Sustainable Progress Strategy

The climate crisis is one of the most critical challenges facing our global society and economy in the 21st century. The data is irrefutable, and the world’s climate scientists agree that urgent action must be taken to address the current and potential impacts of climate change. The financial sector has an important role to play in addressing this crisis by supporting the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy that balances the environmental, social and economic needs of society.

Our Sustainable Progress Strategy has been launched with the ambition to be the world’s leading bank in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. As one of the largest financiers of carbon intensive sectors such as oil & gas, power and industrials, we know that this ambition to bring our business and the global economy into alignment with the Paris Agreement will not be easy. We also know that delaying this transition could significantly increase the costs and reduce the range of effective responses to the challenge in the medium and long term.

Our Sustainable Progress Strategy sets out three key pillars of activity that contribute to the world’s sustainable development agenda: Low-Carbon Transition, Climate Risk and Sustainable Operations.

Read our Sustainable Progress Strategy in our Environmental and Social Policy Framework for detailed information on our commitments and key internal environmental and social policies, programs and initiatives globally.