Recommendationsof the Task Forceon Climate-related
Financial Disclosures
December 14, 2016

Letter from Michael R. Bloomberg

December 14, 2016
Mr. Mark Carney
ChairmanFinancial Stability Board
Bank for International Settlements
Centralbahnplatz 2
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland

Dear Chairman Carney,
On behalf of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, I am pleased topresent this report setting out our recommendations for helping businesses disclose
climate-related financial risks and opportunities within the context of their existing
disclosure requirements.
Warming of the planet caused by greenhouse gas emissions poses serious risks to theglobal economy and will have an impact across many economic sectors. But until now,
it has been difficult for investors to know which companies are most vulnerable toclimate change, which are best prepared, and which are taking action. As the FSB has
highlighted, without effective disclosure of these risks, the financial impacts of climatechange may not be correctly priced – and as the costs eventually become clearer, thepotential for rapid adjustments could have destabilizing effects on markets.
The Task Force’s recommendations aim to begin fixing this problem. What getsmeasured better gets managed better. Widespread adoption of the recommendations
will help ensure that climate-related financial issues are routinely considered inbusiness and investment decisions and encourage an effective dialogue between
companies and banks, insurers and investors. That will lead to smarter, more efficient
allocation of capital, and speed the transition to a low-carbon economy.
I want to thank the Financial Stability Board for its leadership in promoting better
disclosure of climate-related financial risks, and for its support of the Task Force’s
work. I am also grateful to the Task Force members and Secretariat for their extensive
contributions and dedication to this effort. We look forward to receiving feedback
from our public consultation, which will help to improve the recommendations’effectiveness – and build a stronger, more sustainable global economy.
Sincerely,

Michael R. Bloomberg

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial DisclosuresiExecutive Summary
Financial Markets and Transparency
One of the essential functions of financial markets is to price risk to support informed, efficient
capital-allocation decisions. Accurate and timely disclosure of current and past operating
and financial results is fundamental to this function, but it is increasingly important to also
understand the governance and risk management context in which financial results areachieved. The financial crisis of 2007-2008 was an important reminder of the repercussions
that weak corporate governance and risk management practices can have on asset values. This
has resulted in increased demand for transparency from organizations on their governancestructures, strategies, and risk management practices. Without the right information, investors
and others may incorrectly price or value assets, leading to a misallocation of capital.

Increasing transparency makes markets more efficientand economies more stable and resilient.
—Michael R. Bloomberg

Financial Implications of Climate Change
One of the most significant, and perhaps most misunderstood, risks that organizations face
today relates to climate change. While it is widely recognized that continued emission ofgreenhouse gases will cause further warming of the planet and this warming could lead todamaging economic and social consequences, the exact timing and severity of physical effects
are difficult to estimate. The large-scale and long-term nature of the problem makes
it uniquely challenging, especially in the context of economic decision making. Accordingly,
many organizations incorrectly perceive the implications of climate change to be long termand, therefore, not necessarily relevant to decisions made today.
The potential impacts of climate change on organizations, however, are not only physicaland do not manifest only in the long term. To stem the disastrous effects of climate change
within this century, nearly 200 countries agreed in December 2015 to reduce greenhousegas emissions and accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy. The reduction ingreenhouse gas emissions implies movement away from fossil fuel energy and related
physical assets. This coupled with rapidly declining costs and increased deployment of clean
and energy-efficient technologies could have significant, near-term financial implications
for organizations dependent on extracting, producing, and using coal, oil, and natural gas.
While such organizations may face significant climate-­related risks, they are not alone. In
fact, climate-­related risks and the expected transition to a lower-carbon economy affect mosteconomic sectors and industries. While changes associated with a transition to a lower-carbon
economy present significant risks, they also create significant opportunities for a broad rangeof organizations focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions.
Because this transition to a lower-carbon economy requires significant and, in some cases,
disruptive changes across economic sectors and industries in the near term, financial
policymakers are interested in the implications for the global financial system, especially interms of avoiding severe financial shocks and sudden losses in asset values. Potential shocks
and losses in value include the economic impact of precipitous changes in energy use and therevaluation of carbon-intensive assets—real and financial assets whose value depends on theextraction or use of fossil fuels. Given such concerns, and the potential impact on financial
intermediaries and investors, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors asked the
Financial Stability Board to review how the financial sector can take account of climate-­related
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosuresiiissues. As part of its review, the Financial Stability Board identified the need for better
information to support informed investment, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions toimprove understanding and analysis of climate-­related risks and opportunities, and over time,to help promote a smooth rather than an abrupt transition to a lower-carbon economy.

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
To help identify the information needed by investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters
to appropriately assess and price climate-­related risks and opportunities, the Financial
Stability Board established an industry-led task force: the Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures (Task Force). The Task Force was asked to develop voluntary, consistentclimate-­related financial disclosures that would be useful to investors, lenders, and insurance
underwriters in understanding material risks.
The 32-member Task Force is global; its members come from various organizations, including
large banks, insurance companies, asset managers, pension funds, large non-financial
companies, accounting and consulting firms, and credit rating agencies. In its work, the Task
Force drew on member expertise, stakeholder engagement, and existing climate-­related
disclosure regimes to develop a singular, accessible framework for climate-­related financial
disclosure.
The Task Force developed four widelyadoptable recommendations on climate-­
related financial disclosures that are
applicable to organizations across sectors andjurisdictions (Figure 1). Importantly, the Task
Force’s recommendations apply to financialsector organizations, including banks,
insurance companies, asset managers, andasset owners. Large asset owners and asset

Figure 1

Key Features of Recommendations–– Adoptable by all organizations–– Included in financial filings–– Designed to solicit decision-useful, forwardlooking information on financial impacts–– Strong focus on risks and opportunities related
to transition to lower-carbon economy

managers sit at the top of the investment
chain and, therefore, have an important role to play in influencing the organizations in which
they invest to provide better climate-­related financial disclosures.

Disclosure in Mainstream Financial Filings
The Task Force recommends that preparers of climate-­related financial disclosures provide
such disclosures in their mainstream (i.e., public) financial filings. In most G20 jurisdictions,companies with public debt or equity have a legal obligation to disclose material risks in theirfinancial filings—including material climate-­related risks. The Task Force believes climate-­
related risks are material risks for many organizations, and this framework should be useful
to organizations in complying more effectively with existing disclosure obligations. In addition,
disclosure in mainstream financial filings should foster shareholder engagement and broader
use of climate-­related financial disclosures, thus promoting an informed understanding ofclimate-­related risks and opportunities by investors and others.
The Task Force also believes that publication of climate-­related financial information inmainstream financial filings will help ensure that appropriate controls govern the production
and disclosure of the required information. More specifically, the Task Force expects thegovernance processes for these disclosures would be similar to those used for existing publicfinancial disclosures and would likely involve review by the chief financial officer and audit
committee, as appropriate.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

iiiCore Elements of Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
The Task Force structured its recommendations around four thematic areas that represent
core elements of how organizations operate: governance, strategy, risk management, andmetrics and targets (Figure 2). The four overarching recommendations are supported byrecommended disclosures that build out the framework with information that will help
investors and others understand how reporting organizations think about and assess climate-­
related risks and opportunities.1 In addition, there is guidance to support all organizations indeveloping climate-­related financial disclosures consistent with the recommendations andrecommended disclosures. The guidance assists preparers by providing context andsuggestions for implementing the recommended disclosures. For the financial sector andcertain non-financial sectors, supplemental guidance was developed to highlight importantsector-specific considerations and provide a fuller picture of potential climate-­related financial
impacts in those sectors.

Figure 2

Core Elements of Recommended Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
Governance

Strategy
RiskManagement

Metrics
and Targets

Governance
The organization’s governance aroundclimate-­related risks and opportunities
Strategy
The actual and potential impacts ofclimate-­related risks and opportunities on
the organization’s businesses, strategy, andfinancial planning
Risk Management
The processes used by the organization to
identify, assess, and manage climate-­related
risks
Metrics and Targets
The metrics and targets used to assess andmanage relevant climate-­related risks andopportunities

Scenario Analysis
One of the Task Force’s key recommended disclosures is related to the disclosure of potential
impacts of climate-­related risks and opportunities on an organization’s businesses, strategies,
and financial planning under different potential future states (scenarios), including a 2° Celsius
scenario. 2 Disclosure of how organizations analyze different climate-­related scenarios and theconsiderations associated with the individual scenarios is a key step to better understanding
the potential financial implications of climate change on an organization. Over time, the Task
Force would expect to see more quantitative analyses in disclosures, including the underlying
assumptions associated with the climate-­related scenarios used.

1
2

See Figure 3 on p. 16 for the Task Force’s recommendations and recommended disclosures.
A 2°C scenario lays out an energy system deployment pathway and an emissions trajectory consistent with limiting the global averagetemperature increase to 2°C above the pre-industrial average. The Task Force is not recommending that organizations use a specific
2°C scenario.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

iv

Conclusion
Recognizing that climate-­related financial reporting is still at an early stage, the Task
Force’s recommendations provide a foundation to improve investors’ and others’ ability
to appropriately assess and price climate-­related risk and opportunities. The Task Force’s
recommendations aim to be ambitious, but also practical for near-term adoption. The Task
Force expects to advance the quality of mainstream financial disclosures related to thepotential effects of climate change on organizations today and in the future and to increase
investor engagement with boards and senior management on climate-­related issues.
Improving the quality of climate-­related financial disclosures begins with organizations’willingness to adopt the Task Force’s recommendations. Organizations already reporting
climate-­related information under other frameworks may be able to disclose under thisframework immediately and are strongly encouraged to do so. Those organizations in earlystages of evaluating the impact of climate change on their businesses and strategies canbegin by disclosing climate-­related issues as they relate to governance, strategy, and risk
management practices. The Task Force recognizes the challenges associated with measuring
the impact of climate change on an organization or an asset, but believes by moving climate-­
related issues into mainstream financial filings, practices and techniques will evolve more
rapidly. Improved practices and techniques, including data analytics, should further improve
the quality of climate-­related financial disclosures and, ultimately, support more appropriate
pricing of risks and allocation of capital in the global economy.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial DisclosuresvContents
Letter from Michael R. Bloomberg

i

Executive Summaryii

A Introduction

1

1. Background2

2. The Task Force’s Remit

3

B Climate-Related Risks, Opportunities, and Financial Impacts
1. Climate-Related Risks

67

2. Climate-Related Opportunities

8

3. Financial Impacts

10

C Recommendations and Guidance
1. Recommendations for All Sectors

13
14

2. Guidance for All Sectors

17

3. Supplemental Guidance for Financial and Non-Financial Sectors

22

D Scenario Analysis and Climate-Related Issues

26

1. Overview of Scenario Analysis

27

2. Exposure to Climate-Related Risks

28

3. Recommended Approach to Scenario Analysis

29

4. Applying Scenario Analysis

31

E Key Issues Considered and Areas for Further Work
1. Relationship to Other Reporting Initiatives

33
34

2. Location of Disclosures and Materiality

35

3. Sensitivities Around Transparency

36

4. Data Quality and Financial Impact

36

5. Reporting GHG Emissions Associated with Investments

37

6. Scenario Analysis

37

7. Accounting Considerations

38

8. Time Frames for Short, Medium, and Long Term

38

9. Scope of Coverage

39

10. Organizational Ownership

39

F Conclusion

40

1. Evolution of Climate-Related Financial Disclosures

41

2. Widespread Adoption Critical

41

Appendices43

Appendix 1: Task Force Members

44

Appendix 2: Task Force Objectives and Approach46

Appendix 3: Select Disclosure Frameworks

51

Appendix 4: Glossary and Abbreviations

59

Appendix 5: References

62

Appendix 6: Fundamental Principles for Effective Disclosure

64

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

vi

A	Introduction

A Introduction
1. Background
It is widely recognized that continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warmingof the Earth and that warming above 2° Celsius (2°C), relative to the pre-industrial period,
could lead to catastrophic economic and social consequences. 3 As evidence of the growing
recognition of the risks posed by climate change, in December 2015, nearly 200 governments
agreed to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by “holding theincrease in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to
pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels,” referred
to as the Paris Agreement.4 The large-scale and long-term nature of the problem makes it
uniquely challenging, especially in the context of economic decision making. Moreover, thecurrent understanding of the potential financial risks posed by climate change—to companies,
investors, and the financial system as a whole—is still at an early stage.
There is a growing demand for decision-useful, climate-­related information by a range ofparticipants in the financial markets.5 Creditors and investors are increasingly demandingA

access to risk information that is consistent, comparable, reliable, and clear. There has also

Introduction

been increased focus, especially since the financial crisis of 2007-2008, on the negative impact

Bthat weak corporate governance can have on shareholder value, resulting in increased demand

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

for transparency from organizations on their risks and risk management practices, includingC

The growing demand for decision-useful, climate-­related information has resulted in thethose related to climate change.

