The Backlash to ESG Investing in the US

Today’s episode is a deep dive into climate finance. I’m joined by Marilyn Waite, Managing Director of Climate Finance Fund. Marilyn is one of the world’s leading thinkers, writers and leaders working in several different ways to stimulate the kind and scale of investment needed to address climate change. She brings a deep commitment to climate justice and using finance to ensure the climate transition happens more equitably. As she works to make investments in the US, Europe and China, Marilyn brings a truly global lens. This is a really thoughtful conversation, reflecting on the role of philanthropy in climate finance, the banking sector’s role in addressing climate change, the implications of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, the likely impact of disclosure rules, innovative finance, systemic change in finance and much more.  If you’re interested in the big picture of climate finance there’s a lot here for you.

In today's episode, we cover:

• [3:21] Marilyn’s background & what drives her
• [4:57] Climate Finance Fund & Marilyn’s role
• [6:25] Why is philanthropic capital needed
• [8:45] How much climate financing is needed & the role of philanthropic capital 
• [11:38] Capital accelerants that can help unlock more investment
• [13:41] Innovative finance & the systemic decarbonization of capital
• [15:16] The climate financing market in the US, Europe & China
• [19:36] The opportunity for collaboration across markets
• [21:32] The integration of equity into Marilyn’s work
• [22:59] Where does climate justice get challenged most often
• [25:34] The Bank for Good campaign & why it’s needed
• [27:16] The role of Silicon Valley Bank & the gap its collapse created
• [31:59] The short & longer-term influence of the SEC disclosure rules
• [33:37] The highly politicized backlash to ESG investing
• [36:32] Excitement & hopes over the next 3-5 years
• [39:02] Advice for listeners interested in climate finance

Resources mentioned

• Climate Finance Fund
• Publications by Marilyn Waite
• Hewlett Foundation
• Inside the Movement (ITM) Newsletter
• Greenbiz: 3 green economy insights from China’s quintessential convening

Connect with Marilyn Waite

• Connect with Marilyn on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Rissman

• On LinkedIn
• On Twitter

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