Green Horizons: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Green Finance, Circular Economy, and ESG (Hardcover)

This book aims to explore the intersection of green finance, circular economy principles, and ESG strategies. This multifaceted approach is essential for fostering sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges. Green finance is the term used to describe various forms of finance (green bonds, loans, etc.) that are designed to finance green projects (Shukla et al., 2024). It helps to attract investments in sustainability, especially renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure (Manoharan et al., 2024). `The idea of greenium, or the price investors are prepared to pay for green assets, matters to market behavior (Karimov, 2024).

The circular economy, in turn, supports resource efficiencies and waste minimization and incorporates ESG metrics to develop ecologically benign industrial environments (Malevskaia-Malevich, 2024; Ramakrishna & Brindha, 2024). Companies can be more sustainable and reduce manufacturing costs using circular economy strategies to create greater market value. ESG models help organizations integrate sustainability into their business model by emphasizing transparency and accountability (Ramakrishna & Brindha, 2024). ESG policies can reduce climate risk and drive long-term value, making them a key consideration for investors and stakeholders (Manoharan et al., 2024). Despite the potential of green finance, challenges such as market allocation of resources and varying ESG application levels persist (Ding, 2024).

The foundations of climate action, green finance, circular economy, and ESG—all these have greenwashing and a dysfunctional regulatory regime obstructing them. Acceptance of these challenges will be what keeps sustainability initiatives viable and sustainable. The climate emergency demands new, integrated sustainable development goals (SDGs). While the focus on green finance and ESG is critical, it is also important to consider the potential for greenwashing, where companies may misrepresent their sustainability efforts. This highlights the need for rigorous standards and accountability in the implementation of these strategies.

Dr. Vinay Kandpal is a distinguished professor at the Department of Management Studies, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, has over 19 years of experience in education and business. Holding a D. Litt. and a Ph.D. in Finance from Kumaun University, India, along with a postdoctoral fellowship from PG Administracao-Paulista University (UNIP), Brazil, Dr. Kandpal has made significant contributions to the field of finance and business management. He has authored more than 72 scholarly articles and 15 books covering topics like sustainable finance, financial technology, smart urban development, risk management, circular economy, and financial inclusion. Dr. Kandpal is an active participant in international academic forums, frequently presenting his research at prestigious conferences. His expertise extends to editorial roles in top-tier academic journals, further emphasizing his influence in academia. As a full-time affiliate with the Association of North America Higher Education International (ANAHEI), he is dedicated to fostering innovation and enhancing intellectual discourse in finance. His extensive contributions underscore a commitment to lifelong learning and research, making him a key figure in both academia and the business world.

Professor Walter Leal holds the Chairs of Climate Change Management at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Environment and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK). He directs the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainability Development and Climate Change Management.” His main research interests are in the fields of sustainable development and climate change, also including aspects of climate change and health. His field experience in over 70 countries, involves missions undertaken on behalf of various international organizations (e.g., European Union, World Bank, OECD, UNESCO, UNEP) and attendance to specialized events in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia and Pacific Region, and the Middle East.

Dr. Kamila Frizzo is a researcher in Management, specializing in strategy, innovation, and sustainability. She holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil, and completed a doctoral research stay at HAW Hamburg, Germany. Her research focuses on climate change, the circular economy, and public policies, contributing to nationally funded research projects. In addition, she promotes knowledge dissemination and the organization of scientific events in the fields of innovation and sustainability. She is a member of international academic networks and has published in high-impact journals, fostering interdisciplinary discussions on sustainable development.

Dr. Noé Aguilar Rivera is a research professor. Ph.D. in environmental sciences with a postdoctoral fellowships in sustainable development, agroecology and circular economy. His research area is environmental management focused on agro industries, sustainability, use of nature-based solutions and circular bioeconomy. As a researcher for 20 years has authored more than 75 high impact articles on regional topics, 6 books and academic products for the dissemination of knowledge in English and Spanish with inter and transdisciplinary approach.