Recommendationsand Guidancedevelopment of several climate-­related disclosure standards. Many of the existing standards,
however, focus on disclosure of climate-­related information, such as greenhouse gas

D(GHG) emissions and other sustainability metrics. Users of such climate-­related disclosures

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

commonly cite the lack of information on the financial implications around the climate-­related
aspects of an organization’s business as a key gap. Users also cite inconsistencies in disclosureEpractices, a lack of context for information, use of boilerplate, and noncomparable reporting as ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

major obstacles to incorporating climate-­related risks and opportunities (collectively referred
to as climate-­related issues) as considerations in their investment, lending, and insurance
underwriting decisions over the medium and long term.6 In addition, evidence suggests that

F
Conclusion

the lack of consistent information hinders investors and others from considering climate-­
related issues in their asset valuation and allocation processes.7

Appendices

In general, inadequate information about risks can lead to a mispricing of assets andmisallocation of capital and can potentially give rise to concerns about financial stability sincemarkets can be vulnerable to abrupt corrections.8 Recognizing these concerns, the G20 (Groupof 20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors requested that the Financial Stability
Board (FSB) “convene public- and private-sector participants to review how the financial sector
can take account of climate-­related issues.” 9 In response to the G20’s request, the FSB helda meeting of public- and private-sector representatives in September 2015 to consider the
implications of climate-­related issues for the financial sector. “Participants exchanged views on
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Fifth Assessment Report, Cambridge University Press, 2014.
http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. ”The Paris Agreement,” December 2015,
http://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/convention/application/pdf/english_paris_agreement.pdf.
5Fellow, Avery. “Investors Demand Climate Risk Disclosure.” Bloomberg, February 2013.
www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-25/investors-demand-climate-risk-disclosure-in-2013-proxies.html.
6
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). “SASB Technical Bulletin 2016-01—Climate Risk,” working draft. 2016.
http://using.sasb.org/sasb-climate-risk-framework.
7
Mercer LLC. Investing in a Time of Climate Change, 2015,
https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/investing-in-a-time-of-climate-change.html.
8Mark Carney, “Breaking the tragedy of the horizon—climate change and financial stability,” (speech, Lloyd’s, London,
September 29, 2015). http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Pages/speeches/2015/844.aspx.
9“Communiqué from the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Washington, D.C. April 16-17, 2015.”
April 2015. g20.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/April-G20-FMCBG-Communique-Final.pdf.
3

4

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

2

the existing work of the financial sector, authorities, and standard setters in this area and thechallenges they face, areas for possible further work, and the possible roles the FSB and others
could play in taking that work forward. The discussions continually returned to a common
theme: the need for better information.”10
In most G20 jurisdictions, companies with public debt or equity have a legal obligation todisclose material risks in their financial reports—including material climate-­related risks.
However, the absence of a standardized framework for disclosing climate-­related financial
risks makes it difficult for organizations to determine what information should be includedin their filings and how it should be presented. Even when reporting similar climate-­
related information, disclosures are often difficult to compare due to variances in legal andvoluntary frameworks. The resulting fragmentation in reporting practices and lack of focus
on financial impacts have prevented investors, lenders, insurance underwriters, and otherusers of disclosures from accessing complete information that can inform their economic
decisions. Furthermore, because financial-sector organizations’ disclosures depend, in part,on those from the companies in which they invest or lend, regulators face challenges in using
financial-sector organizations’ existing disclosures to determine system-wide exposures toclimate-­related risks.
A
Introduction

In response, the FSB established the industry-led Task Force on Climate-related Financial

B

Disclosures (TCFD or Task Force) in December 2015 to design a set of recommendations forconsistent “disclosures that will help financial market participants understand their climate-­

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

related risks.”11 See Box 1 (p. 5) for more information on the Task Force.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

2. The Task Force’s RemitD

The FSB called on the Task Force to develop climate-­related disclosures that “could promote

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

more informed investment, credit [or lending], and insurance underwriting decisions” and, inturn, “would enable stakeholders to understand better the concentrations of carbon-related
assets in the financial sector and the financial system’s exposures to climate-­related risks.”12,13E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F

The FSB noted that disclosures by the financial sector in particular would “foster an early
assessment of these risks” and “facilitate market discipline.” It would also “provide a sourceof data that can be analyzed at a systemic level, to facilitate authorities’ assessments of themateriality of any risks posed by climate change to the financial sector, and the channels

Conclusion

through which this is most likely to be transmitted.”14

Appendices

The FSB also emphasized that “any disclosure recommendations by the Task Force would bevoluntary, would need to incorporate the principle of materiality and would need to weighthe balance of costs and benefits.”15 As a result, in devising a principle-based framework forvoluntary disclosure, the Task Force sought to balance the needs of the users of disclosureswith the challenges faced by the preparers. The FSB further stated that the Task Force’s
climate-­related financial disclosure recommendations should not “add to the already welldeveloped body of existing disclosure schemes.”16 In response, the Task Force drew fromexisting disclosure frameworks where possible and appropriate.

FSB, “FSB to establish Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.” December 4, 2015.
www.fsb-tcfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/12-4-2015-Climate-change-task-force-press-release.pdf
11
Ibid.
12
FSB, “Proposal for a Disclosure Task Force on Climate-Related Risks,” November 9, 2015.
www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/Disclosure-task-force-on-climate-­related-risks.pdf.
13
The term carbon-related assets is not well-defined, but is generally considered to refer to assets or organizations with relatively highdirect or indirect GHG emissions. The Task Force believes further work is needed on defining carbon-related assets and their potential
financial impacts.
14
FSB, “Proposal for a Disclosure Task Force on Climate-Related Risks,” November 9, 2015.
www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/Disclosure-task-force-on-climate-­related-risks.pdf.
15
Ibid.
16
Ibid.
10

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

3

The FSB also noted the Task Force should determine whether the target audience of users ofclimate-­related financial disclosures should extend beyond investors, lenders, and insurance
underwriters. Investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters (“primary users”) are theappropriate target audience. These primary users assume the financial risk and reward of thedecisions they make. The Task Force recognizes that many other organizations, including credit
rating agencies, equity analysts, stock exchanges, investment consultants, and proxy advisors
also use climate-­related financial disclosures, allowing them to push information through thecredit and investment chain and contribute to the better pricing of risks by investors, lenders,and insurance underwriters. These organizations, in principle, depend on the same types of
information as primary users.
This report presents the Task Force’s recommendations for climate-­related financial disclosuresand includes supporting information on climate-­related risks and opportunities, scenario
analysis, and issues that the Task Force considered in developing its recommendations.
In addition, the Task Force developed a “stand-alone” document—Implementing the
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (Annex)—fororganizations to use when preparing disclosures consistent with the recommendations. The
Annex provides supplemental guidance for the financial sector as well as for non-financial
A

sectors potentially most affected by climate change and the transition to a lower-carbon

Introduction

economy. The supplemental guidance assists preparers by providing additional context andB
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
Csuggestions for implementing the recommended disclosures.
The Task Force’s recommendations provide a foundation for climate-­related financial
disclosures and aim to be ambitious, but also practical for near-term adoption. The Task
Force expects that reporting of climate-­related risks and opportunities will evolve over time

Recommendationsand Guidanceas organizations, investors, and others contribute to the quality and consistency of theinformation disclosed.

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

4

Box 1

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
The Task Force membership, first announced on January 21, 2016, has international representationand spans various types of organizations, including banks, insurance companies, asset managers,
pension funds, large non-financial companies, accounting and consulting firms, and credit rating
agencies—a unique collaborative partnership between the users and preparers of financial reports.
In its work, the Task Force drew on its members’ expertise, stakeholder engagement, and existingclimate-­related disclosure regimes to develop a singular, accessible framework for climate-­related
financial disclosure. See Appendix 1 for a list of the Task Force members and Appendix 2 for more
information on the Task Force’s approach.

Task Force Membership
The Task Force is comprised of 32 global members representing a broad range of economic sectors
and financial markets and a careful balance of users and preparers of climate-­related financial
disclosures.

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

16

8

8

Experts from the
Financial Sector

Experts from
Non-Financial
Sectors

Other Experts

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

5

B	Climate-Related Risks,
Opportunities, andFinancial Impacts

B Climate-Related Risks, Opportunities, and Financial Impacts
Through its work, the Task Force identified a growing demand by investors, lenders, insurance
underwriters, and other stakeholders for decision-useful, climate-­related financial information.
Improved disclosure of climate-­related risks and opportunities will provide investors, lenders,insurance underwriters, and other stakeholders with the metrics and information needed toundertake robust and consistent analyses of the potential financial implications of climatechange.
The Task Force found that while several climate-­related disclosure frameworks have emerged
across different jurisdictions in an effort to meet the growing demand for such information,
there is a need for a standardized framework to promote alignment across existing regimes
and G20 jurisdictions and to provide a common framework for climate-­related financial
disclosures. An important element of such a framework is the consistent categorization ofclimate-­related risks and opportunities. As a result, the Task Force defined, as described
below, specific categories for climate-­related risks and climate-­related opportunities. The Task
Force’s recommendations serve to encourage organizations to evaluate and disclose, as partAof their financial statement preparation and reporting processes, the climate-­related risks andIntroduction

opportunities that are most pertinent to their business activities. The main climate-­relatedBrisks and opportunities that organizations should consider are described below and in Tables 1

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

and 2 (pp. 11-12).

C

1. Climate-Related Risks

Recommendationsand Guidance

The Task Force divided climate-­related risks into two major categories: (1) risks related to thetransition to a lower-carbon economy and (2) risks related to the physical impacts of climate

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusionchange.17

a. Transition Risks
Transitioning to a lower-carbon economy may entail extensive policy, legal, technology, andmarket changes to address mitigation and adaptation requirements related to climate change.
Depending on the nature, speed, and focus of these changes, transition risks may pose varying
levels of financial and reputational risk to organizations.
Policy and Legal Risks

Appendices

Policy actions around climate change continue to evolve. Their objectives generally fall into
two categories—policy actions that attempt to constrain actions that contribute to the adverse
effects of climate change or policy actions that seek to promote adaptation to climate change.
Some examples include implementing carbon-pricing mechanisms to reduce GHG emissions,shifting energy use toward lower emission sources, adopting energy-efficiency solutions,encouraging greater water efficiency measures, and promoting more sustainable land-use
practices. The financial impact of policy changes depends on the nature of the policy change.18
Another growing risk is litigation or legal risk. Recent years have seen an increase in climate-­
related litigation claims being brought before the courts by property owners, municipalities,
states, insurers, shareholders, and public interest organizations.19 Reasons for such litigation
include the failure of organizations to mitigate impacts of climate change, failure to adapt toclimate change, and the insufficiency of disclosure around material financial risks.

