Can green QE reduce global warming?

Main author: Dafermos, Yannis
Other authors: Nikolaidi, Maria
Galanis, Giorgos
Format: Monographs and Working Papers           
Online access: Click here to view record


Summary: The idea of a green QE (quantitative easing) programme has gained a lot of traction over the last years. It has been argued that by implementing such a programme central banks could contribute to the fight against climate change. Our recent research shows that a green QE programme that involves the purchase of green corporate bonds can indeed reduce global warming. The programme will be more effective if green investment responds strongly to changes in the interest rates. Yet, green QE cannot by itself prevent severe climate change: even with optimistic assumptions about the role of interest rates, the path of global atmospheric temperature is not very likely to change substantially by such a programme. Many other types of environmental policies and strategies are necessary to keep global warming close to 2 degrees Celsius.
Other authors: Nikolaidi, Maria, Galanis, Giorgos
Language: English
Published: Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) 2018