Combating Physical Climate Risks:  A Pathway for Financial Institutions 

The roadmap presented in this document is a summary of the Playbook on “Physical Climate Risk Assessment for the Financial Sector” at the beginning of first para of summary. The Playbook, developed by CDRI and the Rockefeller Foundation, guides financial institutions (FIs) in assessing and managing physical climate risks. It emphasizes integrating climate risk into strategy, governance, and operations, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Using tools like the GIRI platform and the HEV framework, FIs can quantify risks from hazards like floods and cyclones.

The playbook outlines a four-phase assessment process and encourages scenario-based modelling. Real-world examples, such as Union Bank of India, showcase the successful integration of ESG frameworks. Despite challenges like data scarcity and a lack of standardization, climate risk assessments offer opportunities for green finance and resilience.  

CDRI supports FIs through technical assistance, data platforms, and capacity building, aiming to bridge gaps and catalyze sustainable finance. 

Key points

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.