Unlocking Climate Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, severely threaten Latin America and the Caribbean, costing nations up to 5 percent of GDP annually. Yet the region has long struggled to find the domestic resources to respond, or to attract sufficient support from multinational institutions or donors. Lately, however, innovative sources of capital, known broadly as 鈥済reen financing,鈥 have become available. These include 鈥渂lue bonds鈥 in Belize and Ecuador, sustainability-linked bonds in Chile and Uruguay, and Brazil鈥檚 Amazon Fund. There are also potentially significant private sector funding opportunities through carbon markets and impact investing.
In an in-person conversation organized by the 乐鱼 体育鈥檚 Brazil Institute, public and private sector leaders gathered to discuss these pioneering 鈥済reen financing鈥 strategies and the trailblazing role of Latin American governments. Taking place during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York City, the dialogue examined innovative models that use private investment to empower communities, protect biodiversity, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon economies.
In his keynote address, Minister Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Ecuador鈥檚 Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the transformative power of innovative financing mechanisms and the critical role of conservation in achieving sustainable development. He recounted Ecuador's commitment to conservation efforts, showcasing a groundbreaking financial collaboration, particularly in the Galapagos Islands. The Minister highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making, collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and visionary leadership in achieving these conservation successes.
The panelists, who represented diverse sectors and backgrounds, shared a common assumption: the urgent need to unlock climate finance in Latin America and the Caribbean, coupled with the understanding that this region possesses untapped potential for sustainable development. They emphasized that trust, consistency in policy signals, and concrete plans are crucial for attracting investments. Furthermore, the private sector's pivotal role in driving climate finance and fostering a just transition was a central theme of their discussions.
This event provided a platform for thought leaders to discuss and explore collaborative strategies to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean region and facilitate sustainable growth through innovative financing mechanisms.
Unlocking Climate Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean
Speakers



Executive Vice President, VR Investment

President, Talanoa; member, UN Green Climate Fund鈥檚 accreditation panel
Introduction

Keynote Speaker

Moderator

Hosted By
Brazil Institute
The Brazil Institute鈥攖he only country-specific policy institution focused on Brazil in Washington鈥攁ims to deepen understanding of Brazil鈥檚 complex landscape and strengthen relations between Brazilian and US institutions across all sectors. Read more
Latin America Program
乐鱼 体育鈥檚 prestigious Latin America Program provides non-partisan expertise to a broad community of decision makers in the United States and Latin America on critical policy issues facing the Hemisphere. The Program provides insightful and actionable research for policymakers, private sector leaders, journalists, and public intellectuals in the United States and Latin America. To bridge the gap between scholarship and policy action, it fosters new inquiry, sponsors high-level public and private meetings among multiple stakeholders, and explores policy options to improve outcomes for citizens throughout the Americas. Drawing on the 乐鱼 体育鈥檚 strength as the nation鈥檚 key non-partisan policy forum, the Program serves as a trusted source of analysis and a vital point of contact between the worlds of scholarship and action. Read more
Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more
Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition
The Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition works to shape conversations and inspire meaningful action to strengthen technology, trade, infrastructure, and energy as part of American economic and global leadership that benefits the nation and the world. Read more