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Bouke de Vries

Independent

Climate Finance Expert

Climate change leads to increased rainfall, more extreme storms, heatwaves, droughts, and associated damages and health impacts. It is essential that we take action now. Not only to reduce emissions -climate mitigation- but also to work on resilience and preparedness - climate adaptation. By working together can we transform physical climate risks into opportunities for a climate resilient society. This is what drives me to advise governments and organizations on climate resilience and finance. 


Governments, businesses, individuals, financial institutions, scientists, and civil society organizations all have a role to play. The financial sector can contribute by assessing and incorporating climate and nature risks into credit assessments and investments, by informing clients -see the examples of insurers doing so- and by investing in sustainable and resilient projects. Additionally, financial institutions can assist and encourage their clients to adapt to the new situation, take preventive measures, and to limit damages. Innovative insurance products such as parametric insurance and catastrophe bonds can be of use too.


These products provide payouts, respectively forgive debts, when a predefined event occurs. Meanwhile the government should provide clarity about the national climate strategies, and stable regulation and policies aimed at transitioning to a sustainable future. This will also support healthy competition in global markets and sustainable economic growth. 

Bouke de Vries is a climate finance expert and board advisor specializing in public affairs. He brings deep expertise in blended finance and advancing public-private partnerships to support the climate transition. His work focuses on aligning stakeholder interests, pooling resources, sharing risks, developing actionable agendas, and mobilizing funding for climate solutions.


Bouke contributes to a range of national and international initiatives, including the Dutch Sustainable Finance Platform, the European Association of Cooperative Banks, the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative, and the European Reflection Group on Mobilizing Climate Resilience Financing. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, with a specialization in International Economic Relations.

Also on a project basis and participating in international collaborations with the EACB (European Association of Cooperative Banks), the EBF (European Banking Federation), and UNEP FI (UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative, Principles for Responsible Banking).

"What good is profit, if the climate arounds you collapses?"