Ecological transition: a return to a long-term strategic vision
On Monday March 31, 2025, the Institut de la Finance Durable (IFD), a branch of Paris EUROPLACE, organized the second edition of the Rencontres de l’IFD, attended by over 900 people. Under the patronage of the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, the theme of this year’s event was “Ecological transition: reconnecting with a long-term strategic vision”, and was introduced by Éric Lombard, French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
Against a backdrop of economic and geopolitical upheaval, the ecological transition remains a lever for creating economic value and sovereignty. During this second edition of the Rencontres de l’IFD, some forty leaders, economic and financial players, NGO representatives, trade unions and politicians discussed these crucial issues, with a view to giving a real strategic boost to the transition.
We’re at a particularly historic moment,” says Yves Perrier, Chairman of the Institut de la Finance Durable. The geopolitical context, characterized by competition and even confrontation in a now multipolar world, places questions of sovereignty at the heart of every country’s policies. In this context, the ecological transition remains an imperative necessity.
Mobilizing financing for the transition: a sectoral and global challenge
Accelerating the economy’s shift towards a more sustainable model requires us to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the decarbonization of economies. The financial sector supports this transition by allocating capital to corporate and public sector transformation projects at a cost compatible with their economic profitability.
The aim is to mobilize funds to transform the main greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sectors, such as construction, agriculture and industry, while at the same time developing the productive apparatus. In this context, the financial sector allocates resources to the most efficient and effective companies in achieving their transition.
Innovative financing solutions (green loans, government guarantees, green bonds, carbon or biodiversity credits) offer solutions to facilitate project development, depending on the obstacles to be overcome.
“Regulation and competitiveness must not be at odds. Promoting coherent regulation that brings investors and companies together is essential to develop long-term savings solutions that both finance our transitions and ensure the competitiveness of the European economy. Philippe Setbon, CEO, Natixis IM
“In order to generate collective support for the necessary ecological transition, we need to reconcile citizens with a fair and responsible transition, the cost of which will be equitably shared between all parties (states, shareholders, companies, individuals). The financial industry must therefore accept profitability expectations that are compatible with a sustainable economy”. Thomas Labergère, CEO, ING France
“Transitions cannot be considered in silos. We need to consider the full range of societal, geopolitical, technological and economic issues… Groupe BPCE’s impact approach is based on a global approach that takes into account planetary limits and societal needs. Our ambition is clear: to make impact accessible to all by providing solutions that are as close as possible to the needs of each of our customers, in France, Europe and around the world, in order to protect the value of their assets and their business model “. Valérie Combes-Santonja, Head of Impact & member of the Executive Committee, BPCE
Use extra-financial analysis tools to manage the transition
In fact, a company’s extra-financial performance, including its carbon footprint, must be assessed with the same robustness as its financial performance.
By refocusing on the essentials, the regulatory framework should enable players to summarize the key indicators needed to assess extra-financial performance and build tools for analyzing or steering the transition of companies.
“Let’s put in place a uniform rating framework that could improve the credibility of assessments, while helping investors to better understand the risks and opportunities in order to invest in companies that will be sustainable. Carole Sirou, CEO, Ethifinance
“Sustainable finance integrates social issues alongside environmental ones. This is only natural, because to make a success of the ecological transition, we’ll need a renewed social pact. Ecological transition also helps to revitalize regions through re-industrialization and the development of new business models. Jean-Baptiste Morel, Head of ESG Research, Arkea AM
Facilitating the mobilization of private financing, a factor in the success of international climate negotiations
Finally, the question of financing the transition is necessarily a global one. It is central to the success of the transition in both developed and emerging countries. The next COP30, to be held in Brazil in November 2025, will provide an opportunity to take stock of countries’ climate commitments for 2026-2030, and to continue discussions on financing within the framework of the “Baku to Belem roadmap”. In this context, mixed public-private financing mechanisms can help meet this need, but challenges remain, particularly in terms of risk reduction and information accessibility.
“The transition to a low-carbon economy exposes all economic players to profound transformations and requires coordinated action between the public and private sectors. As a financial institution, Societe Generale is determined to contribute as much as possible to collective action by adopting an approach tailored to the specific challenges of the transition, notably through partnerships and risk-sharing mechanisms”. Hacina Py, Head of Sustainable Development at Societe Generale.
“The energy transition is an industrial, economic and social adventure. To succeed, it is essential to integrate all stakeholders. ENGIE is making a massive commitment to this transition, with investments of 21 to 24 billion euros largely dedicated to renewables, batteries and power grids between 2025 and 2027. This transition is a crucial lever for strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in the face of global challenges. Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Chairman of the Board, Engie
“In 2025, ten years after COP 21, the ecological transformation of our country and economy are more than ever at the heart of Caisse des Dépôts Group’s actions. After deploying €80 billion between 2020 and 2023, the Group is committed to mobilizing €100 billion over 5 years, across all sectors, to step up its interventions in favor of ecological transformation.By 2024, we will have financed more than 39,500 thermal renovations of social housing, 25.3 million beneficiaries of water and sanitation programs (+ 47% vs. 2023) and more than 3,950 hectares renatured (+ 14% vs. 2023) . Olivier Sichel, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Caisse des Dépôts Group
“We need regulatory frameworks to encourage the development of biodiversity credit markets to support high-integrity approaches. Sylvie Goulard, Co-Chair, IAPB
“Corporate social responsibility issues are inseparable from economic issues. Guaranteeing access to transition financing for all, to make the transition a shared project and a lever for development, is a priority for La Banque Postale. Because transition is not an option, it’s a necessity if we are to protect the value of our assets. And our responsibility is to make it possible for everyone. Stéphane Dedeyan, Chairman of the Executive Board, La Banque Postale