June 7, 2021
Green bonds have been touted in recent years as tools to advance technologies, finance clean energy projects, and promote economic and climate resiliency. Cumulative global debt outstanding that meets sustainability criteria hit $1 trillion in 2020, with issuers expecting to sell an additional $375 billion of green bonds in 2021, almost 40% growth year-over-year. Once a niche market, green and sustainability bonds are becoming mainstream. This year’s expected market growth is being driven by both issuers and investors alike: ESG considerations have become more important for investors, while companies are seizing opportunities to make investments that can help to meet climate goals and requirements.