Features, October 2000 FUND MANAGEMENT MERRIL LYNCH SEES GREEN The US investment bank is on the road and looking to raise up to £200 million for a renewables and alternative energy fund. Mark Nicholls reports. More... RENEWABLE ENERGY EUROPE PLANS TRADING IN 'GREENNESS' A new currency for trading renewable energy - tradeable green certificates (TGCs) - is being explored in several European countries. Chris Crookall-Fallon and Tim Crozier-Cole describe recent developments and offer a personal view on the future of TGC markets. More... WEATHER RISK FIGHTING POVERTY WITH CROP COVER A team of World Bank researcher is exploring innovative ways of bringing weather-linked insurance to developing countries. Panos Varangis and Alcira Kreimer explain. EMISSIONS TRADING SIMULATION SHOES EUROPE THE WAY It works in theory, and it works in 'virtual' practice. The GETS2 emissions trading simulation could offer a basis for a real European trading scheme, say John Scowcroft and Laurent Segalen. VENTURE CAPITAL BEYOND THE DOTCOMS Are environmental businesses the next target for venture capitalists? Growth in alternative energy, organic food, and eco-tourism would encourage a flood of private money. Already a number of VC funds aimed at these industries, particularly in developing countries, are priming the pumps, finds Ricardo Bayon SOCIAL RISK RISK'S SOCIAL SIDE Social risk may be a more amorphous concept than its environmental equivalent, but companies and investors are increasingly attempting to manage their social impact. Adrian Henriques sets out the issues. MARKET VIEW NEW SOURCE REVIEW ERC TRADING - THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE DIFFICULT Regional emission offset programmes vary greatly and pose different challenges to industry and government alike. Anthony Arcone and Josh Margolis highlight the positive aspects of such programmes and recommend some changes. PROFILE KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA The World Bank has many critics. But Kristalina Georgieva is giving them plenty of new opportunity to influence its new environment strategy FOR THE FULL STORY EVERY MONTH, SUBSCRIBE TO ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE, OR CONTACT info@environmental-finance.com FOR OUR BACK ISSUES SERVICE