Sustainable Finance and Banking

Foreword

Hans Smits

Much of the 20th century's focus has been on economic progress, in which mankind has made giant steps. Increasingly, side effects such as loss of biodiversity, climate change and various forms of environmental pollution are manifest and need attention. The same is true for social issues such as poverty alleviation and equal development chances for all. Therefore, the issue of sustainability has become more and more important. In my opinion it will be one of the key issues for the 21st century. As such, sustainable development is about the welfare of human beings and a natural environment that does not reduce possibilities for future generations, without losing sight of the economic continuity of the current generation. ...