While the role of government remains central in responding to climate change adaptation and mitigation, the private sector is showing keen interest in become a major player in the same field.

Sensing the mood of consumers as mainly wanting to ensure the products and services they buy are not making climate change any worse, a new array of greener investment products is being introduced.

In finance, there are a few pioneers leading the charge. Recently the World Bank, with the support of BNP Paribas, launched two potentially revolutionary products that could change traditional ways of thinking about financing development. The first was a new ten-year Sustainable Development Bond that provides an opportunity for retail investors to combine their financial objectives with social and environmental sustainability goals.