News

• Three G10 governments 'mulling climate-linked bonds'

  03 December 2009

  Governments of at least three of the world's 10 largest economies are actively discussing issuing 'index-linked climate bonds', according to the think-tank that has pioneered the concept. And a number of sub-national bond issuers are also considering launching bonds whose returns are linked to policies to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, said Michael Mainelli, director of the Z/Yen Group.

• EPA punts ethanol blending call

  03 December 2009

  The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deferred a decision on increasing the limit on ethanol blended into gasoline from 10% to 15% until next summer, but indicated preliminary tests support such a change.

• Infinis wins majority stake in landfill gas rival

  03 December 2009

  Infinis, the UK landfill gas-to-energy firm owned by private equity group Terra Firma, appears set to take over Novera, its smaller rival, after raising its offer last week.

• Thomson Reuters acquires ESG data firm Asset4

  03 December 2009

  Thomson Reuters has acquired Asset4, which provides environmental, social and governance (ESG) data and tools for investors and corporations, for an undisclosed sum.

• Earth Capital Partners 'on course' for $5bn fund-raise

  26 November 2009

  The Stanley Fink-backed Earth Capital Partners (ECP) is still on course to raise $5 billion into environmentally-focused funds, as it prepares to name a cornerstone investor in a new renewable energy fund.

• Green stimulus cash at risk – HSBC

  26 November 2009

  Less than a fifth of the promised $513 billion in government green stimulus money is set to be spent this year, raising the risk of "retrenchment" as governments seek to exit fiscal stimulus strategies, according to HSBC.

• SEC should reflect new realities on climate disclosure – investors

  26 November 2009

  The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should provide guidance to companies on climate change disclosure, given recent "regulatory, legislative and scientific developments" on the issue, according to investors managing $1 trillion in assets.

• McKinsey, World Bank warn on water

  26 November 2009

  Governments and private institutions must invest $50 billion-$60 billion annually between now and 2030 to avoid future water shortages causing serious economic and environmental consequences, according to a report from McKinsey and the World Bank.

• Sustainable investment in China a 'growing opportunity' – BSR

  26 November 2009

  Investing sustainably in China is possible but growth is being hampered by a number of factors, including a lack of relevant information, according to a report from sustainability consultancy BSR.

• RBS launches emerging markets SRI index

  19 November 2009

  UK bank RBS has launched an equity index that will track socially responsible companies in emerging markets – and will shortly launch two products based upon it.