How ECAs can accelerate global climate finance

At a moment marked by increasing uncertainty in global trade and rapidly shifting climate policies, Perspectives Climate Research is actively contributing to the evolving conversation on the role of Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in climate finance. Through targeted research, policy collaboration, and public engagement, our experts are helping shape a more climate-aligned future for public finance institutions. 

For the first time, our climate finance team has expanded its analytical lens beyond the OECD. Our latest report, “Alignment of China’s Energy Sector Export Finance with the Paris Climate Agreement,” examines how Chinese ECAs are progressing toward the financing for clean energy projects overseas. While notable advances have been made, the research, led by Ziqun Jia, also highlights key areas in which further reform is needed to bring Chinese export finance in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Read the full report here.

The findings were formally launched on 30 April during our webinar titled “China and its Export Credit Agencies: Friends or Foes of the Global Energy Transition?” This event brought together researchers, policy experts, and civil society representatives from across the globe. Participants discussed trends in China’s overseas energy investment and export finance, while also exploring areas of potential alignment between Chinese ECAs and commercial financiers. The session underscored both the challenges and the opportunities involved in redirecting public finance toward climate-compatible ends. If you are interested in accessing a recording of the webinar, please contact us directly. 

Building on this momentum, our team has also released a new policy brief in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam’s CLIFF Project: “Best practice in OECD export credit for fossil fuel exclusion and the role of China”. The brief urges OECD-ECAs to adopt robust fossil fuel exclusion policies as a matter of urgency. At the same time, it encourages China to take a leadership role by phasing out fossil fuel support, strengthening South-South cooperation, and joining international initiatives aimed at aligning ECAs with climate targets, such as NZECA and the Berne Union Climate Working Group.
You can access the policy brief here. 

In parallel, a recent feature interview conducted by SEK Svensk Exportkredit (one of Sweden’s ECA) on How the Nordic countries are leading in Paris Agreement alignment spotlighted the perspectives of our climate finance experts, Igor Shishlov and Max Schmidt. The interview focused on globally relevant best practices for aligning export credit with climate objectives and drew particularly on the experience of Nordic countries in this space.
Read the interview here.

These efforts and milestones are a testament to our ongoing commitment to making ECAs more effective agents of the global energy transition. If this complex topic piques your interest, we invite you to explore our latest research and join the conversation on how public finance institutions can support urgent climate goals.
To stay informed, visit our ECA initiative page.