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Introduction: Investments in environmentally friendly initiatives can bolster infrastructure projects, agricultural methods, and water management systems that improve the ability to withstand climate-related difficulties. Green investments encompass endorsing carbon markets and financial instruments that incentivise reducing emissions. This research helps attain the climate objectives described in sustainable development goal 13 (SDG 13).

Purpose: This chapter aims to investigate the relationship between greenhouse gases (GHG) and gross domestic product (GDP), with the underlying objective of understanding the relevance of green investment for sustainable development.

Methodology: For the analysis, the top five countries: the USA, China, Germany, Japan, and India, were chosen based on the world’s largest economies in 2023, as per their GDP data. For testing the hypothesis, data from the World Bank database during the period 2002-2022 was retrieved and GDP is used as a dependent variable and GHG as an independent variable. For the study, panel data are used, and the Johansen cointegration test and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression are applied.

Findings: In the case of China and India, the null hypothesis has been rejected, which is depicted by the significant and high degree of relation between GHGs and the GDP of these two countries. The null hypothesis is also rejected for the USA and Germany, but it shows a significant and moderate degree of relationship between GHG and GDP. For Japan, the null hypothesis is accepted and reflects a negative relationship between GHG and GDP.

Ocean transportation is not only the cheapest and the best mode of bulk transport but also the most polluting form of transportation. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set strict targets to cut down carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, following which several initiatives have been taken by the shipping industry to embrace new technologies that can make the industry greener. Significant investments have been made into research and development (R&D) to develop alternative marine fuels. This chapter explores the feasibility of setting up a Biomass Recycling Facility (BRF) in the Tirupur–Tuticorin region in Tamil Nadu. The region was chosen because Tirupur being a textile valley generates tonnes of textile wastes every year. It can become good feedstock for biofuel generation, and it is also near Tuticorin Port, which is one of the major ports in Tamil Nadu. On an average, every year 1,000 vessels of medium and large size call at this port. There is a high probability that a BRF established in the vicinity can generate and supply bioethanol for the ships calling at Tuticorin Port. It is apparent from the findings of the study that the feedstock generated by textile industry alone may not be sufficient to meet the huge volumes of biofuel requirements of vessels, more over considerable investments into infrastructure and technology are required. But the study points out that still it could become a viable option because of the government support and favourable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies. The growing demand for biofuel and the increasing price in the world market can become an added advantage.

Sustainable development is inseparable from rational and responsible use of resources and promotion of green entrepreneurship. The contemporary green development agenda encompasses climate, economic, technical, social, cultural, and political dimensions. International efforts to greening the global development are conducted by the major economies, including China as the world’s largest consumer of energy and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China is aware of its environmental problems, as well as of its part of the overall responsibility for the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals. By means of the decarbonization efforts, the latter are integrated both into the national development agenda (the concept of ecological civilization) and China’s international initiatives (the greening narrative within the Belt and Road Initiative). Over the past decade, China has made a breakthrough on the way to promoting green entrepreneurship and greening of its development (better quality of air and water, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and organic farming). On the other hand, emissions remain high, agricultural land loses productivity, and freshwater resources degrade due to climate change. In conventional industries (oil, coal mining, and electric and thermal energy), decarbonization faces an array of impediments. In this chapter, the authors summarize fundamental provisions of China’s approach to building an ecological civilization and measures to reduce emissions and achieve the carbon neutrality status within the nearest decades. The analysis of obstacles to the decarbonization of the economy and possible prospects for the development of green entrepreneurship summarizes China’s practices for possible use in other countries.

This chapter examines the patterns influencing the trajectory of fintech enterprises. With the looming challenge of climate change, the financial realm's responsibility in mitigating climate risks has surged into focus. This chapter investigates fintech enterprises' response to climate-related corporate social responsibility in six main domains: (1) climate risk assessment tools, (2) green bonds and sustainable investment tools, (3) ESG integration, (4) carbon trading and carbon credits, (5) sustainable banking, and (6) DeFi and climate initiatives. It also investigates how fintech firms recognize the impact of climate change within their official declarations and efforts to amplify consciousness about climate-related concerns. This chapter assesses climate-linked terminology and expressions using quantitative and qualitative approaches, illuminating these firms' dedication to assimilating climate risk within their operational blueprints.

Purpose: This chapter examines the effect of green banking practices (GBPs) on environmental performance (EP), specifically focussing on the Sri Lankan banking industry. Additionally, the study explores the mediating impact of green finance in the association between GBPs and the EP of banks listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka.

Methodology: The survey included 233 banking employees from Sri Lanka, and data for this study were collected via questionnaires. The formulated hypotheses were tested employing a regression analysis.

Findings: GBPs such as employee, customer, operation, and policy-related practices significantly predicted the banks’ EP. Furthermore, the study highlights that green finance partially mediates the relationship between GBPs and banks’ EP in Sri Lanka.

Implications of the study: The study’s results indicate that banks should prioritise integrating GBPs in their organisations to enhance environmental and overall performance. Moreover, strategically utilising green financing techniques might be a substantial channel for banks to further strengthen their ecological dedication and influence.

Originality: This is the first study to investigate the impact of GBPs on banks’ EP with the mediating effect of green finance in the Sri Lankan context.

Purpose: The book chapter seeks to investigate the numerous green finance measures already taken by various banks in the direction of Bangladesh’s sustainable development. The chapter also demonstrates the extent to which banks in the nation will use green finance between 2019 and 2022.

Need for the study: This study indicated that practically all banks participated in green finance initiatives to promote sustainable economic growth. Private commercial banks (PCBs) and foreign commercial banks (FCBs) have taken more measures than the other banks, although their efforts still fall short. Therefore, it will be better for the environment and sustainable growth if the financial industry adopts more green finance projects.

Methodology: The study mostly relied on secondary data and information gathered from Bangladesh Bank annual reports, numerous studies on green financing, and the websites of several institutions. Microsoft Excel has been used to examine the data. Data have been presented using tables, graphs, and charts.

Findings: Green financing is now the demand of the time because the whole world, especially Bangladesh, is facing adverse impacts from global warming and climate change. So environmental issues have become the main concern of the government, Bangladesh Bank, stakeholders, and society, and they wish to know about the initiatives towards green financing taken by the various banks to reduce the impact of global warming.

Implications: Policymakers, governments, private and public organisations, banking industries, and their stakeholders will benefit from the book chapter.

In recent years, investing with robo-advisors has gained momentum and is seen as a simplifying approach for individual investors to participate in financial markets. This chapter contributes to a better understanding of the concept of a robo-advisory and its implications for private investors by discussing its past, present, and future. It explores key issues, like cost-efficiency, historical performance, and automation levels, based on research and industry insights. Moreover, this chapter examines a robo-advisor's benefits, limitations, and challenges, like behavioral biases, regulation, and risk profiling. Finally, the importance of the ongoing megatrends of AI and green investing is examined concerning a robo-advisory.