Authors

Thomas Vellacott and Others

Research organisation

Credit Suisse in collaboration with WWF

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Transition to a Low Carbon Economy: the Role of Banks

Report Date

October 2011

Release Date

January 2012

Document summary

Climate change looks to have major economic impacts, representing significant substantial risks in terms of unknown exposure in banks’ balance sheets and also opportunities. The shift towards a low carbon economy is related to major investment needs. There are four key banking opportunities: mobilising new capital sources; developing new regulatory risk products; setting up distribution partnerships to develop energy efficiency markets; and seizing energy efficient opportunities for banks’ property portfolios. Since opportunities/risks will not be the same for all banks, a comprehensive assessment should take into account each bank’s business model and its potential leadership role in the decarbonisation space.