Debt crisis

Articles

A white building with a red roof with mountains in the background

Bretton Woods Revisited: Creating a Monetary and Economic Order Fit for the 21st Century

Published: 12 June 2024

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Conference, together with partner institutions, we propose reforms in eight critical areas of the international economic and financial architecture to reflect the changing global realities and challenges.

By Ulrich Volz, Kamal Ramburuth, Janak Raj, Paulo Esteves, William N. Kring and Sarah Ribbert

Luftaufnahme einer Welle aus türkisem Wasser, die sich auf einem sandigen Strand bricht

The global south’s debt crisis is thwarting climate ambition

Published: 13 December 2023

Analysis

Many climate-vulnerable countries cannot invest in low-carbon development unless they are offered debt relief. Policymakers must agree to reform the debt architecture and provide more concessional finance.

By Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Rishikesh Ram Bhandary

Grüne Bäume in der Nähe des Flusses während des Tages

The global debt crisis in many developing countries and its interconnectedness with the climate crisis

Published: 4 December 2023

Analysis

In the climate negotiations at COP28, the question of financing the climate crisis will be at the forefront of the debate. However, many countries in the Global South are struggling to channel extra funds into climate action, due to the unfolding debt crisis.

By Sarah Ribbert

Barbara Unmüßig, Stiftungs-Vorstand der Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

“The Pandemic Is Deepening the Divide"

Published: 6 May 2020

Interview

For the highly indebted developing countries, the corona pandemic accelerates the debt crisis. An interview with Barbara Unmüßig from the Board of the Heinrich Böll Foundation about the latest developments.

Publications

Cover: Skyline of Nairobi at sunset, with a tall, modern building in the foreground. Text on the subject of debt crisis and green growth.

Giving Voice to The Silent Debt Crisis

Published: 23 October 2024

Policy Brief

This policy brief details the challenging debt dynamics facing African nations and outlines several solutions that would improve their fiscal capacity to address the climate emergency and embark on a sustainable growth pathway.

pdf

Defaulting on Development and Climate

Published: 17 April 2024

Report

As this report shows, many countries will face insolvency problems if they seek to ramp up investment to meet climate and development goals.

pdf

Debt Relief by Private Creditors: Lessons from the Brady Plan

Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery Project

Published: 1 October 2021

This paper reviews the main features of and experiences with the Brady Plan, which in 1989 laid the foundation for the restructuring of the sovereign debt of mainly Latin American countries. It argues that the combination of credit enhancement for restructured debt, moral suasion, and tax as well as regulatory relief to encourage private creditors to participate in debt restructurings may provide a template for addressing today's sovereign debt problems.

pdf

© Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung e.V.
Schumannstraße 8
10117 Berlin
T +49 (30) 285 34-0
F +49 (30) 285 34-109
www.boell.de
info@boell.de