Central banks, traditionally focused on issues like inflation and interest rates, are increasingly worried about a new threat: climate change. According to UBS's annual Reserve Manager Survey 2024, the economic impact of climate change has become a top concern for these financial institutions.

The survey highlights a significant shift in priorities. In the past, central banks might have viewed climate change as an environmental issue with peripheral economic consequences. However, the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, coupled with rising sea levels and resource scarcity, are forcing a reevaluation.

"The evidence that our climate is changing is clear to many," the UBS report states, pointing to a series of recent events like heatwaves, wildfires, and floods that have caused economic disruption around the world. The report also emphasizes the stark warnings issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018, highlighting the limited window for action to avoid irreversible damage.

This growing concern isn't just anecdotal. The UBS survey indicates a significant portion of respondents view the link between unmitigated climate change and ever-more-extreme weather events as the most likely risk interconnection. This suggests central banks are not only acknowledging the threat but also starting to understand the potential economic consequences.

The challenge for central banks lies in formulating effective policy responses. While their traditional tools like interest rates might not be directly applicable to climate change, they can still play a role. For instance, some central banks are exploring incorporating climate risk assessments into their financial stability frameworks.

UBS also points to the potential role of central banks in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. Measures like encouraging green investments and promoting sustainable financial practices could be crucial in mitigating climate risks and fostering long-term economic growth.

The UBS survey findings signal a turning point. As the economic consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, central banks are stepping up to the challenge. Their actions in the coming years will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and resilient global economy.

The exact cost of heatwaves, wildfires, and floods globally is difficult to pinpoint as there's no single, definitive source. However, here are some resources that provide estimates:

• National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI): According to their data, weather and climate disasters cost the world an estimated $2.86 trillion from 2000 to 2019, averaging around $143 billion annually. While this data is a few years old, it gives a ballpark figure. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/

• Nature Communications: This study focuses on climate change-attributed costs and estimates the global cost of these extreme weather events to be US$2.86 trillion over the 2000-2019 period. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41888-1

• European Environment Agency (EEA): This source focuses on Europe and estimates economic losses from weather and climate extremes at EUR 650 billion between 1980 and 2022, with an average annual cost of around EUR 50 billion. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/economic-losses-from-climate-related

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for specific events:

• Heatwaves: Average cost per event is around $10.0 billion (NCEI data).

• Wildfires: Average cost per event is around $6.2 billion (NCEI data).

• Floods: Average cost per event is around $4.7 billion (NCEI data).

It's important to note that these are just averages, and the actual cost of any given event can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• Severity of the event: A more intense heatwave or a larger wildfire will naturally cause more damage.

• Location of the event: Developed areas tend to suffer more economic losses from disasters compared to less developed regions.

• Infrastructure damage: The cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure can be significant.

Here are some additional resources for further research:

• The World Bank: The World Bank publishes reports and data on the economic impacts of climate change. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange

• The Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP): This research group focuses on the economic costs of climate change. https://energy.stanford.edu/research/gcep