Backtesting Climate Risk Models When Historical Data Is Limited

Discusses proxy backtesting, event validation, sensitivity testing, stress testing, and benchmarking.

Overview

This note by Jonas Mohamed Osman Abdelghafour examines the business problem, regulatory context and governance implications for financial institutions. It is professional commentary on established practice, not a description of proprietary implementation.

Why it matters

Climate exposure reaches the balance sheet through credit quality, underwriting results, asset values, reserves and capital. Effective analysis identifies material risks, appropriate horizons, accountable ownership and the limitations decision-makers need to understand.

Validation and governance

Assumptions need named owners, uncertainty should accompany results, and independent review should provide effective challenge. Confidence comes from a transparent evidence trail rather than apparent sophistication.