Disruption from climate change is only just beginning for investors

WE ARE just at the beginning of a long period in which climate change will have a significant and increasing effect on markets. New research suggests that investors are not ready.

Financial markets remain unprepared for the extent of disruption that climate change will bring, according to a new report. In September, the United Nation's Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a network of investors whose members include 500 global asset managers, released a report concluding that markets have not priced in the coming policy response to climate change.

More importantly, it said investors should expect a response by 2025 "that will be forceful, abrupt and disorderly because of the delay".