In the Task Force’s “Phase I” report, transition risks are referred to as non-physical risks.
Organizations should assess not only the potential direct effects of policy actions on their operations, but also the potential second
and third order effects on their supply and distribution chains.
19
Peter Seley. “Emerging Trends in Climate Change Litigation.” Law 360, March 7, 2016.
http://www.law360.com/articles/766214/emerging-trends-in-climate-change-litigation.
17

18

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

7

Technology Risk
Technological improvements or innovations that support the transition to a low-carbon,
energy-efficient economic system can have a significant impact on organizations. For example,
the development and use of emerging technologies such as renewable energy, battery
storage, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage will affect the competitiveness ofcertain organizations, their production and distribution costs, and ultimately the demand fortheir products and services from end users. To the extent that new technology displaces old
systems and disrupts some parts of the existing economic system, winners and losers will
emerge from this “creative destruction” process. The timing of technology development anddeployment, however, is a key uncertainty in assessing technology risk.
Market Risk
While the ways in which markets could be affected by climate change are varied and complex,
one of the major ways is through shifts in supply and demand for certain commodities,
products, and services as climate-­related risks and opportunities are increasingly taken into
account.
Reputation Risk
A

Climate change has been identified as a potential source of reputational risk tied to changing

Introduction

customer or community perceptions of an organization’s contribution to or detraction from theBtransition to a lower-carbon economy.

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
WorkF

b. Physical Risks
Physical risks resulting from climate change can be event driven (acute) or longer-term
shifts (chronic) in climate patterns. Physical risks may have financial implications fororganizations, such as direct damage to assets and indirect impacts from supply chain
disruption. Organizations’ financial performance may also be affected by changes in water
availability, sourcing, and quality; food security; and extreme temperature changes impacting
organizations’ premises, operations, supply chain, transport needs, and employee safety.
Acute Risk
Acute physical risks refer to those that are event-driven, including increased severity of
extreme weather events, such as cyclones, hurricanes, or floods.
Chronic Risk

Conclusion

Chronic physical risks refer to longer-term shifts in climate patterns (e.g., sustained higher

Appendicestemperatures) that may cause sea level rise or chronic heat waves.

2. Climate-Related Opportunities
Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change also produce opportunities for organizations,for example, through resource efficiency and cost savings, the adoption of low-emission
energy sources, the development of new products and services, and building resilience along
the supply chain. Climate-related opportunities will vary depending on the region, market, andindustry in which an organization operates. Some areas of opportunity are described below.

a. Resource Efficiency
There is growing evidence and examples of organizations that have successfully reduced
operating costs by improving efficiency across their production and distribution processes,
buildings, machinery/appliances, and transport/mobility—in particular in relation to energy
efficiency but also including broader materials, water, and waste management. Such actions
can result in direct cost savings to organizations’ operations over the medium to long term
and contribute to the global efforts to curb emissions. 20 Innovation in technology is assisting
20

Environmental Protection Agency Victoria (EPA Victoria), “Resource Efficiency Case Studies,” Lower your impact.
www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/lower-your-impact/resource-efficiency/case-studies.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

8this transition; such innovation includes developing efficient heating solutions and circular
economy solutions, making advances in LED lighting technology and industrial motor
technology, retrofitting buildings, employing geothermal power, offering water usage andtreatment solutions, and developing electric vehicles.

b. Energy Source
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to meet global emission-reduction goals,
countries will need to transition a major percentage of their energy generation to low emission
alternatives such as wind, solar, wave, tidal, hydro, geothermal, nuclear, biofuels, and carbon
capture and storage. 21 For the past two years, clean energy investments have exceeded fossil
fuel investments. 22 The trend toward decentralized clean energy sources, rapidly declining
costs, improved storage capabilities, and subsequent global adoption of these technologies
are significant. Organizations that shift their energy usage toward low emission energy sources
could potentially save on annual energy costs. 23
c. Products and Services
Organizations that innovate and develop new low-emission products and services may
improve their competitive position and capitalize on shifting consumer and producer
preferences. Some examples include consumer goods and services that place greater emphasis
on a product’s carbon footprint in its marketing and labeling (e.g., travel, food, beverage andconsumer staples, mobility, printing, fashion, and recycling services) and producer goods thatplace emphasis on reducing emissions (e.g., adoption of energy-efficiency measures along the
supply chain).

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F

d. Markets
Organizations that pro-actively seek opportunities in new markets and types of assets may
be able to diversify their activities and better position themselves for the transition to alower-carbon economy. In particular, opportunities exist for organizations to access newmarkets through collaborating with governments, development banks, small-scale local
entrepreneurs and community groups in developed and developing countries as they work
to shift to a lower-carbon economy. 24 New opportunities can also be captured throughunderwriting or financing green bonds and infrastructure (e.g., low-emission energy
production, energy efficiency, grid connectivity, or transport networks).
e. Resilience
Many organizations’ profitability depends heavily on suppliers and employees, andopportunities exist to build capacity and improve contingency planning in “at-risk”
communities. 25 Opportunities also exist in specific sectors. For example, organizations
involved in agriculture have opportunities related to cultivar adaptation and efficient water
management, and, insurance companies have opportunities to underwrite new assets(e.g., renewable-energy technology installations).

Conclusion
Appendices

IEA, “Global energy investment down 8% in 2015 with flows signaling move towards cleaner energy.” September 14, 2016.
https://www.iea.org/newsroomandevents/pressreleases/2016/september/global-energy-investment-down-8-in-2015-with-flowssignalling-move-towards-clean.html.
22
T. Randall, “Leapfrogging to Solar: Emerging Markets Outspend Rich Countries for the First Time.” Bloomberg, November 23, 2015.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-23/leapfrogging-to-solar-emerging-markets-outspend-rich-countries-for-the-first-time.
23
Ceres, Power Forward: How American Companies Are Setting Clean Energy Targets and Capturing Greater Business Value, 2014.
http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/power-forward-supplement-climate-and-energy-targets-set-by-fortune-500-companies/view.
24
G20 Green Finance Study Group, G20 Green Finance Synthesis Report. 2016. http://unepinquiry.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/
Synthesis_Report_Full_EN.pdf. The launch of the Green Finance Study Group was adopted by the G20 Finance and Central Bank
Deputies in December 2015. See more at: http://unepinquiry.org/g20greenfinancerepositoryeng/.
25
T. Norton, M. Ryan, and F. Wang, “Business Action for Climate-Resilient Supply Chains: A Practical Framework for Identifying Priorities
to Evaluating Impact.” 2015. (San Francisco: BSR working paper)
www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Report_Climate_Resilient_Supply_Chains.pdf.
21

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

93. Financial Impacts
Better information on and better understanding of the potential financial implications ofclimate-­related risks and opportunities on organizations is the key goal of the Task Force’s
work. Investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters need to understand how climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities are likely to impact an organization’s future cash flows and its assets
and liabilities in order to make more informed financial decisions.

Figure 1

Climate-Related Risks, Opportunities, and Financial Impact
Policy and Legal
Transition

MarketReputation
PhysicalResource Eﬃciency

Technology

Energy Source
Risks

Opportunities

Products/Services
Markets

Acute

Resilience

ChronicA

Financial Impact

Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Revenues
Expenditures

AssetsIncomeStatement

Balance
Sheet

C

Liabilities
CapitalRecommendationsand Guidance

As outlined in Figure 1, climate-­related risks and opportunities can affect organizations’D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

revenues and expenditures, and possibly estimates of future cash flows, as well as their assets

E

forward-looking analyses when considering the potential financial impacts of climate change ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

on an organization, with greater need for forward-looking analyses as the efforts to mitigate

Fand liabilities in a number of ways. Thus, it is important to undertake both historical andand adapt to climate change are without historical precedent. This is one of the reasons the
Task Force believes scenario analysis is important for organizations to incorporate into their

Conclusion

strategic and financial planning.

Appendices

Examples of climate-­related risks and opportunities and their potential financial impacts are
summarized in Tables 1 and 2 (pp. 11-12).

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

10

Table 1

Examples of Climate-Related Risks and Potential Financial Impacts
Type

Climate-Related Risks

Potential Financial Impact

Policy and Legal–– Increased pricing of GHG emissions–– Increased operating costs (e.g., compliance costs)–– Enhanced emissions-reporting
obligations–– Write-offs and early retirement of existing assets
due to policy change–– Mandates on and regulation ofexisting products and services–– Impaired assets–– Exposure to litigation–– Fines and judgments–– Increased insurance premiums

Technology–– Substitution of existing products
and services with lower emissions
options–– Unsuccessful investment in newtechnologies–– Upfront costs to transition to lower
emissions technology

Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C

Transition Risks

A

Recommendationsand Guidance–– Write-offs and early retirement of existing assets–– Reduced demand for products and services–– Upfront research and development (R&D)
expenditures in new and alternative technologies–– Upfront capital investments in technology
development–– Upfront costs to adopt/deploy new practices
and processes1

Markets–– Changing customer behavior–– Uncertainty in market signals–– Increased cost of raw materials

D–– Reduced demand for goods and services due
to shift in consumer preferences–– Increased production costs due to changing
input prices (e.g., energy, water) and output
requirements (e.g., waste treatment)–– Abrupt and unexpected shifts in energy costs

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues–– Changing revenue mix and sources–– Re-pricing of assets and speed of re-pricing(e.g., fossil fuel reserves, land valuations,securities valuations)E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Reputation

F
Conclusion
Appendices–– Shift in consumer preferences–– Reduced demand for goods/services–– Stigmatization of sector–– Reduction or disruption in production capacity(e.g., shutdowns, delayed planning approvals,
interruptions to supply chain)–– Increased stakeholder concern or
negative stakeholder feedback–– Impacts on workforce management and planning(e.g., employee attraction and retention)–– Reduction in capital availability

Acute

Physical Risks–– Increased severity of extreme
weather events such as cyclones
and floods

Chronic–– Changes in precipitation patterns
and extreme variability in weather
patterns–– Rising mean temperatures–– Rising sea levels–– Reduction or disruption in production capacity(e.g., shutdowns, transport difficulties, supply chaininterruptions)–– Impacts to workforce management and planning(e.g., health,safety, absenteeism)–– Write-offs and early retirement of existing assets(e.g., damage to property and assets in “high-risk”
locations)–– Increased operating costs (e.g., inadequate watersupply for hydroelectric plants or to cool nuclear
and fossil fuel plants)–– Increased capital costs (e.g., damage to facilities)–– Reduced revenues from lower sales/output–– Increased insurance premiums and potential for
reduced availability of insurance on assets in“high-risk” locations

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

11

Table 2	Examples of Climate-Related Opportunities and Potential Financial Impacts

Resource Efficiency

Type

Climate-Related Opportunities

Potential Financial Impact–– Use of more efficient modes oftransport–– Reduced operational costs (e.g., through efficiency
gains and cost reductions)–– More efficient production anddistribution processes–– Increased production capacity–– Use of recycling–– More efficient buildings–– Reduced water usage andconsumption–– Lower-emission sources of energy

Energy Source–– Supportive policy incentives

A
Introduction
B–– Emergence of new technologies–– Participating in carbon market–– Energy security and shift toward
decentralizationE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Products and Services

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues–– Reduced operational costs(e.g., through use of lowest cost abatement)–– Reduced exposure to future energy price increases–– Reduced exposure to GHG emissions and therefore
less sensitivity to changes in cost of carbon–– Generate return on investment in low-emission
technology–– Develop and/or expand low emission –– Increased revenue through demand for lower
goods and services
emissions products and services–– Climate adaptation and insurance
risk solutions–– R&D and innovation–– Diversify business activities–– Shifting consumer preferences–– New markets

F–– Public-sector incentives

Markets

Conclusion–– Community needs and initiatives–– Development banks–– Increased revenue through new solutions toadaptation needs (e.g., insurance risk transfer
products and services)–– Increased resilience to changes in government
policies and regulations–– Better competitive position to reflect shifting
consumer preferences–– Increased access to new and emerging markets(e.g., partnerships with governments,
development banks)–– Increased diversification (e.g., green bonds andinfrastructure)–– Increased resilience in existing supply chain
relationships–– Increased demand for goods/services in newmarkets

