see emerging convergence on a middle ground that can help us move forward to mobilize high ambition quickly. I am doing a 2 part post because I couldn’t fit everything in one. So here’s part 1 of 2. Here's where we agree: ✅ companies should prioritize within supply chain reductions because "Mobilizing corporate investments in their own operations and within their own value chains is most impactful, because that is where companies have the greatest incentive to act and most influence to drive deep decarbonization and systemic market transformation across sectors and regions. Investments in in-value-chain emissions are also a proven and effective way to reduce risks, and channel substantial climate finance into value chains in the Global South and into broader nature action." ✅ That companies are facing challenges in decarbonizing their supply chains and "While progressing towards net zero emissions, some companies are facing challenges setting and implementing Scope 3 science-based emissions reductions targets, often due to having complex supply chains, and limited ability to influence suppliers." ✅ Calls for SBTi to: "consider an array of options that improve the feasibility and effectiveness of emission reductions, including modifying target setting methods, focusing on the most material and highest impact emissions categories, considering a wider range of metrics, refining sector pathways, improving overall operational excellence, and the targeted use of market mechanisms." ✅ "supports the targeted use of some market mechanisms, such as EACs and carbon credits within company value chains, as long as the SBTi includes appropriate safeguards to ensure impact and transparent claims and reporting." Here's where we disagree: ❌ "WWF does not support the use of offsets -carbon credits from outside company value chains used to counterbalance value chain emissions - to meet company climate targets (except for residual emissions)..." I’ll cover why I think it’s essential for The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) CCP labeled credits to count towards *A PORTION* of companies scope 3 targets in a second post.

55

4 Comments

There is no question the results of the United States election pose new hurdles for climate action. Yet, I also see clear evidence that countless local, state, and corporate leaders across the U.S. are committed to charging ahead. America has been here before. When the federal government left gaps in ambition and action, subnational actors surged ahead to fill them. I believe we will see this again.   Furthermore, leaders around the world will continue to pursue ambitious climate and nature goals. Countries recognize that reducing emissions and supercharging clean energy fuels economic growth and competitiveness.   The transition is underway. While there may be efforts to slow it, it won’t be stopped.   World Resources Institute’s mission to stabilize the climate, protect nature, and improve people’s lives has never been more critical. We also recognize that progress is hardly ever linear. Nor is it easy.   One thing I know about WRI staff—and the many people and partners we work with around the world—is that we are resilient. This is a critical moment to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating progress toward a just global transition for people, nature and climate.   See our full statement:

128

4 Comments

NEW: Reporting Guidance for Finance for Biodiversity Pledge Signatories 🌱   📢 We’re excited to share our updated Reporting Guidance for FfB Pledge Signatories during COP16! This comprehensive tool helps financial institutions transparently report their progress in halting biodiversity loss.   As all eyes are on the UN Biodiversity COP16 talks in Cali, the subject of public reporting against corporate sustainability commitments is high on the agenda. Reporting is a crucial step in the journey towards a nature-positive future, allowing companies to set tangible targets and assess their impacts and dependencies on nature. The updated FfB guidance includes best practices and examples while allowing flexibility for different organisational structures.   "Reporting is a vital step in driving real change," says our Co-Founding Executive Director Anita de Horde. By disclosing progress, institutions can showcase their contributions to biodiversity and inspire further collaboration.   This Reporting Guidance for Signatories is designed to support the disclosure of progress on commitments made under the Finance for Biodiversity (FfB) Pledge. It sets out expectations, recommendations and suggested additional resources for each Pledge commitment with best-practice case studies from FfB member institutions.   💡 If you're interested in learning more and you happen to be in Cali at the moment, please do visit our FfB Booth within the Finance and Biodiversity Pavilion, where our colleagues can guide you through the FfB Pledge and how your organisation can join!   Join us to strengthen your biodiversity strategy today! Read more - https://lnkd.in/dj5Qv9kk   #FinanceForBiodiversity #COP16Colombia #FinanceforBiodiversityPledge

41

Don't miss a new resource for #carbonfinance and #localconservation. 📚 "From Co-Benefits to Core-Benefits: How to Ensure Carbon Finance is Fairly and Transparently Delivered" ✅ In partnership with CFA and other allied organizations, Terraspect launched this comprehensive guide on ensuring carbon finance delivers for Indigenous peoples and local communities. Read the guide here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eh_fWNGU

19

1 Comment

📚 New guidance for conservationists on how the voluntary #CarbonMarket can become a reliable source of long-term financial security for Indigenous peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs). 🏞 IPs and LCs are critical stakeholders for nature and climate stewardship including carbon finance, and this resource supported by our partners at Conservation Finance Alliance is a must-read for all those interested in a transformative pathway for financing their climate stewardship.

