Podcasts about climate investment funds

Send us a text◆ How the bond market will drive CCMM to provide more climate tech cash ◆ Multilateral development  bank hybrid capital — and may have found its niche◆ Covered bond market roars back to life but will it last?The CIF Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM) priced its first bond this week. The issuer is raising money so that the Climate Investment Funds, created in 2008 as a channel for rich countries to finance the green transition in developing states, can do more lending through its Clean Technology Fund. We look into the issuer, its deal and where it fits in the SSA bond market.The first benchmark-sized publicly sold hybrid since the African Development Bank's deal from about a year ago also surfaced this week. The issuer was the African Finance Corporation. It is, like the AfDB, a multilateral development institution. But it has very different characteristics and these may give a clue as to where MDB hybrid capital deals will succeed in the future.Finally, covered bond issuance has lagged behind the pace of other parts of the bond market this year but that all changed this week. We examine what the hold up was, why issuers have finally come to the market now, and what could derail the revival.

The number of people exposed to floods globally has surged by nearly 25 percent since 2000, with Africa experiencing the most dramatic increase. Floods this spring were especially brutal in East Africa, killing nearly 530 people and most heavily impacting Kenya. On today's episode of the Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women, we analyze the relationship between climate and gender equality. Host Reena Ninan begins by hearing from Nairobi-based reporter Eunice Maina, who spoke with a family deeply impacted by the spring floods. They dig deeper into how these floods and climate change in general disproportionately affect women and children. Then, Ninan speaks with Tariye Gbadegesin, the CEO of the Climate Investment Funds. It is one of the world's largest multilateral climate funds, and a significant portion of their work targets women and girls. We recorded this interview during the annual World Bank-International Monetary Fund meetings in October. Guests and organizations:  Eunice Maina, journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is her fifth time reporting for HERO.  Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO, Climate Investment Funds The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women is a podcast from Foreign Policy, supported in part this season by the Gates Foundation, Northwestern University's Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, and the Atlantic Council. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) is an enabler of pioneering climate-smart planning and climate action in low and middle-income economies, many of which are the least prepared yet the most prone to the challenges of climate change. CIF responds to the worldwide climate crisis with large-scale, low-cost, and long-term financial solutions to support countries in achieving their climate objectives. It is in the Climate Investment Funds' core beliefs that helping communities shift faster to clean and green practices strengthens populations' resilience against climate risks, stabilizes national and regional economies, and paves the way for more sustainable development where no one is left behind. As the Senior Climate Change Specialist and Clean Energy Lead, Daniel Morris works with the Climate Investment Funds' partners to help deliver transformational change in the energy systems of developing countries. Daniel's 12 years of experience in working to build economic and policy solutions to the climate crisis are also derived from his previous roles as an Advisor to the US Executive Director of the World Bank and as a Policy Analyst in the US Treasury. In the latter position, he helped to execute the agency's responsibilities related to the United States' climate and energy agenda.  Show Notes: [1:20] - Daniel shares his background and how he found himself in his current role at CIF. [4:25] - It is important to Daniel to do good work that makes a difference. [7:09] - Starting out as a consultant, he was able to establish some networking and the opportunity to learn more about CIF before being fully employed there. [8:36] - Especially early in your career, take advantage of any opportunity you come across that can build your skills. [9:56] - Understand the strengths of all the team members. [12:34] - Daniel discusses the work streams and structures at CIF. [13:56] - CIF partners with governments and multilateral development banks to develop country-led investment plans. [16:27] - Daniel describes some of the programs at CIF and the focuses of each. [17:48] - CIF covers a range of climate innovations, and Daniel oversees Clean Energy. [21:53] - It is not a universal access model. [23:27] - Daniel explains the changes and growth since the start of CIF. [26:56] - From a commercial viability standpoint, what can CIF offer? [30:15] - Daniel describes the enthusiasm and motivation for developing countries looking for clean energy. [33:42] - Reflecting on his career path, Daniel shares the advice he would give himself at different stages in the development. Links and Resources: Climate Investment Funds Website

