The new Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials guidance goes beyond the dominant financed emissions metric and could be used to quantify avoided emissions from financing the early phase-out of coal, which has gained momentum in Asia.
The prevailing mood of uncertainty seems to have emboldened companies and governments to justify slowing climate action. Experts say these delay tactics exploit people's economic and security fears.
Global Witness warns that mining for green energy is fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in Asia and elsewhere, urging tougher standards and protections.