2021: The Road to Net-Zero Finance

Find out more on our website: https://bit.ly/3eFkLxG Making finance consistent with the delivery of a net-zero and resilient economy is the crucial third goal of the Paris Agreement. As the UK seeks to deliver its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, a more systematic approach to financing is now needed. Net-zero is increasingly recognised as an important goal by leaders within the UK’s financial community, but it is not yet embedded into routine decision-making and policy. Strikingly, COVID-19 has deepened rather than deflected financial sector commitment to climate action. The way the UK exits from COVID will profoundly shape its ability to meet its climate targets and achieve wider economic goals, not least in terms of levelling up prosperity across the country. An ambitious green recovery plan that accelerates investment in a net-zero, resilient and just transition is not just needed, but is also called for by business, finance and citizens. Building on the recent report, The Road to Net-Zero Finance, produced for the Climate Change Committee, this webinar will delve in to how we can kickstart the process in 2021. Speaker: Nick Robins joined the Grantham Research Institute in February 2018 as Professor in Practice for Sustainable Finance. Nick leads the sustainable finance research theme. The focus of his work is on how to mobilise finance for a just transition, the role of central banks and regulators in achieving sustainable development and how the financial system can support the restoration of nature. From 2014 to 2018, Nick was co-director of UN Environment’s Inquiry into a Sustainable Finance System. As part of this, Nick led country activities in Brazil, the EU, India, Italy and the UK, as well as thematic work focused on investors, insurance and green banking. Before joining UNEP, he was Head of the Climate Change Centre of Excellence at HSBC. Prior to HSBC, Nick was head of Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) funds at Henderson Global Investors. Nick has also worked at the International Institute for Environment and Development, the European Commission and the Business Council for Sustainable Development. Nick has a BA in History from Cambridge University and an MSc in International Relations from LSE.