Resilience

Appendices–– Better prepared for changes in or additions togovernment policies and regulations–– Reputational benefits and increased demand forgoods/services

C

D–– Benefits to workforce management and planning(e.g., improved health and safety, employee
satisfaction)–– Increase in capital availability (e.g., as moreinvestors favor lower-emissions producers)

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Recommendationsand Guidance–– Increased value of fixed assets (e.g., highly rated
energy-efficient buildings)–– Participate in renewable energy
programs and adopt energyefficiency measures–– Increased market valuation through resilienceplanning (e.g., infrastructure, land, buildings)–– Resource substitutes/diversification–– Increased reliability of supply chain and ability tooperate under various conditions–– New assets and locations needing
insurance coverage–– Increased revenue through new products andservices related to ensuring resiliency

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

12

C	Recommendationsand GuidanceC Recommendations and Guidance
1. Recommendations for All Sectors
To fulfill its remit, the Task Force developed four widely adoptable recommendations
on climate-­related financial disclosures applicable to organizations across sectors andjurisdictions. In developing its recommendations, the Task Force considered the challenges
for preparers of disclosures as well as the benefits of such disclosures to investors, lenders,insurance underwriters, and other stakeholders. To achieve this balance, the Task Forceengaged in significant outreach and consultation with users and preparers of disclosuresand drew upon existing climate-­related disclosure regimes. The insights gained from theoutreach and consultations directly informed the development of the recommendations.
To promote more informed investing, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions,
the Task Force recommends all financial and non-financial organizations with public debt orequity implement its recommendations. 26 Because climate-­related risks and opportunities are
relevant for organizations across all sectors, the Task Force encourages other organizations
to implement these recommendations as well. In addition, the Task Force believes that asset
A

managers and asset owners, including public- and private-sector pension plans, insurance

Introduction

companies, endowments, and foundations, should implement its recommendations. 27

B

The Task Force believes climate-­related financial information should be provided to asset
managers’ clients and asset owners’ beneficiaries so that they may better understand the

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

performance of their assets, consider the risks of their investments, and make more informed
investment choices.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

The Task Force believes that climate-­related risks are material risks formany organizations. This framework should be useful to organizations
in complying with existing disclosure obligations more effectively.

E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

The Task Force also recommends that preparers of climate-­related financial disclosures provideFpublic companies have a legal obligation to disclose material risks in their financial

Conclusion

filings—including material climate-­related risks. The Task Force believes that publication ofAppendicesclimate-­related financial information in mainstream financial filings will ensure that appropriate

such disclosures in their mainstream (i.e., public) financial filings. 28 In most G20 jurisdictions,controls govern the production and disclosure of the required information. In addition, it will
foster shareholder engagement and broader utilization of such disclosures, promoting an
informed understanding of climate-­related risks and opportunities by investors and others.
Further, users of climate-­related financial disclosures will be able to access current information
in a timely way, as mainstream financial filings require publication at least annually.
The Task Force believes that climate-­related financial disclosures should be subject toappropriate internal governance processes. Since these disclosures should be included inmainstream financial reports or other public documents, the governance processes should be
similar to those used for existing public financial disclosures and would likely involve review by
the chief financial officer and audit committee, as appropriate. For those organizations that do

In the case a recommended disclosure is not made, the Task Force encourages preparers to provide the rationale for omitting thedisclosure.
Unless otherwise specified, the use of the term “insurance companies” in this report includes re-insurers.
28
The Task Force recognizes that reporting by asset managers and asset owners to their clients and beneficiaries, respectively, often
occurs outside mainstream financial filings. For purposes of adopting the Task Force’s recommendations, asset managers and asset
owners should use their existing means of financial reporting to their clients and beneficiaries where relevant and where feasible.
26

27

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

14

not have publicly traded debt or equity securities, including some asset managers and asset
owners, these climate-­related financial disclosures should follow similar review and approval
protocols currently used by those organizations for similar communications.
The Task Force structured its recommendations around four thematic areas that represent
core elements of how organizations operate—governance, strategy, risk management,
and metrics and targets. The four overarching recommendations are supported by key
climate-­related financial disclosures—referred to as recommended disclosures—that build out
the framework with information that will help investors and others understand how reportingorganizations think about and assess climate-­related risks and opportunities. In addition, there
is guidance to support all organizations in developing climate-­related financial disclosuresconsistent with the recommendations and recommended disclosures as well as supplemental
guidance for specific sectors. The structure is depicted in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2

Recommendations and GuidanceA
Introduction

Recommendations

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance

Guidance for
All Sectors

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion

Recommended
Disclosures
Supplemental
Guidance for
Certain Sectors

Recommendations
Four widely adoptable recommendations tied
to: governance, strategy, risk management, andmetrics and targets
Recommended Disclosures
Specific recommended disclosures organizations
should include in their financial filings to provide
decision-useful information
Guidance for All Sectors
Guidance providing context and suggestions for
implementing the recommended disclosures forall organizations
Supplemental Guidance for Certain Sectors
Guidance that highlights importantconsiderations for certain sectors and provides
a fuller picture of potential climate-­related
financial impacts in those sectors
Supplemental guidance is provided for thefinancial sector and for non-financial sectors
potentially most affected by climate change

Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

15

Figure 3

Recommendations and Supporting Recommended Disclosures
Governance

Strategy

Risk Management

Metrics and Targets

Disclose the organization’s
governance around climate-­
related risks and opportunities.

Disclose the actual andpotential impacts of climate-­
related risks and opportunities
on the organization’s
businesses, strategy, andfinancial planning.

Disclose how the organization
identifies, assesses, andmanages climate-­related risks

Disclose the metrics andtargets used to assess andmanage relevant climate-­
related risks and opportunities.

Recommended Disclosures

Recommended Disclosures

Recommended Disclosures

Recommended Disclosuresa)	Describe the board’s oversightof climate-­related risks andopportunities.

a)	Describe the climate-­related risks
and opportunities the organization
has identified over the short,medium, and long term.

a)	Describe the organization’s
processes for identifying andassessing climate-­related risks.

a)	Disclose the metrics used by theorganization to assess climate-­
related risks and opportunities
in line with its strategy and risk
management process.

b)	Describe management’s role inassessing and managing climate-­
related risks and opportunities.

b)	Describe the impact of climate-­
related risks and opportunities
on the organization’s businesses,
strategy, and financial planning.

b)	Describe the organization’s
processes for managing climate-­
related risks.

b)	Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if
appropriate, Scope 3 greenhousegas (GHG) emissions, and the relatedrisks.

c)	Describe the potential impact ofdifferent scenarios, including a
2°C scenario, on the organization’s
businesses, strategy, and financial
planning.

c)	Describe how processes for
identifying, assessing, and managing
climate-­related risks are integrated
into the organization’s overall risk
management.

c)	Describe the targets used by theorganization to manage climate-­
related risks and opportunities andperformance against targets.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

16

To underpin its recommendations and help
guide current and future developments
in climate-­related financial reporting, theTask Force developed seven principles for
effective disclosure (Figure 4), which aredescribed more fully in Appendix 6. Whenused by organizations in preparing theirclimate-­related financial disclosures, theseprinciples can help achieve high-quality anddecision-useful disclosures that enable users
to understand the impact of climate change
on organizations. The Task Force encourages
organizations adopting its recommendations
to consider these principles as they develop
climate-­related financial disclosures.
The Task Force’s disclosure principles arelargely consistent with internationallyA

accepted frameworks for financial reporting

Introduction

and are generally applicable to mostB
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

providers of financial disclosures. The
principles, taken together, are designed
to assist organizations in making clear the
linkages and connections between climate-­C

related issues and their governance, strategy,

Recommendationsand Guidance

Figure 4

Principles for Effective Disclosures
should represent
1 Disclosures
relevant information
should be specific
2 Disclosuresand completeshould be clear,
3 Disclosuresbalanced, and understandable
should be consistent
4 Disclosuresover timeshould be comparable
5 Disclosuresamong companies within a sector,
industry, or portfolio

should be reliable,
6 Disclosuresverifiable, and objective
should be provided on
7 Disclosuresa timely basis

risk management, and metrics and targets.

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

In addition, the Task Force recognizes that many organizations already disclose
information on climate-­related issues under other voluntary and mandatory reporting
frameworks. For these organizations, significant effort has gone into developing processesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

and collecting information needed for disclosing under these regimes. The Task ForceF

Force’s recommendations.

Conclusion

expects preparers disclosing climate-­related information under other regimes will be able
to use existing processes when providing disclosures in financial filings based on the Task

Appendices2. Guidance for All Sectors
The Task Force has developed guidance to support all organizations in developing climate-­
related financial disclosures consistent with its recommendations and recommended
disclosures. The guidance assists preparers by providing context and suggestions for
implementing the recommended disclosures. Recognizing organizations have differinglevels of capacity to disclose under the recommendations, the guidance provides
descriptions of the types of information that should be disclosed or considered.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

17

a. Governance
Investors, lenders, insurance underwriters, and other users of climate-­related financial
disclosures (collectively referred to as “investors and other stakeholders”) are interested inunderstanding the role an organization’s board plays in overseeing climate-­related risks andopportunities as well as management’s role in assessing and managing climate-­related issues. 29
Such information supports users’ evaluations of whether material climate-­related issues
receive appropriate board and management attention.

Governance
Disclose the organization’s governance around climate-­related risks and opportunities.
Recommended
Disclosure a)
Describe theboard’s oversight ofclimate-­related risks
and opportunities.

Guidance for All Sectors
In describing the board’s oversight of climate-­related issues, organizations
should consider including a discussion of the following:–– processes and frequency by which the board and/or board committees(e.g., audit, risk, or other committees) are informed about climate-­
related issues,–– whether the board and/or board committees consider climate-­related
issues when reviewing and guiding strategy, major plans of action,risk management policies, annual budgets, and business plans aswell as setting the organization’s performance objectives, monitoring
implementation and performance, and overseeing major capital
expenditures, acquisitions, and divestitures, andA
Introduction
B–– how the board monitors and oversees progress against goals andtargets for addressing climate-­related issues.

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F

Recommended
Disclosure b)
Describe management’s
role in assessing andmanaging climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities.

Guidance for All Sectors
In describing management’s role related to the assessment andmanagement of climate-­related issues, organizations should consider
including the following information:–– whether the organization has assigned climate-­related responsibilities
to management-level positions or committees; and, if so, whether
such management positions or committees report to the board or acommittee of the board and whether those responsibilities include
assessing and/or managing climate-­related issues,–– a description of the associated organizational structure(s),–– processes by which management is informed about climate-­related
issues, and–– how management (through specific positions and/or management
committees) monitors climate-­related issues.

Conclusion
Appendices29

Climate-related risks can be divided into two major categories: transition risks and physical risks. See Tables 1 and 2 (pp. 11-12)
for more information.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

18

b. Strategy
Investors and other stakeholders need to understand how climate-­related issues may affect anorganization’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning over the short, medium, and longterm. Such information is used to inform expectations about the future performance of anorganization.

Strategy
Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-­related risks and opportunities on theorganization’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning.
Recommended
Disclosure a)
Describe theclimate-­related risks
and opportunities
the organization has
identified over the short,medium, and long term.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should provide the following information:–– a description of what they consider to be the relevant short-, medium-,and long-term horizons, taking into consideration the useful life of theorganization’s assets or infrastructure and the fact that climate-­related
issues often manifest themselves over the medium and longer terms,–– specific climate-­related issues for each time horizon (short, medium,and long term) that could have a material financial impact on theorganization and distinguish whether the climate-­related risks are
physical or transition risks, and–– a description of the process(es) used to determine which risks
and opportunities could have a material financial impact on theorganization.

A
Introduction
B

Organizations should consider providing a description of their risks andopportunities by sector and/or geography, as appropriate. In describing
climate-­related issues, organizations should refer to Tables 1 and 2(pp. 11-12).

