In developing solutions to climate change — both on adaptation and mitigation – finding ways to finance them is key. But with the proper systems, private capital can come to play an important part of the equation, potentially unlocking billions of dollars.
At least that’s the take of Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. Given his background as a former investment banker and finance professor, he spends a lot of time thinking about how to finance nature and counter climate change.
“Saving nature is one of the smartest investments we can make,” he said. “Nature produces very valuable services for humankind and you get a bunch of environmental benefits on top of that for free.”
All forms of financing — from governments, multilaterals and the private sector – are important, but he encouraged those working on infrastructure to consider if there is a green solution that might achieve the same goal and protect nature.
Watch the video interview to learn about examples of how markets are already in place that are providing outlets for investments in nature as a way to offset carbon emissions and how to make the case to investors.
Planet Worth is a global conversation in partnership with Abt Associates, Chemonics, HELVETAS, Tetra Tech, the U.N. Development Program and Zurich, exploring leading solutions in the fight against climate change, while highlighting the champions of climate adaptation amid emerging global challenges. Visit the campaign site and join the conversation using #PlanetWorth.
About the author
Adva Saldinger@AdvaSal
Adva Saldinger is an Associate Editor at Devex, where she covers the intersection of business and international development, as well as U.S. foreign aid policy. From partnerships to trade and social entrepreneurship to impact investing, Adva explores the role the private sector and private capital play in development. A journalist with more than 10 years of experience, she has worked at several newspapers in the U.S. and lived in both Ghana and South Africa.