At first glance, finance and climate action can seem like two completely different worlds: one is about stock markets, trading floors, and investment portfolios, while the other is about protecting the planet. In reality, they are deeply connected. How? Every investment decision influences where capital flows, and where capital flows shapes the future of our economy and our environment.
Sustainable finance is the bridge between these two worlds. It means integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision making. Instead of focusing only on short term profits, it aims to support long term investments that benefit businesses, communities, and the planet.
For BNP Paribas, this approach means directing capital towards environmentally positive activities, including projects and companies that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. We also support our clients in the energy transition, the fight against deforestation, and the safeguarding of local communities. By doing this, finance becomes a powerful force in tackling climate change.
But it doesn’t stop at investments. We are also committed to reducing our own direct environmental impact by cutting material use, such as single-use plastics, and working closely with suppliers around the world to reduce waste throughout our value chain.
Climate change is not the only environmental challenge we face. Biodiversity loss is increasingly recognised as a critical global issue. In response, we have strengthened our commitment towards biodiversity preservation, allocating 4 billion euros in financing by 2025 to companies working to protect terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This reflects a broader understanding that economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
At BNP Paribas, sustainability is more than a corporate strategy; it is a shared commitment driven by people’s passion and purpose.
Take Sarisher Mann as an example. She began her career at BNP Paribas through its graduate scheme in economic research. Driven by a strong interest in sustainability, she later transitioned into sustainable finance communications, aligning her career with her personal values.
While working with us, she completed a master’s degree in Sustainable Leadership at the University of Cambridge. Today, she leads Sustainable Finance Engagement at BNP Paribas and is widely recognised as a leader in the field. She regularly project manages BNP Paribas’ presence at major climate events, including across governments, development banks, corporates and scientists.
She is passionate about empowering next generations to catalyse climate action and support inter-generational engagement on sustainability solutions.
This matters across a company, economy, and broader society context, as it can inspire both their personal passion for creating change, and their career journeys ahead.
Her impact goes beyond her corporate role. She co-founded the Sustainable Alpine Tourism Initiative (SATI) and produced the award-winning film “Green Mountain Pioneers”, which highlights resilience and sustainability solutions in mountain tourism through the perspectives of innovators and experts across the Alps.
If sustainability is your passion too, there is an exciting opportunity to learn more.
This April, on World Earth Day, there will be a private screening of Sarisher’s movie at a special event. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet her, participate in a Q&A session, and network with others interested in building careers that combine finance and sustainability. Stay tuned to find out more in our upcoming posts.
The future of our planet will not be shaped by good intentions alone. It will be shaped by the decisions we make, the capital we allocate, and the careers we choose. As a graduate or student, you are not just preparing for a job. You are preparing to influence the world.
The question is not whether finance and sustainability are connected. The real question is: how will you use that connection to drive change?