Credit union leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. credit union industry amidst the climate crisis
MADISON, WI (July 22, 2022) — Ceres, in partnership with Filene Research Institute, will host a virtual panel of credit union leaders to discuss the findings of a first-of-its-kind report that identifies and analyzes the potential exposure the credit union industry faces from climate change. The report, The Changing Climate for Credit Unions, finds that more than 60% of all credit unions—and at least $1.2 trillion in credit union assets—face some level of impact from the climate crisis. This report also shows there are profound opportunities for credit unions by supporting their members and investing in sustainable products and services like renewables and new technology.
Offering an important alternative to commercial banks and non-bank financial services providers, credit unions are an integral part of the U.S. consumer finance system. There are almost five thousand credit unions throughout the country, serving more than 130 million people and representing over $2 trillion in assets. Credit unions also represent a diverse cross-section of U.S. households, and as not-for-profit financial cooperatives, they seek to balance growth with their mission of serving and supporting local and regional communities across the country.
During the webinar, expert panelists will put forth a series of strategic recommendations that credit unions can take to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on their industry and strengthen the savings of their customers. The webinar is open to the media.
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Neda Arabshahi, Vice President, Center for Resiliency and Clean Energy, Inclusiv
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Monica Belz, President & CEO, Kauai FCU
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Juan Fernandez Ceballos, President & CEO, Credit Union Association of New Mexico
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Jim Scott, Senior Advisor, Financial Institutions Engagement, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets, Ceres
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Moderator: Taylor Nelms, Senior Director of Research, Filene Research Institute
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. (ET), Thursday, July 28
About Filene Research Institute
Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and incubation, on a mission to improve consumer financial well-being. With cutting-edge insights, innovative solution testing, advisory and custom support, and connections formed through events and communities, Filene helps credit unions think forward and change lives.
Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. The Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets is a center of excellence within Ceres that aims to transform the practices and policies that govern capital markets to reduce the worst financial impacts of the climate crisis. It spurs action on climate change as a systemic financial risk—driving the large-scale behavior and systems change needed to achieve a net-zero emissions economy through key financial actors including investors, banks, and insurers. The Ceres Accelerator also works with corporate boards of directors on improving governance of climate change and other sustainability issues. For more information, visit: ceres.org and ceres.org/accelerator and follow: @CeresNews.
