Boards and senior leadership teams have an important role to play as banks take steps to address both the physical and economic transition risks driven by climate change. Financial institutions face increased calls for information and progress on climate issues from a broad swath of stakeholders including regulators, investors, customers, employees, NGOs and communities. In California, the threats to business as usual from climate change include wildfires, drought, flooding and extreme heat. These events and conditions pose risks to the viability of bank lending and investment portfolios. As board oversight responsibility expands to governance over climate-related risks and opportunities, it is critical for directors to ensure they are well-positioned to address these new challenges. Senior leadership must also begin to integrate climate risk into existing enterprise risk management systems and processes.

SPEAKERS:
Francis Janes
Industry Relations and Partnerships Director
Beneficial State Foundation