Glossary/Sustainable investing

Transition Risk

Also known as Low-carbon transition risk

Transition risk is financial risk arising from policy, technology, market, legal, and behavioral changes during the shift toward a lower-carbon economy.

Editorially reviewed 2026-07-30

Why transition risk matters

It can strand assets, raise costs, reduce demand, change competitive advantage, and create litigation or financing pressure.

How it is applied

Investors map emissions, policy exposure, asset life, technology substitution, customer demand, carbon pricing, capital plans, and scenario sensitivity.

Portfolio example

A coal plant with decades of expected life loses value after tighter emissions standards and cheaper renewable generation.

How to interpret it

High current emissions can mean high risk or substantial transition opportunity depending on economics and execution.

Limitations and common misconceptions

Policy paths are uncertain, scenarios are not forecasts, and company disclosures may omit value-chain exposure.

Sources and further reading