Climate Safe Lending Network (CSLN) is working to align bank lending policy and practice within a well below 1.5 degree rise in global temperature and in line with broader sustainability goals.

The network runs a fellowship program for climate intrapreneurs from banks across the world, a policy initiative focused on regulatory and policy intervention, and brings together diverse perspectives on climate strategies relevant for banks into publications, such as The Good Transition Plan, launched at COP26.

The network supports and leverages the power of influencers in the banking system to accelerate bank progress along the Pathway. The Pathway to Climate Safe Lending is five progressive levels of positive climate performance which lead to total bank balance sheet decarbonisation:

• Taking responsibility for climate risk
• Being accountable for climate impact
• Stopping the flow to fossil fuels
• Decarbonising economies and balance sheets
• Financing innovation for a sustainable future

The Pathway components are the essential parts of a journey for banks aiming to align with keeping well below a 2 degree rise in global temperatures.

Network participants represent a cross-section of bank stakeholders, all of which are positioned to use their influence and connections, to move forward changes in bank lending that put banks on the pathway to total decarbonisation. Participants in the network are invited to participate for their ability to work in collaboration with others, even those with whom they disagree. Participants are learners, leaders, and they leverage their position and connections to accelerate action in their sector related to CSLN’s goal.

A particular focus of their work is identifying ways that climate change can be integrated into the policies and operations of the Federal Reserve system. The network is planning a programme of events bringing together finance professionals, regulators and civil society leaders to explore a path forwards.

Goal:

By 2025, bank lending globally is consistent with staying below a 1.5°C global temperature increase.

Climate Safe Lending is managed by Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions. Founding members of CSL include ABN Amro, Amalgamated Bank, Boston Common Asset Management, CoCreative, Democracy Collaborative, The Finance Innovation Lab, Partners for a New Economy and Positive Money. Find out more.