Innovative finance can help cities manage climate change

Whether it’s transforming the buildings, mobility or infrastructure needed for the sustainable transition, there are many levers available for the mitigation and adaptation of cities to some of the worst impacts of climate change. Innovative ‘blended finance’ approaches use public funds or government support to encourage private investment, the result of which can finance projects or businesses that, under normal circumstances, would be considered ‘un-investable’. Governments effectively provide a safety net – their co-investments and guarantees unlock private investment by lowering risk or...