It's a big moment for the United Nations Green Climate Fund. Its funding levels hit a record high following the climate conference COP 28, with several countries adding contributions to its second replenishment that sent the fund's total soaring past its $10 billion goal to $12.8 billion. GCF's Executive Director Mafalda Duarte oversaw the replenishment after assuming the role only three months prior, having departed her previous job as the head of the Climate Investment Funds in June. Somewhere in there, she was also at the Africa Climate Summit, the U.N. General Assembly, and multiple other global engagements. “Quite intense,” she acknowledged to Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar in Davos, Switzerland, the latest stop on her whirlwind travel agenda. But if Duarte has been busy, it's because she's making huge strides at an organization that was in a notably rocky place a few years ago. On this episode of Davos Dispatch, a series housed under our regular weekly podcast, This Week in Global Development, Duarte gives us the scoop on what's next for GCF and its role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This week we're sharing an episode from Heat of the Moment, a podcast from Foreign Policy in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds. In Season 3, they explore the idea of a "just transition" away from fossil fuels — not only what that means for the coal miners whose jobs are going away, but also how the opportunity can be used to address wrongdoings such as racism, sexism and colonialism.

Heat of the Moment is a podcast from Foreign Policy in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds. Hosted by CNN contributor John D Sutter, Heat of the Moment tells the stories of the people on the front lines of the fight against climate change. This episode from Season 3 explores the idea of a "just transition.” It's a term often associated with coal miners and other fossil fuel workers whose jobs are going away as we move from fossil fuel use, but it's a topic that's so much bigger than that. As you'll hear, this concept encapsulates broader ideals of righting past wrongs - wrongs like racism or sexism, colonialism or classism. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/heatofthemoment

A special bonus this week, we share an episode from Heat of The Moment, a podcast from FP and the Climate Investment Funds which offers a hopeful perspective on the climate crisis. The latest season focuses on a "just transition," the idea that as we shift to climate-smarter energy, food systems, infrastructure, and more, we bring everyone along. Also that the communities and industries who historically made their living from fossil fuels or unsustainable practices, for example, aren't left behind. And that those most vulnerable to the effects of this transition are heard and also reap the benefits of this new economy. Follow the series here on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

FP Playlist recommends: Heat of the Moment.This week on FP Playlist, we feature an episode from Heat of the Moment, a Foreign Policy podcast in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds. Heat of the Moment's latest season looks at how communities and economies are transitioning away from fossil fuels in a fair and equitable way. Playlist host Laura Rosbrow-Telem sat down with reporter Elna Schutz who traveled to Komati, South Africa to hear firsthand from workers affected by a recent power plant closure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Developing countries face the dual challenge of meeting rapidly growing energy demand while also scaling clean energy to avoid dramatic increases in carbon emissions. But financing all of those clean energy projects can be tough. Emerging and developing economies need clean energy investments. Researchers estimate that they will need anywhere between $1-2 trillion per year for the next 30 years to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Most of that capital will need to come from the private sector. Multilateral development banks are working to fill the gap and catalyze private finance. But they still have to work through unique financial, policy, and technical challenges in emerging and developing economies. So what are these barriers? And how do we overcome them to mobilize more capital for clean energy projects across the developing world? This week, we're re-running host Jason Bordoff's interview with Mafalda Duarte. Mafalda is the CEO of Climate Investment Funds, one of the most ambitious efforts to finance clean energy projects in developing and middle-income countries.  In September, Jason and Mafalda discussed opportunities for financing the clean energy transition in emerging economies—including an ambitious new effort to phase out coal in parts of Africa and Asia.

Developing countries face the dual challenge of meeting rapidly growing energy demand while also scaling clean energy to avoid dramatic increases in carbon emissions. But financing all of those clean energy projects can be tough. Emerging and developing economies need clean energy investments. Researchers estimate that they will need anywhere between $1-2 trillion per year for the next 30 years to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Most of that capital will need to come from the private sector. Multilateral development banks are working to fill the gap and catalyze private finance. But they still have to work through unique financial, policy, and technical challenges in emerging and developing economies. So what are these barriers? And how do we overcome them to mobilize more capital for clean energy projects across the developing world? This week, host Jason Bordoff talks with Mafalda Duarte. Mafalda is the CEO of Climate Investment Funds, one of the most ambitious efforts to finance clean energy projects in developing and middle-income countries.  Since 2015 she's led efforts all over the world to help countries build climate-resilient economies by innovating ways to mobilize capital. She has extensive experience  managing climate-related portfolios and leading policy projects in more than 30 countries around the world.  Jason and Mafalda discuss opportunities for financing the clean energy transition in emerging economies—including an ambitious new effort to phase out coal in parts of Africa and Asia.

