While policy actions to tackle climate change are being taken at an increasing pace, experts' perceptions suggest that risks associated with it, such as natural disasters and extreme weather events, are still the most impactful and the ones we're the least prepared to withstand.

Against this background, global and far-reaching disruptions occur with the potential to hamper or accelerate the so much needed Green transition. Geopolitical crises, coupled with the supply of energy, provide challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a sustainable economy. At the same time, new ways constantly arise to promote sustainable finance, such as digital technologies. Opportunities also arise from scaling-up sustainable finance in emerging and developing economies, where there may be limited financial resources and infrastructure. Finally, there is a pressing need for tools assessing relevant risks and their impacts.

This ranges from the practical implementation of climate stress testing -considering value chains, feedback-loops, and second-round effects- to the broader environmental and social dimensions of risk.

For these reasons, the JRC Summer School on Sustainable Finance aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss recent developments and innovations in the field of sustainable finance. By doing so, it exposes researchers to the most demanding issues faced by the industry and helps them produce policy-relevant research. At the same time, it provides independent scientific advice to policy, reaffirming the crucial role of research in informing policymaking.

ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL

The school addresses different types of communities, including scientists and policy officers working at public and/or international institutions, as well as private-sector experts active in the field of sustainable finance. To facilitate cross-fertilization and promote the development of policy-relevant research and science-based policy, the event will feature both academic sessions and more policy-oriented lectures.

Papers in the broader field of sustainable finance, including digital technologies and sustainability, scaling-up sustainable investing in emerging and developing economies and tools for assessing relevant risks, are welcome for presentation.

The event and the social dinner are free of charge upon registration. As a social event a visit at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) will be organised, free of charge. However, participants will need to cover their travel and accommodation costs. The JRC will provide practical assistance in booking reasonably-priced accommodation in the local area and arrange local transportation according to a fixed timetable.

VENUE

The event will be a hybrid one, both online and at the JRC's premises in lspra, Italy. The JRC in lspra is the third biggest European Commission site after Brussels and Luxembourg. Established in 1960 as a nuclear research site, is today one of Europe's leading research campuses with many laboratories and unique research infrastructures. lspra is beautifully set at the foot of the hills with a splendid view on Lake Maggiore, Lombardy region, and lakeside pedestrian walks. The nearest big city is Milan (60 km).