Response to the Australian Accounting Standard Board’s draft Position Statement on sustainability reporting

To: Keith Kendall, Chair, Australian Accounting Standards Board Comment letter on the draft Position Statement on Extended External Reporting (EER) I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Position Statement proposed by the Australia Accounting Standards Board (AASB) relating to Extended External Reporting (EER).  I have been following developments and evidence provided to […]

Towards a conceptual framework for non-financial reporting inclusive of pandemic and climate risk reporting

by Subhash Abhayawansa and Carol A Adams Abstract/summary This paper evaluates non-financial reporting (NFR) frameworks insofar as risk reporting is concerned. This is facilitated through analysis of the adequacy of climate- and pandemic-related risk reporting in three industries that are both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and at risk from climate change. The pervasiveness […]

We studied the world’s top airlines and hospitality firms – many are still poor at reporting risks around climate and pandemics

Carol A Adams, Durham University and Subhash Abhayawansa, Swinburne University of Technology Many UK companies will have to make statements about the risks of climate change to their businesses under new proposals being put forward by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). So-called “premium-listed” companies that follow the highest regulatory standards are already having to make […]

What next for the TCFD recommendations? An interview with Russell Picot

by Carol Adams Main points: Support for disclosures being made mandatory Mark Carney established the TCFD to price climate change risks into capital markets Ignoring climate change risks presents risks to the financial system Speed of achieving outputs was a critical factor in determining structure of the TCFD Oil and gas sector leading in use […]

Revised ASX Corporate Governance Principles increase focus on climate change, environmental and social risks

by Carol Adams Main points: The ASX has released revised Corporate Governance Principles The term ‘social licence to operate’ has gone following consultation feedback Climate change and sustainability risks gain prominence Reference made to TCFD, GRI, CDSB and IIRC disclosures / Frameworks Importance of stakeholders to long term value creation is emphasised The Australian Securities […]

What does investment stewardship mean in the era of climate change and the Global Goals?

by Carol Adams Main points: The UN SDGs provide a useful framework for investors to consider social and environmental risks The UK Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) revised Stewardship Code recognises that climate change poses risk to investment beneficiaries’ returns Responses to the Australian Senate Inquiry on the SDGs emphasised the role of investors Investment stewardship, […]