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Recommended
Disclosure b)
Describe the impact ofclimate-­related risks
and opportunities
on the organization’s
businesses, strategy, andfinancial planning.

Guidance for All Sectors
Building on recommended disclosure (a), organizations should disclose
how identified climate-­related issues have affected their businesses,
strategy, and financial planning.
Organizations should consider including the impact on their businesses
and strategy in the following areas:–– Products and services–– Supply chain and/or value chain–– Adaptation and mitigation activities–– Investment in research and development

F–– Operations (including types of operations and location of facilities)

Conclusion

Organizations should describe how climate-­related issues serve as an
input to their financial planning process, the time period(s) used, and how
these risks and opportunities are prioritized. Organizations’ disclosures
should reflect a holistic picture of the interdependencies among thefactors that affect their ability to create value over time. Organizations
should also consider including in their disclosures the impact on financial
planning in the following areas:

Appendices–– Operating costs and revenues–– Capital expenditures and capital allocation–– Acquisitions or divestments–– Access to capital
If climate-­related scenarios were used to inform the organization’s
strategy and financial planning, such scenarios should be described.

Recommended
Disclosure c)
Describe the potential
impact of different
scenarios, including
a 2°C scenario, on
the organization’s
businesses, strategy, andfinancial planning.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should describe how their strategies are likely to perform
under various forward-looking, climate-­related scenarios (e.g., potential
effects under different scenarios) and any resulting changes to theirstrategies and financial plans, risk management activities, or targets/metrics to mitigate risks and take advantage of opportunities.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

19

c. Risk Management
Investors and other stakeholders need to understand how an organization’s climate-­relatedrisks are identified, assessed, and managed and whether those processes are integrated into
existing risk management processes. Such information supports users of climate-­related
financial disclosures in evaluating the organization’s overall risk profile and risk management
activities.

Risk Management
Disclose how the organization identifies, assesses, and manages climate-­related risks.
Recommended
Disclosure a)
Describe theorganization’s processes
for identifying andassessing climate-­relatedrisks.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should describe their risk management processes for
identifying and assessing climate-­related risks. An important aspect of
this description is how organizations determine the relative significance ofclimate-­related risks in relation to other risks.
Organizations should describe whether they consider existing andemerging regulatory requirements related to climate change(e.g., limits on emissions) as well as other relevant factors considered.
Organizations should also consider disclosing the following:–– processes for assessing the potential size and scope of identified
climate-­related risks andA
Introduction–– definitions of risk terminology used or references to existing risk
classification frameworks used.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance

Recommended
Disclosure b)
Describe theorganization’s
processes for managing
climate-­related risks.

D

In describing their processes for managing climate-­related risks,
organizations should address the risks included in Tables 1 and 2(pp. 11-12), as appropriate.

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should describe their processes for managing climate-­
related risks, including how they make decisions to mitigate, transfer,accept, or control those risks. In addition, organizations should describe
their processes for prioritizing climate-­related risks, including how
materiality determinations are made within their organizations.

Recommended
Disclosure c)
Describe how processes
for identifying, assessing,and managing climate-­
related risks areintegrated into theorganization’s overall risk
management.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should describe how their processes for identifying,assessing, and managing climate-­related risks are integrated into theiroverall risk management.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

20

d. Metrics and Targets
Investors and other stakeholders need to understand how an organization measures andmonitors its climate-­related risks and opportunities. Access to the metrics and targets usedby an organization allows investors and other stakeholders to better assess the organization’s
potential risk-adjusted returns, ability to meet financial obligations, general exposure toclimate-­related issues, and progress in managing or adapting to those issues. They also provide
a basis upon which investors and other stakeholders can compare organizations within asector or industry.

Metrics and Targets
Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-­related risks
and opportunities.
Recommended
Disclosure a)
Disclose the metrics usedby the organization toassess climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities
in line with its strategy
and risk management
process.

A
Introduction

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should provide the key metrics used to measure andmanage climate-­related risks and opportunities, as described in Tables 1
and 2 (pp. 11-12). Organizations should consider including metrics on
climate-­related risks associated with water, energy, land use, and waste
management where relevant and applicable.
Where relevant, organizations should provide their internal carbon prices
as well as climate-­related opportunity metrics such as revenue fromproducts and services designed for a low-carbon economy.
Metrics should be provided for historical periods to allow for trend
analysis. In addition, where not apparent, organizations should provide a
description of the methodologies used to calculate or estimate climate-­
related metrics.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Recommended
Disclosure b)
Disclose Scope 1,
Scope 2, and, if
appropriate, Scope 3
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, and therelated risks.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should provide their Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions
and, if appropriate, Scope 3 GHG emissions and the related risks. 30

Recommended
Disclosure c)
Describe the targets usedby the organization to
manage climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities
and performance against
targets.

Guidance for All Sectors
Organizations should describe their key climate-­related targets such as
those related to GHG emissions, water usage, energy usage, etc., in linewith anticipated regulatory requirements or market constraints or othergoals. Other goals may include efficiency or financial goals, financial loss
tolerances, avoided GHG emissions through the entire product life cycle,
or net revenue goals for products and services designed for a low-carbon
economy.

GHG emissions should be calculated in line with the GHG Protocol
methodology to allow for aggregation and comparability acrossorganizations and jurisdictions. 31
As appropriate, organizations should consider providing related, generally
accepted industry-specific GHG efficiency ratios. 32

In describing their targets, organizations should consider including thefollowing:–– whether the target is absolute or intensity based,–– time frames over which the target applies,–– base year from which progress is measured, and–– key performance indicators used to assess progress against targets.
Where not apparent, organizations should provide a description of themethodologies used to calculate targets and measures.

Emissions are a prime driver of rising global temperatures and, as such, are a key focal point of policy, regulatory, market, andtechnology responses to limit climate change. As a result, organizations with significant emissions are likely to be impacted moresignificantly by transition risk than other organizations. In addition, current or future constraints on emissions, either directly byemission restrictions or indirectly through carbon budgets, may impact organizations financially. See the All Sector guidance in the
Annex if you have any questions.
31
While challenges remain, the GHG Protocol methodology is the most widely recognized and used international standard for calculating
GHG emissions.
32
For industries with high energy consumption, metrics related to emission intensity are important to provide. For example, emissions
per unit of economic output (e.g., unit of production, number of employees, or value-added) is widely used. See sector-specificsupplemental guidance for more information.
30

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

21

3. Supplemental Guidance for Financial and Non-Financial Sectors
The Task Force also developed supplemental guidance for the financial sector as well as forcertain non-financial sectors (see the Annex). The supplemental guidance assists preparers
in the financial sector and other sectors potentially most affected by climate change and thetransition to a lower-carbon economy by providing additional context and suggestions for
implementing the recommended disclosures and should be used in conjunction with theguidance for all sectors.
Figure 5 provides a mapping of the recommendations (governance, strategy, etc.) andrecommended disclosures (a, b, c) for which supplemental guidance was developed for the
relevant industries and groups in the financial and non-financial sectors. The majority ofthe sector-specific guidance relates to the recommendations and supporting recommended
disclosures on strategy and metrics and targets. The supplemental guidance is not intended
to be exhaustive and examples of metrics are provided for illustrative purposes for the
non-financial sectors. Organizations are encouraged to define metrics and targets that address
the key disclosure areas in the Task Force’s sector-specific supplemental guidance and toprovide additional metrics tailored to their particular climate-­related risks and opportunities.
In determining the most relevant and useful metrics, organizations are encouraged to engage

A

with their key stakeholders, including investors.

Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Figure 5

Supplemental Guidance for Financial and Non-Financial Sectors

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

Governance

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

Industries and Groups

E

F
Conclusion

A

B

C

Risk
Management

Metrics andTargets

A

A

B

n

C

B

n n n nn

Asset Owners

n n n nn nAsset Managers

n

n n

n n

n

n

n n

EnergynCnInsurance
Companies

Appendices

Non-Financial

B

n

Banks

Financial ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

A

Strategy

Transportation

n n

n n n

Materials andBuildings

n n

n n n

Agriculture, Food,and Forest Products

n n

n n n

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

22

While climate change affects virtually all economic sectors and activities, the level of exposureand the impact of climate-­related risks differs by organization, sector, and industry. 33 Sectors
with a significant exposure to energy or water dependencies, significant GHG emissions, or
physical locations subject to acute or chronic physical impacts are particularly vulnerable toboth physical and transition climate-­related risks. For example, sectors with significant GHG
emissions and energy usage may be disproportionately affected by transition risks, suchas policy and technology changes; sectors with dependencies on water may be significantly
affected by physical risks, such as floods and droughts.

a. Financial Sector
The Task Force developed supplemental guidance for the financial sector with a specific focus
on banks, insurance companies, asset managers, and asset owners (which include public- andprivate-sector pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, and foundations). The
Task Force believes that disclosures by the financial sector could foster an early assessmentof climate-­related risks and opportunities, improve pricing of climate-­related risks, and leadto more informed capital allocation decisions. Such disclosures might also “provide a sourceof data that can be analyzed at a systemic level, to facilitate authorities’ assessments of themateriality of any risks posed by climate change to the financial sector, and the channels
through which this is most likely to be transmitted.” 34

A
Introduction

b. Non-Financial Sectors
The Task Force developed supplemental guidance for the non-financial sectors with a specificfocus on 12 industries that account for the largest proportion of GHG emissions, energy usage,
and water usage. These industries were organized into four groups—Energy; Materials andBuildings; Transportation; and Agriculture, Food, and Forest Products—based on similarities inclimate-­related risks as shown in Box 2 (p. 24).

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

33

34

SASB research demonstrates that 72 out of 79 Sustainable Industry Classification System (SICS™) industries are significantly affectedin some way by climate-­related risk.
FSB, “Proposal for a Disclosure Task Force on Climate-Related Risks,” November 9, 2015.
www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/Disclosure-task-force-on-climate-­related-risks.pdf.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

23

Box 2

Selected Non-Financial Industries/Sub-Industries by Disclosure GroupIn an effort to focus supplemental disclosure guidance on those non-financial sectors and industries withthe highest likelihood of climate-­related financial impacts, the Task Force assessed three factors most
likely to be affected by both transition risk (policy and legal, technology, market, and reputation) andphysical risk (acute and chronic)—GHG emissions, energy usage, and water usage.
The underlying premise in using these three factors is that climate-­related physical and transition risks
will likely manifest themselves primarily and broadly in the form of constraints on GHG emissions, effects
on energy production and usage, and effects on water availability, usage, and quality. Other factors, suchas waste management and land use, are also important, but may not be as determinative across a wide
range of industries or may be captured in one of the primary categories.
In taking this approach, the Task Force consulted a number of sources regarding the ranking of various
sectors and industries according to these three factors. The various rankings were used to determine an
overall set of sectors and industries that have significant exposure to transition or physical risks related
to GHG emissions, energy, or water. The sectors and industries were grouped into four categories ofindustries that have similar sets of economic activities and climate risk exposures.
These four groups and their associated industries are intended to be indicative of the economic activities
associated with these industries rather than definitive industry categories. Other industries with similar
activities and climate-­related exposures should consider the guidance as well.
The Task Force validated its approach using a variety of sources, including:
TCFD Phase I report public consultation, soliciting more than 200 responses which ranked Energy,
1 The
Utilities, Materials, Industrials and Consumer Staples/Discretionary, in that order, as the Global Industry
Classification Standard (GICS) sectors most important for disclosure guidelines to cover.

sector-specific disclosure guidance documents, to understand various breakdowns by
2 Numerous
economic activity, sector, and industries, including from the following sources: CDP, GHG Protocol,

Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Institutional
Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), IPIECA (the global oil and gas industry association forenvironmental and social issues), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report “Climate Change 2014 – Mitigation
3 The
of Climate Change,” which provides an analysis of global direct and indirect emissions by economic

sector. The IPCC analysis highlights the dominant emissions-producing sectors as Energy; Industry;
Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use; and Transportation and Buildings (Commercial and
Residential).

esearch and documentation from NGO and industry organizations that provide information on
4 Rwhichindustries have the highest exposures to climate change, including those from: Cambridge

Institute of Sustainability Leadership, China’s National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC),
Environmental Resources Management (ERM), IEA, S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s, and WRI/UNEPFI.