Ekaterina Gratcheva, Lead Finance Officer of the Climate Investment Funds, joins Sovereign Debt to discuss the work of the Climate Investment Funds and her research on the role of human rights in the growing industry of sovereign ESG investments. 

A partnership of developed nations and economies has agreed to give South Africa $8.5bn to help the country transition away from coal-powered energy. Our reporter Vumani Mkhize visits a village on the brink of a coal mine to assess the damage to the country and its people's health caused by coal mining, and we speak to Mafalda Duarte of Climate Investment Funds, one of the organisations responsible for helping countries swap their coal energy capacity for renewables. Elsewhere at COP26, over 100 world leaders have pledged to end major deforestation – we hear from Elodie Toto in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Taxi drivers in New York are staging a hunger strike over unpayable debts attached to their operating licences – Augustine Tang is one of them and he speaks to us on the day New Yorkers go to the polls to elect a new mayor. And the battle of the billionaire philanthropists trudges on – Elon Musk has offered to pay the $6bn the World Food Programme says would help people facing famine around the world – but only if he can see the spending plan beforehand. Throughout the programme we're joined by Diane Brady, Assistant Managing Editor of Forbes in New York and David Kuo, co-founder of The Smart Investor in Singapore. Photo: US Climate Envoy John Kerry in Glasgow Credit: Reuters

Coming October 21, 2021: In Season 2 of Heat of the Moment, a podcast from Foreign Policy and the Climate Investment Funds, host John D Sutter talks to the big thinkers and doers in the fight against climate change. Listen to stories of how they are transforming the way we live, work, even eat—and learn what change is possible through the power of collective action. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Back in 2008, in the midst of both a global economic catastrophe and stalled progress on climate diplomacy, a unique multilateral platform called the Climate Investment Funds was born.   The G-8 created the Climate Investment Funds to support developing economies as they shifted to a less carbon intensive future. The Climate Investment Funds supports the development of clean energy markets and invests in projects and programs the enable clean energy transitions and adaptation to climate change. The CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, Mafalda Duarte is on the podcast today to explain the significance of this multilateral platform to the common global effort to confront climate change.

The Climate Investment Funds (CIF), a multilateral climate finance mechanism, has been working with the continent's premier financial development institution, the African Development Bank (AfDB) - CIF's implementing entity - renewable financing energy, forestry, and resilience solutions in Africa. Of about $8billion funding, Africa receives one-third of the total funding. In today's conversation, Mafalda Duarte, the Climate Investment Funds CEO, and Gareth Phillips, the climate and environmental finance manager at the AfDB, gives a backgrounder the Climate Investment Funds and the portfolio of work CIF have implemented with the AfDB.

As the energy transition in India accelerates, how do decisionmakers ensure that the transition is a just and equitable transition? Neha Sharma (CIF and JTI), Ajay Mathur (International Solar Alliance), Srestha Banerjee (iForest), and Mike Ward (CIF) look at the underlying drivers of India’s energy transitions, and key considerations for creating a just transition, including the need for fairness and equity, geographic disparities, lack of social mobility, labor policy, and energy access. This week’s episode is part of the Just Transitions Initiative, a partnership of the CSIS Energy Program and the Climate Investment Funds. For more, visit the Just Transition Initiative. Neha Sharma is Evaluation and Learning Specialist at the Climate Investment Funds and a core team member of the Just Transitions Initiative Ajay Mathur is Director General–designate for the International Solar Alliance, and formerly the Director General at the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in India Srestha Banerjee is Program Head for Climate Justice and Natural Resource Management at iForest Mike Ward is Senior Sustainability Specialist at the Climate Investment Funds

