US update: April 2022

SEC proposes disclosures on climate change

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published a consultation document proposing a comprehensive set of disclosure requirements about the risks and effects of climate change and carbon emissions. The proposed approach is based on the work of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures. It is likely that regulators and governments all around the world will be paying close attention to the developments. The proposals have already proven controversial as one of the four Commissioners voted against them. She provided a lengthy explanation of her position, which is considered in a separate article below. This article provides a preliminary overview of the contents of the proposals and a commentary on the key points.