Based on its assessment, the Task Force identified the sectors and industries listed in the table below as
those that would most benefit from supplemental sector-specific guidance.

EnergyTransportation

Materials andBuildings

Agriculture, Food,and Forest Products–– Oil and Gas–– Air Freight–– Metals and Mining–– Beverage–– Coal–– Passenger Air
Transportation–– Chemicals–– Agriculture–– Construction
Materials–– Packaged Foods
and Meats–– Capital Goods–– Paper and Forest
Products–– Electric Utilities–– Maritime
Transportation–– Rail Transportation–– Trucking Services–– Automobiles–– Real EstateManagement andDevelopment–– Related
Transportation
Infrastructure

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

24

For each of the four groups, the Task Force developed supplemental guidance intended
to provide further technical background for organizations to consider in formulating theirdisclosures under the Task Force’s recommendations. Nevertheless, organizations that may
not belong to one of the four groups may still wish to review and consider the issues and topics
contained in the supplemental guidance.
Organizations should disclose the financial implications related to significant physical risks(e.g., reliance on water in areas of high water stress, severe weather events, or flooding) andtransition risks (e.g., policy, technology, or market changes) and related opportunities (seerisks and opportunities outlined in Tables 1 and 2 (pp. 11-12). In particular, organizations
should consider the financial implications of transition and physical risks and opportunities in
the following areas:35
Income Statement
Revenues — As the demand for end products (e.g., energy) evolves due to changes in■■climate-­related policies, technology, and market dynamics, organizations should consider
the potential impact on their future revenues and identify potential opportunities
for enhancing current revenues or developing new revenues. In particular, given theA

increasing number of jurisdictions adopting explicit carbon pricing as a mechanism toIntroduction

regulate emissions, it is important for energy- and emission-dependent industries toBconsider the potential impacts of carbon pricing on existing and future business revenues.

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Expenditures — An organization’s response to climate-­related risks and opportunities■■

depends in part on the organization’s cost structure. Lower-cost suppliers are likely
to be more resilient to cost and demand changes in the market as a result of climate-­

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

related risks and opportunities and more flexible in their ability to address such risksD

flexibility in relation to various climate-­related risks and opportunities, organizations

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

will be better able to inform investors about the investment potentials for a particularand opportunities. By discussing and providing an indication of their cost structure andorganization.

E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Balance Sheet
Assets and Liabilities — Supply and demand changes due to climate-­related policy,■■

technological, or market changes also could impact the valuation of an organization’sFassets or cost of its liabilities going forward. On the asset side, utilization of long-lived

Conclusion

assets and, where relevant, reserves may be particularly affected by climate-­related risks

Appendicesor opportunities. On the liability side, organizations may face changes in borrowing orother financing costs and various contingent liabilities. It is important for organizations
to provide an indication of the climate-­related profile of their assets and liabilities,
particularly long-lived assets and reserves. This should focus on existing and committed
future activities and decisions requiring new investment, restructuring, write-downs, or
impairment.
Capital — Organizations may have capital investments that have long payback periods.

■■

Given this longer time period, the likelihood of risk profiles changing is higher. It is
important for organizations and stakeholders to have an understanding of capital
allocation and how this relates back to climate-­related risks and opportunities as well asorganizations’ flexibility in shifting capital allocation in the face of changing climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities.

35

Further explanation of these areas is provided in Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

25

D	Scenario Analysis
and Climate-Related
IssuesD Scenario Analysis and Climate-Related Issues
Some organizations are affected by risks associated with climate change today. However, formany organizations, the most significant effects of climate change are likely to emerge overthe medium to longer term and their timing and magnitude are uncertain. This uncertainty
presents challenges for individual organizations in understanding the potential effects ofclimate change on their businesses, strategies, and financial performance. To appropriately
incorporate the potential effects in their planning processes, organizations need to consider
how their risks and opportunities may evolve and the potential implications under different
conditions. One way to do this is through the use of scenario analysis.
Scenario analysis is a well-established method for developing strategic plans that are more
flexible or robust to a range of future states. The use of scenario analysis for assessing climate-­
related risks and opportunities and their potential implications, however, is relatively recent.
While several organizations use scenario analysis to assess the potential effects of climatechange, only a few have disclosed results publicly and fewer still have disclosed information
about their scenario analyses in financial filings. 36
A

The disclosure of organizations’ forward-looking assessments of climate-­related issues is

Introduction

important for investors and other stakeholders in understanding how vulnerable individualB

organizations are to transition and physical climate-­related risks and how such vulnerabilities

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

are or would be addressed. As a result, the Task Force believes that organizations should use
scenario analysis to assess potential business, strategic, and financial implications of climate-­
related risks and opportunities and disclose those in their financial filings.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

Scenario analysis is an important and useful tool for understanding thestrategic implications of climate-­related risks and opportunities.

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues
E

This section provides additional information on using scenario analysis as a tool to assess potential

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

implications of climate-­related risks and opportunities. In addition, a technical supplement,“The Use of Scenario Analysis in Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities,” on theF

Task Force’s website provides further information on the types of climate-­related scenarios, theConclusion

application of scenario analysis, and the key challenges in implementing scenario analysis.37

Appendices

1. Overview of Scenario Analysis
Scenario analysis is a process for identifying and assessing a potential range of outcomes of
future events under conditions of uncertainty. Scenarios are hypothetical constructs and notintended to represent a full description of the possible future. Instead, scenarios provide a way
for organizations to consider how the future might look if certain trends continue or certain
conditions are met. In the case of climate change, for example, scenarios allow an organization
to explore and develop an understanding of how the physical and transition risks of climatechange may impact its businesses, strategies, and financial performance over time.
Scenario analysis can be qualitative, relying on descriptive, written narratives, or quantitative,
relying on numerical data and models, or some combination of both. Qualitative scenario
analysis explores relationships and trends for which little or no numerical data is available,
while quantitative scenario analysis can assess a range of potential financial or othermeasurable impacts. Both rely on scenarios that are internally consistent, logical, and based on
explicit assumptions and constraints that result in plausible future development paths.
Some organizations in the energy and investment sectors have made public disclosures based on climate-­related scenario analysis
and discussed how the energy transition would affect their current asset portfolio, including in some instances publishing that
information in their financial filings.
37
https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/publication/technical-supplement/
36

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

27

As summarized in Figure 6, there are several reasons why scenario analysis is a useful tool fororganizations in assessing the potential implications of climate-­related risks and opportunities.
Figure 6

Reasons to Consider Using Scenario Analysis for Climate Change

1

Scenario analysis can help organizations consider issues, like climate change, that havethe following characteristics:–– Possible outcomes that are highly uncertain (e.g., the physical response of the climate
and ecosystems to higher levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere)–– Outcomes that will play out over the medium to longer term (e.g., timing, distribution,and mechanisms of the transition to a lower-carbon economy)–– Potential disruptive effects that, due to uncertainty and complexity, are substantial

A
Introduction

2

Scenario analysis can enhance organizations’ strategic conversations about the future
by considering, in a more structured manner, what may unfold that is different frombusiness-as-usual. Importantly, it broadens decision makers’ thinking across a range ofplausible scenarios, including scenarios where climate-­related impacts can be significant.

3

Scenario analysis can help organizations frame and assess the potential range of plausible
business, strategic, and financial impacts from climate change and the associatedmanagement actions that may need to be considered in strategic and financial plans. Thiscan lead to more robust strategies under a wider range of uncertain future conditions.

4

Scenario analysis can help organizations identify indicators to monitor the external
environment and better recognize when the environment is moving toward a different
scenario state (or to a different stage along a scenario path). This allows organizations theopportunity to reassess and adjust their strategies and financial plans accordingly. 38

5Scenario analysis can assist investors in understanding the robustness of organizations’strategies and financial plans and in comparing risks and opportunities acrossorganizations.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues
E

2. Exposure to Climate-Related Risks

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

The effects of climate change on specific sectors, industries, and individual organizations arehighly variable (see Box 3 on p. 30). It is important, therefore, that all organizations consider

F

applying a basic level of scenario analysis in their strategic planning and risk management

Conclusion

processes. Organizations more significantly affected by transition risk (e.g., fossil fuel-basedindustries, energy-intensive manufacturers, and transportation activities) and/or physical risk

Appendices(e.g., agriculture, transportation and building infrastructure, insurance, and tourism) should
consider a more in-depth application of scenario analysis. 39

a. Exposure to Transition Risks
Transition risk scenarios are particularly relevant for resource-intensive organizations with highGHG emissions within their value chains, where policy actions, technology, or market changes
aimed at emissions reductions, energy efficiency, subsidies or taxes, or other constraints or
incentives may have a particularly direct effect.

J. Maack, Scenario Analysis: A Tool for Task Managers.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPSIA/Resources/490023-1121114603600/13053_scenarioanalysis.pdf.
39
Transition risk is the risk around the nature, extent and timing of climate-­related policies, the deployment of climate-friendly
technologies, and market changes in response to climate-­related risks. Physical risks are those associated with the physical effects ofclimate change, and potential impacts on organizations include physical damage to assets, business disruptions, and increased capital
expenditures needed to address variations in weather patterns.
38

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

28

A key type of transition risk scenario is a so-called 2°C scenario, which lays out a pathway andan emissions trajectory consistent with holding the increase in the global average temperature
to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. A 2°C scenario provides a common reference point that isaligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and will support investors’ evaluation of thepotential magnitude and timing of transition-related implications for individual organizations
across different organizations within a sector; and across different sectors.

b. Exposure to Physical Risks
A wide range of organizations are exposed to climate-­related physical risks. Physical climate-­
related scenarios are particularly relevant for organizations exposed to acute or chronic
climate change, such as those with:long-lived, fixed assets;■■locations or operations in climate-sensitive regions (e.g., coastal and flood zones);■■reliance on availability of water; and■■value chains exposed to the above.

■■

Physical risk scenarios generally identify extreme weather threats of moderate or higherArisk before 2030 and a larger number and range of physical threats between 2030 and 2050.

Introduction

Although most climate models deliver scenario results for physical impacts beyond 2050,

B

organizations typically focus on the financial consequences of physical risk scenarios over

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

shorter time frames that reflect the lifetimes of their respective assets or liabilities, which varyacross sectors and organizations.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

3. Recommended Approach to Scenario Analysis

D

The Task Force believes that all organizations exposed to climate-­related risks should consider:

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues(1) using scenario analysis to help inform their strategic and financial planning processes and(2) disclosing the potential impacts and related organizational responses. The Task ForceE

recognizes that, for many organizations, scenario analysis is or would be a highly qualitative

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

exercise. However, organizations with more significant exposure to transition risk and/or
physical risk should undertake more rigorous qualitative and, if relevant, quantitative scenario
analysis.

F
Conclusion

A critical aspect of scenario analysis is the selection of a set of scenarios (not just one) that

Appendicescovers a reasonable variety of future outcomes, both favorable and unfavorable. In thisregard, the Task Force recommends organizations use a 2°C scenario in addition to two or
three other scenarios most relevant to their circumstances, such as scenarios related to
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), business-as-usual scenarios, or other challenging
scenarios.40

40“The Use of Scenario Analysis in Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities” provides more information on scenario inputs,
analytical assumptions and choices, and assessment and presentation of strategic and financial impacts

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures29

Box 3

Analyses of Sectors and Industries Affected by Climate-Related Risks

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

MercerInvesting in a Time of
Climate Change

Highlights the potential variability of climate change on returns across
14 asset classes and 14 industry sectors over a 35-year period. It
concludes that median annual returns could vary from +3.5% (forrenewables) to -4.9% (for coal) under different climate scenarios.

