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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Pricing

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Plans & Membership

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

More featured content

The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Green Finance Introduction

Green Finance Introduction

Simon Thompson

Chartered Banker Institute CEO & ESG specialist

Green Finance promotes the flow of financial support towards the development of environmentally sustainable activities. In this video, Simon provides an introduction to this vital topic by outlining its importance and what it means in practice.

Green Finance promotes the flow of financial support towards the development of environmentally sustainable activities. In this video, Simon provides an introduction to this vital topic by outlining its importance and what it means in practice.

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Green Finance Introduction

10 mins 45 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the triple planetary crisis: Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss

  • Outline the key role green finance will play in the transition to a net zero economy

Overview:

The triple planetary crisis, involving climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, is largely driven by human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports these actions have resulted in around 1.1℃ of global warming since the Industrial Revolution, risking irreversible change if it exceeds 2℃. Amid this crisis, green finance is emerging as a crucial element. It promotes sustainable investments and risk management strategies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite currently being a minor segment of financial markets, it's rapidly expanding due to policy, regulatory incentives, and commercial opportunities. Green finance presents an urgent economic and moral responsibility.

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Summary

What is the triple planetary crisis? 

The triple planetary crisis is a term that describes the three interrelated environmental issues that our planet is currently grappling with: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. These crises, driven by both natural phenomena and human activities, pose significant threats to life on Earth. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human-induced factors have caused around 1.1℃ of global warming since the Industrial Revolution. The impacts of global warming, such as extreme weather events and biodiversity loss, are already visible. If it continues unchecked, we risk surpassing a critical threshold leading to rapid and irreversible changes.

What is green finance and why is it growing in importance?

Green finance refers to the mobilisation and direction of capital towards investments that support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world. It has grown in importance due to the scale of investment needed to counteract the triple planetary crisis. The whole economy transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world requires very substantial capital. Estimates of the investment needed vary, but a figure of $6-7 trillion per year for the next 20 years is generally accepted.

A significant part of green finance's relevance comes from its role in managing the two primary types of risks posed by climate change. Firstly, the physical risks, emanating directly from climate-related hazards, such as storms, droughts, and floods. Secondly, transition risks, which stem from the systemic shift from a high carbon economy to a low carbon one. Both these risks significantly impact businesses, society, and financial institutions.

The role of finance in reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience is recognised in international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Green finance not only funds the development and deployment of green technologies but also helps financial institutions, clients, and customers manage climate-related and other environmental risks.

What is the future of green finance? 

The future of green finance lies in its growth and continued alignment with sustainable development goals. While still a small part of the overall financial markets, it is poised for rapid expansion due to policy and regulatory incentives, commercial opportunities, and the escalating need to address climate change. Future green finance will further involve measuring and reporting the sustainability impacts of investments, ensuring transparency, and avoiding greenwashing. The finance sector has an opportunity, and a moral obligation, to lead the transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon world, creating shared prosperity for present and future generations.

 

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Simon Thompson

Simon Thompson

Simon is the Chief Executive of the Chartered Banker Institute and co-author of Green Finance: Principles and Practice. He is also a former Vice President of the European Bank Training Network, and is currently Chair of the Global Banking Education Standards Committee. He specialises in professional ethics, and green and sustainable finance.

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