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Power and Planet

Power and Planet

By: El BID - The IDB
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 Over the past decade, the conversation around climate vulnerability has evolved—from focusing primarily on scientific understanding to addressing the practicalities of funding and implementation. As the topic gained prominence, it also became more complex and multifaceted. In this series, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change for the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, demystifies climate finance, lays bare the issues, and contextualises financial instruments within international political economy, development economics, finance, and climate and nature.

While financial discussions can often feel abstract or theoretical, the Inter-American Development Bank comes face-to-face with some of the most vulnerable communities in the world—from indigenous peoples in the Amazon to those living in favelas. The Bank also works closely with governments as they tackle pragmatically the multifaceted challenges of poverty, climate vulnerability, development, job creation, and sustainable growth. Drawing on the Bank’s extensive experience, research, knowledge, insights, and stories of the lived experience of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, he explains why we are here, where we are, and what we need to do to move to a better place.

#IDB #Improvinglives #IDBImpact+

At the Inter-American Development Bank we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. http://www.iadb.orgCopyright El BID - The IDB Biological Sciences Economics Management Management & Leadership Science
Episodes
  • The Mirage and the Magic of Debt Swaps

    The Mirage and the Magic of Debt Swaps
    Oct 10 2025
    In Episode 4 of Power and Planet, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, dives deep into the captivating world of debt swaps—often hailed as poetic solutions to complex global challenges. From the alluring promise of debt-for-nature deals to the hard truths of market realities, this episode unpacks the myths, mechanics, and potential of debt swaps in climate and development finance. Persaud explores why the grand bargain remains elusive, and how modern, market-based swaps—backed by AAA-rated guarantors—can redirect debt savings into resilience investments like reef protection and electric buses. With a bold vision for a multi-guarantor facility to scale impact, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about innovative climate finance.

    #IDB #Improvinglives #IDBImpact+

    At the Inter-American Development Bank we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. http://www.iadb.org
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    13 mins
  • Why You Can’t Insure Yourself Against Climate

    Why You Can’t Insure Yourself Against Climate
    Oct 3 2025
    While disasters have traditionally been managed through insurance, climate shocks are now too frequent, too costly, and too unpredictable to insure effectively. From the staggering $30 billion flood losses in Brazil to the global funding gap for climate-vulnerable countries, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change for the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, explores in this episode why resilience—not insurance—is the smarter investment. Tune in to learn why a dollar spent on resilient infrastructure can save ten in future losses, and how innovative financial tools like debt-for-resilience swaps and pause clauses could offer lifelines to countries already drowning in debt.

    #IDB #Improvinglives #IDBImpact+

    At the Inter-American Development Bank we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. http://www.iadb.org
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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