Journal of Risk

Risk.net

The effects of climate transition risk on an investment portfolio

Marco van der Burgt

  • This paper introduces a method for portfolio valuation under a climate transition stress test, using NGFS scenarios and the Transition Vulnerability Factors as introduced by The Dutch Central Bank.
  • We demonstrate the method for artificial investment portfolio with bond and equity positions in European industries.
  • The outcomes show that the chemicals, energy, gas, air conditioning supply and transport sector are most severely hit by transitions towards a carbon-free economy.
  • Sectors like financial services, telecommunications, legal, accounting and consulting are hardly influenced by transition measures.

This paper introduces a method for climate change stress testing for financial institutions. Assuming a portfolio of equities and corporate bonds of European companies, this method can assess how the portfolio value changes under a transition toward a carbon-free economy. We use the current policies and delayed transition scenarios of the Network for Greening the Financial System to project transition vulnerability factors, as introduced by the Dutch central bank. These factors are applied to project equity prices and corporate bond ratings over the period 2024–50. The stress test reveals a strong decline in equity prices and downgrades of bonds for the chemicals, energy, gas and air conditioning supply, and transport sectors. Financial institutions and legal, accounting and consultancy firms are less severely hit by transition measures.

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