Climate change and finance | Resources for professionals

Our top 10 climate resources for finance professionals

First – we should start with the science. Nothing does this better than the Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report offers the most up-to-date physical understanding of climate change, and details new estimates of crossing the global warming level of 1.5°C in the next decades.

So what does this mean for Finance?

Incoming global standards from the ISSB.

The newly formed International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is developing a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability standards. As TCFD will form a basis for the ISSB’s technical work, alignment will help position you well for compliance with the new standards set out by the ISSB. So if you’re not already reporting under TCFD, start by reading the requirements.

TCFD disclosures – questions to ask yourself.

There’s a series of activities you’ll need to undertake so your business is prepared and able to report under TCFD. In this guide the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) outline the questions your business should be asking itself.

How are TCFD disclosures shaping up in the market?

Learn from those leading the way by reading the TCFD Good Practice Handbook from the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), which is now consolidated into IFRS Foundation. With examples from a diverse set of markets and sectors this guide answers the common question of what good looks like for TCFD reporting – find out more.

Should my TCFD disclosures be assured?

Assurance provides confidence to stakeholders and can help mitigate the risks associated with unchecked ESG claims and ‘greenwashing’. It’s likely that external assurance over TCFD disclosures will soon become mandatory – here’s what you need to know.

Setting science-based targets.

Science-based targets provide a formal, validated, and clear route to reducing your organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about setting the right targets, and how to go about getting them validated by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Closing the trust gap.

How can organisations earn trust with their stakeholders when it comes to climate action? By making commitments authentic to the organisation’s purpose - and fulfilling them. Here are some tips on where to start.

Where should climate feature in financial statements?

The material impact climate change can have on a business’ cash flows and financial performance makes it vital to consider and reflect the impact in financial statements. We take a closer look at investor demand for corporate reporting, and when IFRS Standards may require businesses to consider the effects of climate-related impacts.

Investor expectations are firming-up on climate.

To shift capital flows towards activities aligned with the Paris Agreement, investors need quality information. This report provides a view on the steps your business can take to prepare company accounts that meet investor expectations. Find out more here.

The role of finance teams in tackling climate.

Jessica Fries from A4S thinks finance leaders can play a key role in tackling climate change by translating long-term climate targets into immediate action. We’ve highlighted one of a series of incredibly helpful guides for finance teams approaching the issue of climate change and finance.

A roadmap to integrated thinking and reporting.

New thinking for a new business environment. We have set out a roadmap for embedding considerations about the planet, people, and sustainable value creation into the core of your business, for integrated thinking and integrated reporting.

Key contacts