On 8th June 2022, the University of Reading (UoR) hosted a half-day event on climate change and finance, bringing together researchers from different disciplines. The event was organised by Professor Len Shaffrey (National Centre for Atmospheric Science) and Professor Simone Varotto (ICMA Centre – Henley Business School) and aimed to foster the development of joint research activities in this area. It was held both in person at the ICMA Centre – Henley Business School and online, allowing for broad participation.
The conference commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Phil Newton, the Research Dean for Environment at UoR. The program was divided into two sessions and concluded with an engaging panel discussion.
During Session 1, Professor Len Shaffrey delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Climate Change, Physical Risk, and the Centre for Greening Finance and Investment.” Dr. Maria Noguer highlighted the activities of the Institute of Environmental Analytics (IEA) related to weather, climate, and the financial sector. Dr. Ivan Sangiorgi and Dr. Lisa Schopohl shared insights on green bonds from both investor and issuer perspectives. Dr. Jorn van de Wetering explored climate risks and their implications for commercial property valuations, while Dr. Yang Stephanie Liu discussed the determinants of carbon asset risk disclosures and their impact on firm value. The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with the speakers.
In Session 2 Professor Emily Black presented on climate services for the African financial and agricultural sectors, emphasizing the importance of climate-related information in these areas. Dr. Liz Stephens shed light on the financing of anticipatory humanitarian action, showcasing innovative approaches to funding climate resilience efforts. Dr. Emese Lazar shared insights into measuring climate risk in finance, highlighting the need for accurate assessments in decision-making processes. Professor Simone Varotto closed the session with an overview of climate change’s impact on business and finance, emphasizing its significance for research and teaching.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring the participation of Professor Adrian Bell, Research Dean of Prosperity and Resilience at UoR. The engaging discussion encompassed a wide range of topics centred around the interconnections of climate and finance.