How can the financial sector contribute to the decarbonisation of the global economy?
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as laid out in the Paris Agreement, hinges on the involvement of the financial sector. Indeed, this sector bears considerable responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions: its own operations combined with its financing activities account for approximately 60% of total emissions globally. (UN Environment report) And whilst emissions from the direct operations of financial institutions are not inconsequential, those associated with their investing, lending and underwriting activities are, on average, over 700 times higher. (CDP – Disclosing financial institutions report).