Glossary/Sustainable investing

Climate Risk

Also known as Climate-related financial risk

Climate risk is financial risk from physical climate effects and from economic transition toward lower greenhouse-gas emissions.

Editorially reviewed 2026-07-30

Why climate risk matters

It can affect assets, supply chains, demand, insurance, financing, regulation, litigation, and long-term value.

How it is applied

Investors map physical and transition exposures, time horizons, scenarios, adaptation, emissions, policy, technology, and portfolio concentration.

Portfolio example

Coastal property faces flood damage while a manufacturer faces carbon pricing and changing customer demand.

How to interpret it

Scenario losses are conditional estimates, not forecasts. Risk can be material before physical effects occur.

Limitations and common misconceptions

Data and models are uncertain, horizons are long, and correlations and adaptation responses are difficult to estimate.

Sources and further reading