Just transitions have featured regularly in national-level conversations in South Africa around its energy transition plans and climate change policies and commitments. In this episode, hosted by Neha Sharma of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), we explore the opportunities and challenges that South Africa faces in moving its just transition forward, and lessons which countries and leaders can learn from the case of South Africa. Neha is joined by two experts from South Africa: Brenda Martin (University of Cape Town) and Mike Ward (Rhodes University and Creating Sustainable Value) to dive into the multiple dimensions necessary to crafting a just transition.    This week’s episode is part of the Just Transition Initiative (link below), a partnership of the CSIS Energy Program and the Climate Investment Funds. Resources: https://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org/news/supporting-just-transitions-south-africa?cid=cif_tt_cif_en_ext https://www.csis.org/programs/energy-security-and-climate-change-program/projects/just-transition-initiative https://www.csis.org/analysis/who-needs-just-transition https://www.csis.org/podcasts/energy-360%C2%B0/just-transitions-introduction https://www.csis.org/podcasts/energy-360%C2%B0/just-transitions-assessing-gender-dimensions

There are plenty of people sitting around waiting for some magical new or improved technology to come along and fix the mess we’ve made for ourselves with the climate emergency. That’s probably not going to happen—and, anyway, we have the tools we need to ditch fossil fuels now. In the first part of the episode, reporter Molly Schwartz looks into some of these solutions, including wind farm construction and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. In the second part of the program, host John D. Sutter speaks with Mafalda Duarte, the head of the Climate Investment Funds. (The Climate Investment Funds is FP Studios’ partnering organization for Heat of the Moment.) Duarte explains that her group’s goal is not only to give loans for solar farms and other green projects but also to help tip the scales in favor of a clean energy revolution.

There are plenty of people sitting around waiting for some magical new or improved technology to come along and fix the mess we’ve made for ourselves with the climate emergency. That’s probably not going to happen—and, anyway, we have the tools we need to ditch fossil fuels now. In the first part of the episode, reporter Molly Schwartz looks into some of these solutions, including wind farm construction and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. In the second part of the program, host John D. Sutter speaks with Mafalda Duarte, the head of the Climate Investment Funds. (The Climate Investment Funds is FP Studios’ partnering organization for Heat of the Moment.) Duarte explains that her group’s goal is not only to give loans for solar farms and other green projects but also to help tip the scales in favor of a clean energy revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much would it cost to fix climate change—and who should pay? Should it be the United States—the biggest polluter historically? Should it be China—the largest annual polluter these days? Is the entire industrial world to blame? These are some of the thorny questions the Heat of the Moment host John D. Sutter discusses with Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. Stiglitz is a top expert on how economic policy can play a leading role in steering the world away from fossil fuels. Later, Emily Johnson reports on real-life examples of how investments can kick-start change. She looks at projects supported by our partners at the Climate Investment Funds in Jamaica, Tajikistan, and Turkey.

How much would it cost to fix climate change—and who should pay? Should it be the United States—the biggest polluter historically? Should it be China—the largest annual polluter these days? Is the entire industrial world to blame? These are some of the thorny questions the Heat of the Moment host John D. Sutter discusses with Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. Stiglitz is a top expert on how economic policy can play a leading role in steering the world away from fossil fuels. Later, Emily Johnson reports on real-life examples of how investments can kick-start change. She looks at projects supported by our partners at the Climate Investment Funds in Jamaica, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From FP Studios and the Climate Investment Funds, a new series which looks at the climate crisis and offers reasons for hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luiza Demôro, associate and project lead author with BloombergNEF, and Chris Head, private sector specialist with Climate Investment Funds, join Nikos Tsafos, senior fellow with the CSIS Energy and National Security Program, to discuss the potential for concessional financing to accelerate the clean energy transition in emerging markets. For more, read: The Clean Technology Fund and Concessional Finance

Luiza Demôro, associate and project lead author with BloombergNEF, and Chris Head, private sector specialist with Climate Investment Funds, join Nikos Tsafos, senior fellow with the CSIS Energy and National Security Program, to discuss the potential for concessional financing to accelerate the clean energy transition in emerging markets. For more, read: The Clean Technology Fund and Concessional Finance

