REPORTS & DATA

Digital technologies also have the potential to shape climate change action. Green digital transformation can help countries adapt effectively to the impacts of climate change and create greener growth pathways. This report illuminates the channels through which digital technologies intersect with climate change, and it proposes a path to low-emissions applications of digital technologies to help countries mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The market of digital solutions to assess climate risk impact on agricultural portfolios of financial services providers is growing in size and coverage rapidly. This report is the result of a mapping exercise to ascertain the status quo of tools and providers on both a global and a targeted market level.

IFC’s annual Green and Social Bond Impact Report publishes a list of projects in emerging markets that have been funded through the proceeds of our green and social bonds. IFC's green bonds help finance sustainable, climate smart projects with positive environmental impact. 

Financial firms seeking to make more green finance available in emerging markets face an array of challenges including regulatory gaps, and poor incentives for local firms to adopt more ambitious climate goals. This IFC report looks at how to overcome obstacles and meet the needs of emerging market companies seeking access to sustainable finance.

The hard-to-abate industries produce materials that are essential to economic growth and development, including steel, cement, plastics, and chemicals. A dramatic reduction in these industries’ carbon footprint will be essential to achieving the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 Celsius. This series on sustainability in industry explores the opportunities and challenges facing various sectors and look at the role that IFC and other stakeholders can play to support industry efforts to achieve more sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener planet.

Construction value chains, including the construction and operation of buildings as well as production of materials such as steel and cement, account for approximately 40 percent of energy and industrial-related CO2 emissions globally. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges of reducing carbon emissions from construction value chains in developing countries, as well as important recommendations on financial instruments, standards, and technologies to channel more financing into green buildings and materials.

The sustainable finance market has seen a steady development in the last decade, experiencing a phase of exponential growth. The increasing severity, frequency, and impacts of climate change have put more pressure on financial institutions to recognize their role in catalyzing a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Issued by Crédit Agricole CIB and the Alliance, the paper expounds a “Five-Step-Approach” to guide the process of transformation towards green banking, inspired by Crédit Agricole CIB's own experience in setting up the strategy and governance in its transition towards green banking, as well as supporting clients in their transition journey. The paper also reveals the core elements of green banking practices and the relevant key practices of the Crédit Agricole CIB, drawing references from international advocacy groups, regulatory guidelines, and the experiences of market leaders.

India will need an estimated US$10.1 trillion in climate finance to get to net-zero by 2070. Public investment alone will be insufficient to tackle India’s adaptation and mitigation targets, so financing that can bring in private sector investment is vital to scaling climate solutions with urgency. This report provides clarity on blended finance models to promote differentiated capital flows for climate mitigation, and share examples of projects across sectors, including energy, agriculture, and housing, that can be replicated in the Indian context.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are essential in the transition to a more sustainable economy. However, MSMEs' access to finance in emerging markets remains severely constrained, restricting not only business growth but also their sustainability efforts. Financial institutions (FIs) have an important role in bridging the MSME finance gap while enabling their green and just transition. The Sustainable MSME Finance Reference Guide sets out a practical approach for FIs in emerging markets on how to implement sustainable finance for MSMEs.

This report fills a critical research gap by documenting low-carbon policy trends and providing a series of case studies across sectors and geographies. The 25 case studies furnish country contexts and policy details, examine results and impacts, and outline key takeaways and lessons learned for enabling further ambition in achieving emissions reductions. The report contributes to an evolving analytical agenda on how to reduce carbon emissions while achieving economic development and the strategic transition to a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive future.