James Leaton is a vice president – senior credit officer in Moodys global environmental, social and governance (ESG) team. In this capacity, James leads the development of carbon transition analysis of companies in high impact sectors. James brings expertise across environmental issues, especially climate change risk. James is a regular participant at high-profile market briefings, external conferences, media engagements and policy discussions related to climate risk. Prior to joining Moodys.

James was previously Research Director at Carbon Tracker - a boutique research house - where he led a team producing thematic energy research combining elements of climate change scenarios with financial analysis. James was lead author of a series of research which sparked investor interest in the concept of stranded assets, and led to a number of investor initiatives on carbon asset risk.

James also advised blue-chip clients on climate change and sustainability strategy whilst a consultant at PwC and was a senior policy advisor at WWF, focusing on the biodiversity impact of extractive industries. James holds a Masters degree in Environmental Technology from Imperial College, University of London.