Global Banks Ramp Up Fossil Fuel Financing Amid Climate Concerns
In a surprising shift, the world’s top 65 banks funneled a massive $869 billion into fossil fuel companies during 2024, marking a sharp rise from $707 billion in 2023. Among them, the State Bank of India (SBI) was one of nearly 50 major banks that upped their lending to fossil fuel firms, with an increase of $65 million from the previous year.
Why This Surge Matters
This uptick raises alarm bells among environmental groups, as new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure risk locking the world into decades more of carbon dependence. According to experts, reaching global net-zero emissions by 2050 necessitates cutting annual fossil fuel investments by more than half by 2030. The recent spike directly conflicts with this crucial climate goal, signaling a troubling trend.
SBI's Role and the Broader Landscape
Though SBI’s additional $65 million might seem modest compared to global giants, it stands out as the only Indian bank among the top 65 to increase fossil fuel financing in 2024. The bank’s total lending to fossil fuel companies rose to $2.62 billion, climbing to the 47th position from 49th the year before.
For context, US banking leader JPMorgan Chase maintained its spot as the biggest lender to fossil fuels, extending $53.5 billion in 2024—an increase of $15 billion over 2023, dwarfing SBI’s entire four-year fossil fuel financing since 2021.
SBI’s Commitments Amid Fossil Fuel Risks
Earlier this year, SBI’s Chairman announced the bank’s target to reach net-zero emissions by 2055, aiming to have at least 7.5% of its domestic gross advances allocated to green projects by 2030. As of March, SBI’s domestic advances totaled a substantial Rs 36.02 lakh crore, with around Rs 20,558 crore sanctioned toward sustainable finance initiatives.
Indian Banks and Coal Financing: The Sustainability Challenge
Indian financial institutions continue to face criticism for overlooking coal financing risks. Only a few—like Federal Bank and RBL Bank—have concrete coal exclusion or phase-out policies. Analysts point out that coal is losing its cost advantage as renewables and energy storage become more affordable and widespread, yet many banks are lagging behind in aligning with sustainable finance principles.
Global Policy Rollbacks and Climate Finance Setbacks
The 2024 increase in fossil fuel financing hasn’t just been confined to India; it reflects a broader global backslide. Even banks previously recognized for climate-forward policies, especially European institutions, have relaxed exclusions. American financial players have stepped back from green commitments, exemplified by Wells Fargo abandoning its net-zero by 2050 plan. This comes amid the United States’ withdrawal from key international climate finance coalitions and the planned rollback of clean energy tax incentives.
Fossil Fuel Financing Trends: Consolidation vs. Infrastructure
Interestingly, while direct funding for new fossil fuel infrastructure remains worrisome, acquisitions and mergers funded by banks increased by $19.2 billion to $82.9 billion in 2024. These corporate consolidations may bolster fossil fuel companies’ power, even as the global energy transition calls for a steep phase-out of fossil fuels.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the fossil fuel financing surge in 2024 reverses the gradual decline of previous years, with the top banks committing a staggering $7.9 trillion since the Paris Agreement took effect in 2016. The stark reality is clear: despite climate commitments, financial institutions continue to bankroll a fossil fuel future, complicating global efforts to limit planetary warming.
