The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor, Shaktikanta Das, announced the proposal for the formation of the Reserve Bank-Climate Risk Information System (RB-CRIS) following the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting on October 9. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive repository for climate-related data to assist regulated entities (REs) in assessing climate risks effectively.
Importance of Climate Risk Assessment
Das emphasized that climate change is a growing risk to the global financial system, making it essential for regulated entities to conduct thorough climate risk assessments. He noted that such assessments are often hampered by the lack of high-quality climate-related data. Effective climate risk assessments are crucial for ensuring the stability of both individual balance sheets and the overall financial system.
Structure of RB-CRIS
The RB-CRIS will consist of two main components:
- Web-Based Directory: This will list various data sources, including meteorological and geospatial information.
- Data Portal: This portal will provide processed data in standardized formats and will be made accessible to regulated entities in a phased manner.
The directory will be publicly available on the RBI website, while access to the data portal will be restricted to regulated entities.
Threats to Central Banking
In a lecture last month, Das highlighted that climate risks and the increasing integration of technology into financial services pose significant threats to central banking. Climate change can affect core mandates of central banks, including price and financial stability, by inducing sudden price pressures, damaging infrastructure, and stressing fiscal balances.
Implications of Climate Change on the Economy
Das warned that severe weather conditions can lead to supply shocks, which may exacerbate inflation and hinder global growth and trade. Similarly, M Rajeshwar Rao, the RBI’s deputy governor, pointed out that climate change could affect borrowers’ repayment capabilities, especially amid a credit boom in India’s rapidly growing economy.
He stressed the importance of establishing a robust climate information architecture to attract private capital for climate financing.
RBI’s Ongoing Initiatives
The RBI has taken several steps to address climate-related financial risks:
- In July 2022, the RBI released a Discussion Paper on Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance, outlining the need for a comprehensive framework to identify and mitigate climate-related financial risks.
- In February 2024, the central bank introduced a Draft Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Risks, proposing standardized disclosure guidelines for regulated entities. Financial institutions are expected to disclose their governance, strategy, and risk management processes from FY26, with metrics and targets specified from FY28 onward.
- In June, the RBI announced aspirational goals for RBI@100, which include establishing a regulatory framework to address climate change challenges and finalizing guidance for stress-testing asset portfolios against climate change impacts.
Conclusion
While the RBI has begun addressing climate change challenges, progress has been relatively slow. To protect the financial sector from the adverse effects of climate change, it is crucial for the RBI to expedite its initiatives.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary purpose of the Reserve Bank-Climate Risk Information System (RB-CRIS)?
A) To assess interest rates
B) To serve as a depository for climate-related data
C) To monitor inflation
D) To manage currency reserves
Answer: B) To serve as a depository for climate-related data - Which of the following is NOT a component of the RB-CRIS?
A) Web-based directory
B) Data portal
C) Risk assessment toolkit
D) Publicly available climate data
Answer: C) Risk assessment toolkit - According to Shaktikanta Das, what is emerging as a significant risk to the financial system?
A) Cybersecurity threats
B) Climate change
C) Global trade wars
D) Regulatory changes
Answer: B) Climate change - When are financial institutions expected to disclose their governance and risk management processes according to the Draft Disclosure Framework?
A) FY25
B) FY26
C) FY27
D) FY28
Answer: B) FY26 - What is one of the aspirational goals mentioned in the RBI@100 plan?
A) Reducing interest rates
B) Strengthening payment systems’ resilience to climate risks
C) Expanding international trade
D) Increasing currency circulation
Answer: B) Strengthening payment systems’ resilience to climate risks