The Los Angeles Public Bank has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainability in the city. By providing financing for clean energy infrastructure and prioritizing renewable energy lending, the bank can support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, by integrating sustainability into its investment strategies, the bank can align its financial decisions with the city’s environmental goals.

Other public banks around the world have successfully implemented similar strategies. The Sparkassen network of public banks in Germany has significantly contributed to the country’s shift towards renewable energy, with 73% of investment in this sector coming from the public bank sector. In Costa Rica, the worker-owned Banco Popular has funded various environmentally-friendly projects, including sustainable water supply systems, hydroelectric energy generation, and energy-efficient retrofitting. These examples demonstrate the potential for a public bank in Los Angeles to make a positive impact on the environment and promote sustainability in the city.