Moody’s InvestorsService
Environmental Risks
Heat Map

Qualitatively scores 86 rated sectors globally for credit exposure toenvironmental risks in terms of both the materiality and timing of
any likely credit effects. Scoring is based on five subcategories ofenvironmental risk, of which one subcategory is carbon regulation.
It identified 13 sectors with very high or high exposure to carbon
regulations.

S&P Global Ratings
How Environmental
and Climate Risks
Factor Into Corporate
Ratings

Identifies subsectors which are most exposed to environmental andclimate-­related risks and how ratings have been impacted over a twoyear look back period by risk. Highlights nearly 300 cases where suchrisks impacted the rating analysis and around 60 cases where rating
revisions were made.

Sustainability
AccountingStandards Board
Technical Bulletin
2016-01 on Climate
Risk

Profiles climate-­related risk across 79 industries related to: physicaleffects; transition to a low-carbon economy; and climate-­related
regulation. It also considers revenue impacts, cost impacts, asset
impacts, and financing impacts. It identified 72 industries significantly
affected by climate-­related risk, although the risk manifests itself
differently from one industry to the next.

World Resources
Institute (WRI) andUnited Nations
Environment
Program FinanceInitiative (UNEP FI)
Proposed Discussion
Framework on Carbon
Asset Risk

Explores sector-level exposure to three indicators of carbon risk
(sector carbon intensity of sales, physical assets life span, and EBIT
margin). The report identifies sectors with the highest potential
exposure to a low-carbon transition. They include organizations with:–– fossil assets: coal and consumable fuels that have high carbon
intensity per $ sales,–– fossil-fuel-dependent infrastructure such as utilities, pipelines,
airports and railways that have high physical asset life spans,–– high-carbon assets facing a shift to low-carbon technologies(e.g., energy-using equipment in the transport sector), and–– high carbon assets without low-carbon competitors (such as for
production of basic materials).

F
Conclusion
Appendices

For an organization at the initial or early stages of implementing scenario analysis or withlimited exposure to climate-­related issues, the Task Force recommends disclosing how,qualitatively or directionally, the organization’s strategy and financial plans may be affectedunder relevant climate change scenarios. This information helps investors, lenders, insurance
underwriters, and other stakeholders understand the robustness of an organization’s forwardlooking strategy and financial plans across a range of possible future states. Scenario analysis
disclosures can be most useful when they are related to the organization’s main financial
information.
Organizations with more significant exposure to climate-­related issues should consider
disclosing key inputs and assumptions related to their scenario analysis to allow users tounderstand the process and its limitations. In particular, it is important to understand thecritical parameters and assumptions that materially affect the conclusions drawn.41 As a result,the Task Force believes that organizations with significant climate-­related exposures should
strive to disclose the elements described in Figure 7 (p. 31).

41

“The Use of Scenario Analysis in Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities” provides more information on scenario inputs,
analytical assumptions and choices, and assessment and presentation of strategic and financial impacts.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

30

42 43Figure 7

Disclosure Considerations for Certain Non-Financial Organizations
Organizations with more significant exposure to climate-­related issues should consider disclosing key
aspects of their scenario analysis, such as the ones described below.

1

The scenarios used, including the 2°C scenario, the key assumptions and considerations
underlying each scenario, and whether scenarios with major disruptions (positive andnegative) from business-as-usual (breakthroughs, breakdowns) were considered 422

Any adjustments or differences of the 2°C scenario used from publicly available
2°C scenarios

3

Critical input parameters, assumptions, and analytical choices for the scenarios used,
including such factors as:–– Internal carbon prices and assumptions of how they develop over time 43–– Assumptions about policy responses and timing–– Assumptions about technology responses and timing (e.g., evolution of products/services,
the technology used to produce them, and costs to implement)A–– Assumptions made around potential differences in input parameters across regions,countries, asset locations, and/or markets

Introduction–– Approximate sensitivities to key assumptions

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C

4Time frames used for scenarios, including short-, medium-, and long-term milestones (e.g.,
how organizations consider timing of potential future implications under the scenarios used)5

Information about the conclusions drawn from scenario analysis, including the organization’s
likely strategic performance under the various scenarios considered, potential implications
for the organization’s value chain, capital allocation decisions, research and development
expenditures, and material financial implications for the organization’s operating results
and/or financial position

Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

4. Applying Scenario Analysis

E

While the Task Force recognizes the complexities of scenario analysis and the potential

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

resources needed to conduct it, it encourages organizations to use scenario analysis to assessclimate-­related risks and opportunities. For organizations just beginning to use scenario
analysis, a qualitative approach that progresses and deepens over time may be appropriate.44

F

Greater rigor and sophistication in the use of data and quantitative models and analysis

Conclusion

may be warranted for organizations with more extensive experience in conducting scenario

Appendicesanalysis. Organizations may decide to use existing external scenarios and models (e.g., those
provided by third-party vendors) or develop their own, in-house modeling capabilities. The
choice of approach will depend on an organization’s needs, resources, and capabilities.
In conducting scenario analysis, organizations should strive to achieve:
transparency around parameters, assumptions, analytical approaches, and time frames;■■

comparability of results across different scenarios and analytical approaches;■■

adequate documentation for the methodology, assumptions, data sources, and analytics;■■

consistency of methodology year over year;■■

sound governance over the scenario analysis conduct, validation, approval, and application;■■

The objective of the Paris Agreement is to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial
levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. The IEA is developing a 1.5°C scenario that organizations may
find useful.
43
For example, the assumptions made about how internal carbon prices would develop over time; whether the internal carbon priceapplies to specific facilities or projections of demand for fossil fuels, only at the margin or as a base cost; whether it is applied to
specific economic sectors or across the whole economy and in what regions; or whether a common internal carbon price is used at
multiple points in time or differentiated prices.
44
Organizations considering undertaking scenario analysis may wish to conduct various sensitivity analyses around key climate factors
as a precursor to scenario analysis, recognizing that sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis are different, but complementary,
processes.
42

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

31

linkage of scenario analysis to related financial reporting disclosures; and■■effective disclosure of scenario analysis that will inform and promote a constructive■■

dialogue between investors and organizations on the range of potential impacts androbustness of the organization’s strategy under various future climate states.
In applying scenario analysis, organizations should consider implications for their strategies,
capital allocation, and costs and revenues, both at an enterprise-wide level and at the level of
specific regions and markets where specific implications of climate change for the organization
are likely to arise. Financial-sector organizations should consider using scenario analysis toevaluate the potential impact of climate-­related scenarios on individual assets or investments,
investments or assets in a particular sector or region, or underwriting activities.
The Task Force’s supplemental guidance recognizes that organizations will be at different
levels of experience in using scenario analysis. However, it is important for organizations to
use scenario analysis and develop the necessary organizational skills and capabilities to assessclimate-­related risks and opportunities, with the expectation that organizations will evolve anddeepen their use of scenario analysis over time. The objective is to assist investors and otherstakeholders in better understanding:Athe degree of robustness of the organization’s strategy and financial plans under different

Introduction■■

plausible future states of the world;

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

how the organization may be positioning itself to take advantage of opportunities and■■plans to mitigate or adapt to climate-­related risks; andhow the organization is challenging itself to think strategically about longer-term climate-­■■C

related risks and opportunities.

Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

32

E	Key Issues Consideredand Areas for Further
Work

E Key Issues Considered and Areas for Further WorkThe diverse perspectives of Task Force members as well as outreach efforts to preparers andusers of climate-­related financial disclosures and other stakeholders provided valuable insight
into the challenges that different organizations—both non-financial and financial—may
encounter in preparing disclosures consistent with the Task Force’s recommendations. The
Task Force considered these issues and others in developing and refining its recommendations
and sought to balance the burden of disclosure on preparers with the need for consistent anddecision-useful information for users (i.e., investors, lenders, insurance underwriters, andother stakeholders). The Task Force acknowledges that its work provides a foundation forclimate-­related financial disclosures that will evolve over time. Accordingly, the Task Force has
identified several areas, as summarized in Figure 8 below, where further research, analysis,
and methodological and standards development may be useful.

Figure 8

Key Areas for Further WorkA
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Relationship to
Other Reporting
Initiatives

Encourage standard setting organizations and others to actively work
toward greater alignment of frameworks and to support adoption

Data Quality and
Financial Impact

Undertake further research and analysis to better measure and understandhow climate-­related issues translate into potential financial impacts

Reporting
GHG Emissions
Associated with
Investments

Develop methodologies for allocating emissions in asset classes
beyond equities, including non-corporate bonds, property/real estate,
infrastructure, private equity, and alternative assets

Scenario Analysis

Further develop applicable 2°C (or lower) transition scenarios andsupporting outputs and tools/user interfaces

C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion

Improve data quality, increase understanding of climate-­related risks andopportunities, and enhance risk measurement methodologies broadly

Develop broadly accepted methodologies, datasets and tools for scenariobased evaluation of physical risk by organizations
Make datasets and tools publicly available and provide commonly available
platforms for scenario analysis

Appendices

1. Relationship to Other Reporting Initiatives
Some organizations expressed concern that multiple disclosure frameworks and mandatory
reporting requirements increase the administrative burden of disclosure efforts. Specifically,
the additional time, cost, and effort required to analyze and disclose new climate-­related
information could penalize those with less capacity to respond.
The Task Force considered existing voluntary and mandatory climate-­related reporting
frameworks in developing its recommendations and provides information in the Annex on thealignment of existing frameworks, including those developed by the CDP (formerly the Carbon
Disclosure Project), Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), the Global Reporting Initiative(GRI), the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), and the Sustainability AccountingStandards Board (SASB), with the Task Force’s recommended disclosures. The Task Force’s
recommendations provide a common set of principles that should help existing disclosure
regimes come into closer alignment over time. Preparers, users, and other stakeholders share
a common interest in encouraging such alignment as it relieves a burden for reporting entities,
reduces fragmented disclosure, and provides greater comparability for users. The Task Forcealso encourages standard setting bodies to support adoption of the recommendations andalignment with the recommended disclosures.
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

34

2. Location of Disclosures and Materiality
In considering possible reporting venues,
the Task Force reviewed existing regimes

Figure 9

for climate-­related disclosures across G20

Reporting by Asset Owners

countries. While many G20 countries have

The financial reporting requirements and practicesof asset owners vary widely and differ from what
is required of organizations with public debt
or equity. Some asset owners have no public
reporting, while others provide extensive public
reporting. For purposes of adopting the Task
Force’s recommendations, asset owners should
use their existing channels of financial reporting totheir beneficiaries and others where relevant andfeasible.

rules or regulatory guidance that require
climate-­related disclosure for organizations,most are not explicitly focused on climate-­
related financial information.45 In addition,
the locations of these disclosures varysignificantly and range from surveys sent toregulators to sustainability reports to annual
financial filings (see Appendix 3).
The Task Force also reviewed financial filing
requirements applicable to public companies
across G20 countries and found that in mostG20 countries, issuers have a legal obligationA

to disclose material risks in their financial

Introduction

reports—which includes material, climate-­B

related risks. Such reporting may take the

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

form of a general disclosure of material
information, but many jurisdictions require
disclosure of material information in specificC

sections of the financial filing (e.g., in a

Recommendationsand Guidance

discussion on risk factors).46

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

Based on its review, the Task ForceE

financial disclosures provide such disclosures ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

in their mainstream (i.e., public) financial

recommends preparers of climate-­related

Reporting by Asset Managers
Reporting to clients by asset managers also takes
different forms, depending on the requirementsof the client and the types of investments made.
For example, an investor in a mutual fund might
receive quarterly, or download from the asset
manager’s website, a “fund fact sheet” that reports,
among other information, the top holdings byvalue, the top performers by returns, and thecarbon footprint of the portfolio against a statedbenchmark. An investor in a segregated account(one in which he or she is the sole investor)
might receive more detailed reporting, including
items such as the aggregate carbon intensity ofthe portfolio compared with a benchmark, theportfolio’s exposure to green revenue (and how
this changes over time), or insight into portfolio
positioning under different climate scenarios.
The Task Force appreciates that climate-­related
risk reporting by asset managers is in the very earlystages and encourages progress and innovationby the industry.

filings. The Task Force believes publication ofclimate-­related financial information in mainstream financial filings will ensure that appropriate

F
Conclusion

controls govern the production and disclosure of the required information.

