Netherlands government issues first AAA sovereign green bonds

The government of the Netherlands has moved to issue its first green bonds - the first from any AAA rated sovereign issuer. The planned issue of 20 year bonds on 21 May was set to raise €4-6bn, rising to some €10bn in the next few years. Funds raised are earmarked for climate adaption measures, renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean transportation projects. The Netherlands is seeking to cut its carbon footprint, including a 49% cut to greennhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the broader EU target of a 40% cut. With a considerable share of the country lying below sea level,...