On the role of discount rates when evaluating infrastructure projects, and what happens when a project’s benefits – environmental or those positively affecting a region’s natural capital – come about in the long term. In an unprecedented act of generosity, and in order to promote reading the blog, the undersigned have collected all we had in our pockets to give it away to the … [Read more...] about Project Evaluation and the Role of Discount Rate
Is Climate Change part of a Political agenda?
Climate Change was a central topic in President Obama´s recent State of the Union. In harbinger fashion, Obama’s SOTU gave a wealth of examples to demonstrate that climate change is an opportunity to innovate technologically and politically, and to reap significant and durable economic benefits. During the 1950s of Soviet Sputnik satellites, he said, “we didn’t argue about the … [Read more...] about Is Climate Change part of a Political agenda?
A Connection between Climate Change and health?
A doctor tells you that much of your condition or disease is caused by climate change. It sounds weird, right? It seems hard to believe, but there is a connection. 2015 left us as the warmest year on record, globally. It´s not something we should be proud of. Of course not. A sign of the times, climate change in 2016 is perceived as the most impactful risk for the years … [Read more...] about A Connection between Climate Change and health?
Why China is going to take safeguards more seriously
With nearly US$120 billion invested since 2005 and US$22.1 billion in 2014 alone, China is the biggest foreign investor in the Latin American region. China has developed its own infrastructure in a pace and scope unparalleled in human history. The country can bring a unique wealth of experience and know-how to help our region close its infrastructure gap. Transforming this to … [Read more...] about Why China is going to take safeguards more seriously
What is holding back the private sector from natural capital investments?
The private sector has an important role to play in improving management of natural capital. The scale of financing needed to address climate change and other environmental challenges requires private sector involvement. A lot of good work has already been done by the private sector and the IDB itself supports private sector investment in natural capital. However, despite … [Read more...] about What is holding back the private sector from natural capital investments?