Has renewable energy reached the stage where it’s cheaper than fossil fuels? Presenters Tariq Khokhar and Raka Banerjee talk to Mafalda Duarte, head of the Climate Investment Funds, about the data behind renewables, and if we’re reaching a ‘tipping point’ in them becoming the preferred energy source for countries around the world. To read more, visit: http://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/between-2-geeks-episode-5-renewable-energy-tipping-point

This week on the show we discuss proposed budget cuts by the Trump Administration to the weather related government programs.   Show Notes!   Weather Service Employees ‘Shocked’ by Reported Budget Cuts Quote from above article: “It’s not a well-thought-through idea, in my opinion,” said Daniel Sobien, president of the National Weather Service Employees Organization. Though he speaks only for the relatively large weather service staff, the cuts discussed in the White House-to-agency “pass-back” documents will affect all of NOAA—“the people who make sure employees get paid, do the hiring and the paperwork, plus the satellite program, which has a direct link to weather forecasting,” he said. NWS is highly dependent on the rest of NOAA, he said. NOAA overall is reportedly slated for a 17 percent cut, but NWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service would take a hit of just 5 percent. But that is still “hugely devastating,” Sobien said. That’s because the lack of say for managers in reshuffling discretionary spending means that “the only thing they can do is lay people off, so it’s just as bad as a 17 percent cut,” he said.”   Trump's Plan to Slash NOAA Budget Puts Lives, Climate Research at Risk, Scientists Say Quote from above article: “The National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, which monitors weather and collects climate data, would see the largest budget cut – $513 million, or 22 percent of its funding. Former NOAA employees say the move would put the American public in danger. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA administrator under President Barack Obama, told weather.com the "draconian cuts" to the agency that oversees weather forecasting and funds weather and climate research would "be devastating to the economy, jobs and to the safety and livelihoods of Americans in every state." Many of the cuts are directly relevant to NOAA’s ability to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings, now and in the future, Lubchenco said. She called the cuts to the satellite program, NWS and research program particularly worrisome, noting 90 percent of weather forecasting data comes from satellites.”   Notes from Katie NOAA $990 mil cut from budget $83 mil for ship to do ocean surveys $400 mil cut from Polar Follow-On: satellites schedules to launch in 2024/26 for forecasting $100 mil cut from satellite services which could impact climate data collection 26% cut to recharting the coastlines From the Washington Post: The programs in the crosshairs include NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management grants and Regional Coastal Resilience grants, which come to $75 million combined, according to the document; its $10 million in Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency grants; the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, an annual investment of about $23 million; and its $73 million Sea Grant program. Regional Coastal Resilience grants, which deal more specifically with bracing communities for adverse climate and weather events. These programs “build resilience of coastal communities to the negative impacts from extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions,” according to a recent NOAA presentation. the Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants, which are more focused on restoring ecosystems so they can adjust to changing conditions in a way that also benefits humans. Wetlands, when healthy, can help keep pace with sea-level rise. Also proposed for the chopping block are several research and education initiatives that provide valuable information to help coastal communities plan for the future. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a group of 29 sites throughout the coastal United States — including spots along the East and West coasts, the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Alaska — that have been set aside specifically for the study of estuarine systems, or the areas where rivers flow into the sea. The program produces scientific data on these unique ecosystems and provides training and education for local communities and policymakers on protecting and managing them. Of similar importance is the Sea Grant program, a partnership between NOAA and universities across the nation, which supports coastal research and education. The program relies on on-the-ground agents, who help establish a “real connection” between academics and coastal communities, said Jeff Carney, an architecture professor and director of the Coastal Sustainability Studio at Louisiana State University, which houses the Louisiana Sea Grant program. These programs can be vital sources of information on everything from fisheries management to storm preparation. EPA $330 mil cut from Superfund Cleanups. 30% reduction $129 mil cut from EPA enforcement to catch polluters.  33% reduction $233 mil cut from EPA research that establishes federal health and safety guidelines 50% reduction $482 mil cut from EPA assistance grants that go to state and tribal to clean up pesticides and toxic wastes.   40% reduction $347 mil cut from 50 EPA programs like Energy Star and diesel engine replacement meant to reduce emissions. From Washington Post: proposal by the White House would slash the EPA’s budget by 31 percent — nearly one third — from its current level of $8.1 billion to $5.7 billion. It would cut 3,200 positions, or more than 20 percent of the agency’s current workforce of about 15,000. would discontinue funding for the Clean Power Plan — the signature Obama administration effort to combat climate change by regulating carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. It would sharply reduce money for the Superfund program and cut the budget for the EPA’s prominent Office of Research and Development roughly in half, to $250 million. It also would eliminate “more than 50 EPA programs.” Among them: the Energy Star program, which aims to improve energy efficiency and save consumers money; infrastructure assistance to Alaska Native villages and the Mexico border; a grant program that helps cities and states combat air pollution; and an office that focuses on environmental justice issues. Article from Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-budget-cuts-funds-for-epa-by-31-percent/ Some programs at EPA would see increases. The blueprint would shift $4 million above current spending levels to state revolving funds and $20 million to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had said he wanted to protect those funds. The State Department, which saw perhaps the largest cut behind EPA, is shouldering much of Trump's emphasis on nationalism. The president is fulfilling his promises to depress U.S. activity abroad by eliminating the Global Climate Change Initiative. The budget also zeros out funding for the Green Climate Fund and the Climate Investment Funds. The White House would eliminate the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), as well as loan guarantee programs, greenhouse gas reducing technologies and advanced vehicle programs. The Office of Science would see a $900 million cut and is meant, according to the proposal, to focus on "basic science and energy research and development." The budget also would include $140 million to restart licensing activities for nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain, a thorny issue on Capitol Hill.   Chesapeake Bay $73 mil to $0 Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay Program: Regional partnership that directs and conducts the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay in the United States. As a partnership, the Chesapeake Bay Program brings together members of various state, federal, academic and local watershed organizations to build and adopt policies that support Chesapeake Bay restoration. By combining the resources and unique strengths of each individual organization, the Chesapeake Bay Program is able to follow a unified plan for restoration. Became part of the EPA in 1983 50+ partnerships involved The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is a non-profit organization devoted to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay in the United States. It was founded in 1967 and has headquarters offices in Annapolis, Maryland. Budget cut worries: Most of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s federal money goes to states, local governments and community groups through grants. The foundation focuses on coordinating and monitoring the efforts of the six bay watershed states and the District of Columbia. Besides Virginia, these states include Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. From Capital Gazette (Maryland Newspaper) a closer look at proposed cuts for other federal departments and agencies that collaborate in the bay restoration effort makes clear that the impact on the bay would go well beyond this single onerous and inexplicable decision. As The Capital has noted, the impact will trickle down to bay cleanup efforts at the state and county levels, too. Great Lakes $330 mil to $0 GLRI The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched in 2010 to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world — the Great Lakes The program, primarily administered through the EPA, has traditionally enjoyed strong bipartisan support and has standalone authorization at that funding level through 2021, meaning Congress can restore some or all funding.

