8 February | Online

When it comes to ‘walking the talk’ (or rather, ‘walking the net-zero path’), who comes out on top? Join us on Thursday 8^th February for the launch of the Net Zero Finance Report Card, a joint research project between the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment at Imperial College Business School and the Carbon Tracker Initiative. The Net Zero Finance Report Card aims to highlight institutions actively contributing to a net-zero emissions vision. The research recognizes debt and equity financiers making ambitious transitions from fossil fuels to renewable power, serving as a comprehensive reference and assessment tool.

Featuring speakers:

• Iva Koci, co-author & Research Associate, Imperial College Business School
• Amy Owens, co-author & Research Associate, Finance & Net Zero Energy Transition, Carbon Tracker Initiative
• Michael Wilkins, Executive Director and Professor of Practice, Imperial College Business School
• Mark Campanale, Founder & Director, Carbon Tracker Initiative
• Introduction from Brad Lander, the Comptroller of New York City Pension Scheme

About the research:

The 2015 Paris Agreement has spurred financial market participants to reassess climate-related risks and opportunities. Financial institutions are increasingly acknowledging their role in transitioning to a net-zero economy, with a focus on examining activities conflicting with the Paris Climate Agreement. Fossil fuels are under scrutiny, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) advocating against new conventional fossil funding. Despite this, some financial institutions continue investments in oil and gas exploration. Encouragingly, global investment in renewable energy reached a record high in 2022, and the IEA reports significant growth in renewable capacity additions.

The report identifies financial institutions committed to combating climate change and meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement. It distinguishes between debt and equity investors, emphasising the influence of equity investors in shaping corporate direction. Institutional investors are recognising the peaking demand for fossil fuels, leading to equity divestment and pressuring corporations to reduce carbon emissions.

From a debt financing perspective, the report emphasizes that companies facing reduced investor confidence may incur higher interest rates, making fossil fuel extraction projects financially less attractive. The research aims to showcase best practices, recognizing institutions with a gold medal for their resilience and leadership in navigating the disruptions caused by the transition away from fossil fuels.