Banks are facing a dilemma. Forward-looking leaders know that they need to invest to manage their physical and transition risks from climate change and that public policy is key to ensuring these innovations are rewarded. But in the current heated political environment, taking the necessary action risks incurring backlash from any number of stakeholders.
This dilemma calls for the fresh insights that emerge when today’s business leaders and tomorrow’s talent come together. The Alliance for Responsible Capitalism is hosting the second ESG Dilemma Design Challenge, hosted by the Erb Institute and Business+Impact at the University of Michigan. The competition calls for graduate students to apply the framework for Corporate Political Responsibility to address the central question: how might banks influence public policy to correct the market distortions driving climate change while avoiding political backlash? Following an initial written round, finalist teams are invited to present in-person to a panel of leaders in finance, sustainability, policy, and law.
Please join us for a session to share feedback on what insights would be most useful for your organization and learn more about the event and how to get involved. In this session, we will:
Frame the ESG Dilemma: what are the pressures facing banks related to climate risk?
Share key insights from the inaugural Design Challenge
Gather your input about how the competition could generate value for your organization
Share opportunities to get involved
This event will be focused on the financial services sector and supporting firms, but lessons can be gleaned for all private sector leaders grappling with the tensions around addressing climate risk.