WWF Sustainable Banking Assessment: SUSBA-India
Our economies and the health of our planet are inextricably linked. The global economy and national GDPs are dependent on the ecosystem services provided by the planet. However, the unprecedented loss of ecosystem services and extreme weather events perpetuated by the changing climate has led to considerable financial losses. Consequently, the financial sector—a major stakeholder in our economies’ nature-positive and net-zero transition journey—is exposed to climate and nature-related risks. The financial services that the banks provide are integral to almost all economic activities in any country. Indeed, the Indian banking sector has the potential to play a decisive role in redirecting businesses towards climate-resilient and nature-positive pathways. Increasingly, financial institutions globally are beginning to view this need for transition as an economic opportunity.
To ensure resilience within the banking sector, it is imperative to assess and monitor the preparedness of the banks to respond to climate and nature-related risks. Utilising the WWF Sustainable Banking Assessment (SUSBA) framework, this report analyses the current policies of 12 Indian banks to measure and manage the climate- and nature-related risks within their portfolios. The risk management policies are assessed across four progressive phases of environmental and social (E&S) integration, namely: Acknowledge, Implementation, Increase Impact, Achieving a Sustainable Future.
Download the report here.