9

We are excited to share ANDE member, Sweef Capital’s landmark gender and climate report, ‘Inclusive Solutions, Sustainable Futures: A Greenprint for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance’. We recognize the intersection of gender and climate allows for collaborative opportunities to address two of the biggest societal issues of our times. The report shares the key frameworks, methodologies, and outcomes from Sweef Capital and OnePointFive (opf.degree)’s partnership, where we have used our complementary expertise to address gender and climate issues together, at a systems level. The report aims to help organizations to unlock sustainable growth through intentional and innovative climate solutions. The report can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/gKw8AzPS ‘Inclusive Solutions, Sustainable Futures’ was produced with the generous assistance of the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). #InclusiveSolutions #SustainableFutures #GenderResponsiveClimateFinance

8

📢 Public Comment Period Now Open! 🌍 Every project seeking to register in a Verra standards program undergoes a 30-day public comment period. The public comment periods for the projects listed here opened during the week of August 26. This week's listing includes projects seeking registration and/or verification in the Plastic Waste Reduction, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBS) Programs. The projects are located in various geographic regions, including Pakistan, India, and the Tanghe region of China. These projects are implementing a broad range of activities, including activities related to cookstoves, animal waste management, PET recycling and more. 🌱 Impact Highlight: Collectively, these projects could reduce and/or remove 2,418,945.27 tCO2e from the atmosphere, helping to accelerate our transition to a more sustainable future. 🔗 Learn More: View the full list of projects open for public comment in our announcement: https://bit.ly/4e4VQR3 🗣️ Get Involved: Share your thoughts and contribute to shaping these projects. Your feedback matters! #ClimateAction #CarbonMarkets #Verra #SustainableDevelopment #CarbonCredits 📸 Photo courtesy of DelAgua. DelAgua Clean Cooking Grouped Project in Rwanda (Verra Project 4150).

28

2 Comments

Recently, the U.S. Government announced the publication of a Joint Statement of Policy and new Principles for Responsible Participation in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs). These principles aim to ensure that carbon markets drive meaningful climate action while promoting economic opportunity. Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) have the potential to drive significant progress in combating climate change. However, they face challenges in ensuring the integrity and credibility of carbon credits. Recent observations have revealed discrepancies in the reliability of crediting methodologies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the market. The new Principles will effectively address these challenges while ensuring the high integrity of the Voluntary Carbon Market. These principles aim to establish robust standards for carbon credit supply and demand, improve market functioning, and ensure fair treatment of all participants. Here's the video clip of the announcement of the new principles by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, United States, sourced from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. WOCE - World of Circular Economy, Amrut Nature Solutions Private Limited, GHG Reductions Technologies Pvt. Ltd. #EKIEnergyServices #EKIEnergy #EKI #Enking #EnkingInternational #VoluntaryCarbonMarket #VCM #CarbonMarkets #Decarbonisation #HighIntegrity

18

Thrilled to announce the release of Catalytic Climate Finance Facility (CC Facility)'s inaugural publication! This report dives deep into gender-responsive climate blended finance, with a special focus on the energy sector. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the convergence of climate finance and gender equity. I'm eager to see how these insights will contribute to more inclusive and impactful investments moving forward. #justtransition #energytransition #genderequality

183

10 Comments

Gold Standard is a not-for-profit working to catalyze more ambitious #ClimateAction to achieve the global goals through robust standards and verified impacts. Bolstered by carbon finance, #CleanCooking is their largest portfolio of activities.   CCA spoke with Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard, about #CarbonFinance, the organization’s new metered methodology, and what they’ve learned working in the clean cooking space the past 20 years.   Read the article: https://ow.ly/r9rp50RPggS

115

1 Comment