The US financial system is undoubtedly among the largest, most innovative and most sophisticated in the world. It is also clear that this is both a benefit and an impediment to non-governmental investment in sustainability and inclusiveness. To date, the actual investment in infrastructure and sustainability does not meet current needs, especially those related to maintaining climate change to within manageable bounds.
Aligning the Financial System with Sustainable Development in the United States of America examines the decision process embedded in the US financial markets that determines what endeavours are funded by capital investment and suggests areas that can be addressed to improve results.
The Inquiry into the Design of a Sustainable Financial System has been initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme to advance design options that would deliver a step change in the financial system’s effectiveness in mobilizing capital towards a green and inclusive economy.