Advancing climate actions requires an improvement in the quality and quantity of green investments. Governments and investors are often aligned on the ambition that is needed to tackle the climate crisis, whether its bold net zero commitments or investible climate plans. But subnational governments need better access to finance, and one way to make that happen is by ensuring they understand the language of investments and develop good – bankable - projects.
Understanding the intricacies of investment opportunities and the diversity of investors is a key barrier for many subnational governments. To attract climate finance, subnational leaders need to recognise good or bad investment opportunities. Equally important is knowing how to translate local ambition into clear, fundable proposals. Thirdly, the state needs to be able to confidently propose this bankable project to potential investors.
The Mobilising Green Investment in Brazilian States project — funded by UK PACT and delivered in partnership between Climate Group and ERM – has built a strong Community of Practice that empowers subnational governments to find funding for their regional climate plans. With ten Brazilian states participating, the peer-learning community brings together finance experts and government officials to understand and improve the way states deal with climate funding challenges. This is achieved through shared knowledge, and state case studies.
A key issue for a state in Brazil to mobilise finance for any climate project is the perceived political risk. Investors may add higher interest rates or decline an investment if there are uncertainties. For example, will a government honour its financial obligations after a change of leadership? After a political transition, will the project continue to deliver positive climate impacts?
First, it is important that states show that they can build robust proposals and implement projects. That includes having clear climate plans that resonate with investors and reflect areas of financial and political concern. States must also be clear about their own public budget and demonstrate cross-departmental contribution from key internal stakeholders.
Secondly, a robust climate project must speak to potential funders. Proposals must align with national and subnational climate strategies. They must show that they are financially sound and have taken a holistic, whole-of-government approach, but beyond that also considered businesses, communities and other relevant stakeholders. It is imperative for investors to know that their money will advance urgent climate priorities without putting people, the economy, their investment, or the environment at risk. Finally, projects must deliver.
In this series of articles, we’ll continue to explore some of these barriers in more depth, and highlighting solutions and experiences from Brazilian states.