Getting a New Kind of Green from Banks

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders honored Bank of America with the annual City of San Diego Climate Protection Champion Award for its efforts in Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bank of America. In 2007, Bank of America a $20 billion dollar initiative to address climate change by addressing for four key areas: Lending, Investments, Products and Services and Operations. From finding ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions to investing in companies that address climate change, Bank of America provides this 10 year initiative as proof that “Bank of America understands that we have a tremendous …responsibility to address global climate change…”

“Before we buy their shares, we want them to share our values.” PAX World

World Bank uses its connection to help the environment

By drawing on its lending experience and policy dialog with developing countries, the World Bank is identifying, preparing and implementing projects with 3 goals. The goals are to simultaneously reduce poverty, improve the local environment and benefit the global environment.

This opportunity is available to them as one of the three implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The GEF finances projects that address 6 threats to the global envirionment:

1. Loss of Biodiversity
2. Climate Change
3. Degradation of International Waters
4. Ozone Depletion
5. Land Degradation
6. Persistent Organic Pollutants

Since beginning in 1991, the GEF has provided $6.2 billion and grants. This along with the over $20 billion in co-financing has allowed them to support over 1,800 projects which benefit over 140 developing countries and countries in economic transition.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

Introduction: Clear CO-OP

The challenge of this, both, honors and humbles us. “Honors us” because we are part of the solution. “Humbles us” through realizing we are only a part. We recognize that changing the globe will take a global effort.

This is why Clear Standards offers Clear CO-OP; a proposed partnership of our resources and your insight. The vision is a Green-centric business blog supplemented by your real world knowledge via a discussion forum. Think of it as “an interactive Green news exchange” where you share with international colleagues as we all go about changing the planet. The virtual “Give a penny. Take a penny.” of eco-strategy.

“Perhaps each of us can make it on our own. Question is: ‘Are we brave and wise enough not to?’”