Reporting the Business Implications of Climate Change in Sustainability Reports

This new report from the Global Reporting Initiative and KPMG Services finds that most companies that reported on climate change in their sustainability reports found greater potential financial opportunities than risks from climate change.

This finding contrasts from new evidence that suggests how great the risks posed by climate change are, unless serious measures are taken by business, governments and individuals alike. The low reporting rate may be due to companies seeing climate change as an opportunity for new types of products, services and trading.

Few companies said they feared lawsuits or other legal action resulting from climate change, and almost no companies reported that their business operations had been put at risk or disrupted by extreme weather events or reduced water availability. Most companies, however, anticipate future regulation or legislation related to climate change.