Shari Friedman discusses Climate Business at the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Mar 26, 2021
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Shari Friedman, the Acting Global Head for IFC's Climate Strategy and Business Unit, dives into the International Finance Corporation's pivotal role in climate investing. Discover how they've increased climate-related investments from 15% to over 30% in recent years. Friedman highlights innovative blended finance strategies boosting renewable energy in the Dominican Republic and discusses emerging opportunities in battery storage, green hydrogen, and net-zero standards. Learn about the importance of sustainability conversations in shaping resilient businesses.
The International Finance Corporation has effectively increased its climate-related investments from 15% in 2013 to over 30% by 2020, demonstrating a strong commitment to climate finance.
Utilizing blended finance, the IFC has successfully facilitated renewable energy projects like a wind farm in the Dominican Republic, addressing both investment risks and national climate goals.
Deep dives
IFC's Commitment to Climate Business
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been committed to climate business since 2015, successfully exceeding its initial target of 28% climate-related investments by 2020. This commitment extends beyond investment, aiming to open markets and create lasting impacts on climate initiatives that reach beyond individual projects. With global emissions needing significant reductions by 2030, the urgency for such commitments has never been clearer. IFC has strategically allocated over $23 billion in long-term financing toward climate business, showcasing its proactive approach to fostering sustainable economic growth.
Blended Finance and Market Opportunities
One of the core tools utilized by IFC to facilitate market growth in climate finance is blended finance, which aims to alleviate risks that deter commercial investment in renewable energy and other sustainable projects. For instance, in the Dominican Republic, IFC used blended finance to develop a 50-megawatt wind farm, helping to reduce dependency on imported fuel while meeting national greenhouse gas reduction targets. This innovative financing structure allows IFC to partner with Canadian funds and other investors to catalyze substantial climate-related initiatives. By engaging in blended finance, IFC empowers nations to bolster their renewable energy sectors while addressing their specific energy needs.
Integrating Climate Goals Across Sectors
IFC integrates climate goals across its various industry teams, emphasizing a collaborative framework for achieving sustainability in investments. By setting clear and disaggregated goals for different sectors, IFC ensures that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities in driving climate business. Additionally, the collaboration with technical experts enhances investment officers' ability to identify and capitalize on climate investment opportunities in industries beyond traditional renewable energy, including agriculture and heavy manufacturing. This comprehensive approach not only supports sustainable development but also helps industries transition towards decarbonization and environmental stewardship.
The International Finance Corporation, the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, has more-than doubling the share of climate-related investments from 15% of IFC's total business in 2013 to over 30% in 2020. Shari Friedman, Acting Global Head for IFC's Climate Strategy and Business Unit, discusses IFC’s work in climate investing and describes how her unit works with investment officers across the institution to make climate-smart investment decisions.
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