ADDRESSING CLIMATE RISK IN INDIAN BANKS: STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATION AND RESILIENCE
BANKING FINANCE|August 2024
The financial sector faces a dual challenge: recalibrating operations and strategies to support the green transition while bolstering resilience against the increasing vulnerability to adverse climate events.
Chetan Saraogi
ADDRESSING CLIMATE RISK IN INDIAN BANKS: STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATION AND RESILIENCE

This approach is crucial to safeguard financial stability. Estimates suggest that India requires at least 2.5% of its GDP annually in green financing to address infrastructure gaps exacerbated by climate events. The financial system must mobilize and reallocate resources effectively to contribute to the country's net-zero target. However, climate stress-tests reveal that public sector banks (PSBS) in India may be more vulnerable than private sector banks (PVBs).

Understanding Climate Risk

Climate risk encompasses the potential adverse effects of climate change on natural and human systems. As greenhouse gas emissions increase, the frequency and intensity of climate-related events such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns escalate. These changes pose significant risks to ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. Indian banks are not immune to these impacts, which threaten their asset quality, operational efficiency, and overall financial health.

In 2022, India experienced extreme weather events on 314 of 365 days. Despite this, major Indian banks have been unprepared to confront climate risks, according to a report by Climate Risk Horizons. This analysis, covering the year 2022-23, indicates significant gaps in the preparedness of the Indian banking sector to measure, manage, and mitigate climate risks. The study assessed the climate preparedness of India's 34 largest banks, with a combined market cap of Rs 29.5 trillion.

Key Findings

1. Inadequate Preparedness: Despite the accelerating impacts of climate change, significant gaps remain in the Indian banking sector's ability to handle climate risks. This includes a lack of clear policies and implementation plans for funding climate-related areas.

This story is from the August 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BANKING FINANCEView All
The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change
BANKING FINANCE

The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change

Green marketing refers to the practice of promoting products or services that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. It involves incorporating eco-friendly elements into various aspects of marketing strategies, including product development, packaging, advertising, and distribution.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI
BANKING FINANCE

ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI

ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI to its pre-approved customers on the app of the digital payments company.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Indiagold Eyes Major Expansion in India's Gold Loan Market
BANKING FINANCE

Indiagold Eyes Major Expansion in India's Gold Loan Market

Indiagold, a prominent fintech company specialising in gold loans, is set to disrupt the gold loan industry with its ambitious expansion plans and innovative product offerings.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
RBI CIRCULAR
BANKING FINANCE

RBI CIRCULAR

Facilitating accessibility to digital payment systems for Persons with Disabilities Guidelines

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Legal News
BANKING FINANCE

Legal News

The Supreme Court announced the launch of a new webpage on its official website providing summaries of landmark judgments.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
The Role and Impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA Recovery
BANKING FINANCE

The Role and Impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA Recovery

Indian banks, especially grappling with the mounting challenge of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) within Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), are experiencing a significant downturn in their capacity for credit recycling, resulting in reduced business opportunities and declining profits. However, various factors contributing to the severity of NPA problem are including macro-economic, political, and internal factors, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. With this background, the present study puts an effort to look at the role of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA recovery and also showcasing its significance in resolving insolvency and maximizing creditor recovery.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
Big Data in Banking: Analysing its Role, Advantages and Challenges
BANKING FINANCE

Big Data in Banking: Analysing its Role, Advantages and Challenges

Globally Inflation started rising post April 2021 and went above the target range set by most of the Central Banks. It had remained low and dormant for a substantial duration since the global financial crisis. CPI inflation in developed countries such as US, UK and Euro zone, began to exceed their traditional target of 2% and continue to stay at these elevated levels till recent time.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Is SIP Always the Best Option? A Look into Lump-Sum vs SIP During Volatile Markets
BANKING FINANCE

Is SIP Always the Best Option? A Look into Lump-Sum vs SIP During Volatile Markets

SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, typically monthly, into a mutual fund. It allows investors to buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, a process known as rupee cost averaging.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Strategies for Mutual Fund Retail Investors during market downturns
BANKING FINANCE

Strategies for Mutual Fund Retail Investors during market downturns

When stock markets experience a decline, mutual fund investors often face a sense of insecurity and apprehension. The volatility can lead to impulsive decisions, which, rather than securing financial health, may impair long-term investment objectives.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Fraud Risk Management In Banking
BANKING FINANCE

Fraud Risk Management In Banking

Fraud risk management is a fundamental aspect of overall Risk Management within the banking sector. In India, banks adhere strictly to guidelines set forth by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to prevent, detect, and promptly report fraudulent activities.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024