MNI BRIEF: ECB Targets Green Data Via New Tool Box

The ECB on Monday published a new set of experimental climate-related statistical indicators, which it hopes will help it better analyse financial sector climate-related risks and monitor green transition.

The indicators, which are described as a “work in progress,” will provide information in the key areas debt instruments labelled as “green”, “social”, “sustainability” or sustainability-linked; on financial institutions’ financing of carbon emissions, and on the impact of natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and storms, on the performance of loans, bonds and equities portfolios.

“We need a better understanding of how climate change will affect the financial sector, and vice versa. For this, the development of high-quality data is key,” Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel said. “The indicators are a first step to help narrow the climate data gap, which is crucial to make further progress towards a climate-neutral economy.”