A lack of electricity is keeping millions of African communities and businesses in the dark. The Climate Investment Funds are working with many countries across the continent to help them spark an energy revolution and transform their economies. To learn more please follow @CIF_Action or go to http://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

Concentrated Solar Power, or CSP, holds vast potential due to its ability to provide reliable, large-scale power even when the sun is not shining. Morocco has just launched the first phase of the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the world, which includes funding from the Climate Investment Funds and the World Bank. When fully operational, the plant will produce enough energy for more than one million Moroccans. To learn more please follow @CIF_Action or go to http://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

If knowledge is power, then few tools are as powerful as climate services. The Climate Investment Funds is helping communities and countries hit by changing weather not just survive but thrive by getting the right information to the right people at the right time. To learn more, please follow https://twitter.com/CIF_Action or go to http://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

As the world strives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and scale up low carbon energy solutions, geothermal power holds tremendous promise as one of the most plentiful and cheapest renewable energy options available. The Climate Investment Funds delivering geothermal investments at scale to empower climate-smart transformation.

https://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org/cif/ - One of the winners of 2014’s UN Momentum for Change awards, Wandee Khunchornyakong, has been transforming Thailand’s renewable energy capacity with utility-scale solar farms. To get finance flowing for what was then a new industry in the country, she worked with the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Climate Investment Funds to access blended finance. The project is increasing clean energy capacity while helping drive economic growth in one of Thailand’s most impoverished regions.