AppendicesSome of the Task Force’s recommended disclosures are line item disclosures, and some involvean assessment of materiality. The Task Force believes it is important to an understandingof an organization’s financial and operating results to have insight into the governance andrisk management context in which such results are achieved. The recommended disclosuresrelated to governance and risk management directly address this need for context. For therecommended disclosures that involve an assessment of materiality, the Task Force believesorganizations should determine materiality for climate-­related issues consistent with howthey determine the materiality of other risks affecting their business and consistent with
their financial filing requirements. The Task Force cautions organizations against prematurely
concluding that climate-­related risks and opportunities are not material based on perceptionsof the longer-term nature of some climate-­related risks. Organizations have extensive
experience with evaluating the materiality of particular risks, and the Task Force is confident
they will bring that experience to bear in addressing climate-­related risks.

45

46

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and CDSB, “Climate Change Disclosure in G20 Countries: Stocktaking ofCorporate Reporting Schemes.” November 18, 2015. www.oecd.org/investment/corporate-climate-change-disclosure-report.htm.
N. Ganci, S. Hammer, T. Reilly, and P. Rodel, “Environmental and Climate Change Disclosure under the Securities Laws:
A Multijurisdictional Survey.” Debevoise & Plimpton, March 2016. http://www.debevoise.com/~/media/files/insights/
publications/2016/03/20160316_environmental_and_climate_change_disclosure_under_the_security.pdf.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

35

The Task Force recognizes reporting by asset managers and asset owners to their clientsand beneficiaries, respectively, generally occurs outside mainstream financial filings(Figure 9, p. 35). For purposes of adopting the Task Force’s recommendations, asset
managers and asset owners should use their existing channels of financial reporting totheir clients and beneficiaries where relevant and where feasible.

3. Sensitivities Around Transparency
Some organizations expressed concern about the potential commercial and litigation risks
associated with disclosing climate-­related financial information, particularly as part of theirfinancial filings. Some noted concerns about disclosing information on scenario analysis that iscommercially sensitive to an organization’s competitive position, such as assumptions aroundfuture changes in government policy and commodity (including carbon) prices. Others notedthat the disclosures could put organizations at greater risk of litigation given the high degree of
uncertainty around the future timing and magnitude of climate-­related impacts.
The Task Force recognizes that organizations may want more experience with scenario
analysis before including such information in financial filings. While disclosure in mainstreamAfinancial filings should be the ultimate goal of preparers, disclosure via other forms (e.g.,

Introduction

website, sustainability report) may be an interim step on the path to disclosure in mainstreamBfinancial filings. In addition, the Task Force encourages organizations to disclose forward-

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

looking, decision-useful information consistent with the recommended disclosures along withappropriate cautionary language that allows users of the disclosures to understand the factorsthat drove the assessment.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
WorkF

4. Data Quality and Financial Impact
Some preparers expressed concern about assessing and disclosing the financial implicationsof climate change with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. The most common difficulties
identified are summarized below.
The gaps in emissions measurement methodologies, including Scope 3 emissions 47■■

and product life-cycle emissions 48 methodologies, make reliable and accurate
estimates difficult.

Conclusion

The lack of robust and cost-effective tools to quantify the potential impact of climate-­■■

Appendicesrelated risks and opportunities at the asset and/or project level makes aggregation acrossan organization’s activities and/or investment portfolios problematic and costly.
The need to consider the variability of climate-­related impacts across and within different■■

sectors and markets further complicates the process (and magnifies the cost) of assessing
potential climate-­related financial impacts.
The high degree of uncertainty around the timing and magnitude of climate-­related risks■■

makes it difficult to determine and disclose the potential impacts with precision.
The Task Force recognizes these challenges and encourages preparers to include in theirdisclosures a description of gaps, limitations, and assumptions made as part of theirassessment of climate-­related issues. In addition, the Task Force encourages further research
and analysis by sector and industry experts to better measure and understand how climate-­
related issues translate into potential financial impacts.

47

48

Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream anddownstream emissions. GHG Protocol, http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/faq.
Product life cycle emissions are all the emissions associated with the production and use of a specific product, from cradle to grave,including emissions from raw materials, manufacture, transport, storage, sale, use, and disposal. GHG Protocol,
www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/faq.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

36

5. Reporting GHG Emissions Associated with Investments
As part of the Task Force’s discussions with preparers, some asset owners and asset managers
expressed concern about reporting on emissions related to their own or their clients’investments given the current data challenges and existing accounting guidance on how tomeasure and report GHG emissions associated with investments. In particular, they voiced
concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the reported data, which is mainly limited tolisted companies, as well as data gaps for several asset classes, including non-corporate bonds,
property/real estate, infrastructure, private equity, and alternative assets. They also noted
issues related to methodology, including double counting of emissions and aggregating within
an asset class and across multiple asset classes.
The Task Force acknowledges the challenges and limitations of reporting GHG emissions
associated with investments, including that GHG emissions should not necessarily beinterpreted as a risk metric. However, the Task Force believes reporting metrics that provide
some visibility into the concentration of carbon-related assets is important. The Task Forceviews the reporting of GHG emissions associated with investments as a first step and expects
disclosure of this information to prompt important advancements in the development ofdecision-useful, climate-­related risk metrics. As such, the Task Force encourages asset owners

Aand asset managers to report to their beneficiaries and clients GHG emissions associatedIntroduction

with their investments, where feasible, consistent with the GHG Protocol methodology andB
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

normalized for every million of the reporting currency invested. The Task Force recognizes
that some asset owners and asset managers may be able to report such information on only
a portion of their investments given data availability and methodological issues. Nonetheless,increasing the number of organizations reporting this type of information should help speedCthe development of better climate-­related risk metrics.

Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

6. Scenario Analysis

Ea well-established strategic planning tool for addressing uncertain futures, but its application

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

As described in section D on Scenario Analysis and Climate-Related Issues, scenario analysis is
to climate-­related risks and opportunities is relatively recent. The Task Force recognizes thatincorporating scenario analysis into strategic and financial planning processes will evolveF

over time as organizations “learn by doing.” To facilitate progress in this area, the Task ForceConclusion

encourages further work as follows:

Appendicesfurther developing applicable 2°C (or lower) transition scenarios and supporting outputs■■

and tools/user interfaces, including sector or geographic scenarios;
developing broadly accepted methodologies, data sets, and tools for scenario-based■■

evaluation of physical risk by organizations;making these data sets and tools publicly available to facilitate use by organizations,■■

reduce organizational transaction costs, minimize gaps between jurisdictions in terms oftechnical expertise, enhance comparability of climate risk assessments by organizations,and help ensure comparability for investors; andcreating more industry specific (financial and non-financial) guidance for preparers and■■users of climate-­related scenarios.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

37

7. Accounting Considerations
As part of its work, the Task Force considered the interconnectivity of its recommendations
with existing financial statement and disclosure requirements. The Task Force determined thatthe two primary accounting standard setting bodies, the International Accounting Standards
Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), have issued standards
to address risks and uncertainties affecting companies. Both International AccountingStandard (IAS) 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” and AccountingStandards Codification (ASC) 450 “Contingencies” provide guidance on how to account forand disclose contingencies. Additionally, IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” and ASC 360 “Longlived Asset Impairment” provide guidance on assessing the impairment of long-lived assets.
The disclosures of both contingencies and management’s assessment and evaluation of
long-lived assets for potential impairment are critically important in assisting stakeholders inunderstanding an organization’s ability to meet future reported earnings and cash flow goals.
In most G20 countries, financial executives will recognize that the Task Force’s disclosure
recommendations will result in more quantitative financial disclosures, particularly disclosureof metrics, about the financial impact that climate-­related risks have or could have on anorganization. Specifically, asset impairments may result from assets adversely impacted by theAeffects of climate change and/or additional liabilities may need to be recorded to account for

Introduction

regulatory fines and penalties resulting from enhanced regulatory standards. Additionally, cash

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

flows from operations, net income, and access to capital could all be impacted by the effects
of climate-­related risks (and opportunities). Therefore, financial executives (e.g., chief financial
officers, chief accounting officers, and controllers) will need to be involved in the organization’s
evaluation of climate-­related risks and opportunities and the efforts undertaken to manage theC
Recommendationsand Guidancerisks and maximize the opportunities. Finally, careful consideration will need to be given to theDrisks and opportunities (as suggested in the Task Force’s recommendations) and assumptions

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

underlying cash flow analyses used to assess asset (e.g., goodwill, intangibles, and fixed assets)linkage between scenario analyses performed to assess the potential impact of climate-­related

impairments.

E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

8. Time Frames for Short, Medium, and Long TermF

The Task Force acknowledges the difficulties in specifying time frames across sectors forConclusion

short, medium, and long term given that the timing of climate-­related impacts on businesses

Appendiceswill vary—particularly policy, technology, and market risks. The Task Force is, therefore, notspecifying time frames and encourages preparers to decide how to define their own timeframes according to the life of their assets, the profile of the climate-­related risks they face,
and/or the sectors and geographies in which they operate.
In assessing climate-­related issues, organizations should be sensitive to the time frames used
to conduct their assessments. While many organizations conduct operational and financial
planning over a 1-2 year time frame and strategic and capital planning over a 2-5 year timeframe, climate-­related risks may have implications for an organization over a longer period.
It is, therefore, important for organizations to consider the appropriate time frames whenassessing climate-­related risks.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

38

9. Scope of Coverage
To promote more informed investing, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions, the Task
Force recommends all financial and non-financial organizations with public debt and/or equity
adopt its recommendations.49 Because climate-­related risks and opportunities are relevant
for organizations across all sectors, the Task Force encourages all other organizations to adopt
these recommendations as well. In addition, the Task Force believes that asset managers
and asset owners, including public- and private-sector pension plans, insurance companies,
endowments, and foundations, should implement its recommendations. The Task Forcebelieves climate-­related financial information should be provided to asset managers’ clientsand asset owners’ beneficiaries so that they may better understand the performance of theirassets, consider the risks of their investments, and make more informed investment choices.
Consistent with existing global stewardship frameworks, asset owners should engage withthe organizations in which they invest to encourage adoption of these recommendations.
They should also ask their asset managers to adopt these recommendations. Asset owners’
expectations in relation to climate-­related risk reporting from organizations and asset
managers are likely to evolve as data quality improves, understanding of climate-­related riskincreases, and risk measurement methodologies are further developed.

A
Introduction

The Task Force recognizes that several asset owners expressed concern about beingB

identified as the potential “policing body” charged with ensuring adoption of the Task

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Force’s recommendations by asset managers and underlying organizations. The Task
Force appreciates that expectations must be reasonable and that asset owners have many
competing priorities, but encourages them to help drive adoption of the recommendations.

C

Because asset owners and asset managers sit at the top of the investment chain, they have an

Recommendationsand Guidance

important role to play in influencing the organizations in which they invest to provide betterclimate-­related financial disclosures.

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

10. Organizational Ownership
Some organizations have not formalized responsibility for climate-­related risk assessment andmanagement. Even for organizations with clearly assigned responsibilities for climate-­related
issues, the relationship between those responsible for climate risk (e.g., “environmental,

Fsocial and governance” experts, chief investment officers) and those in the finance function

Conclusion

can range from regularly scheduled interactions and exchanges of information to minimal

Appendicesor no interaction. According to some preparers, lack of clarity around responsibility forclimate-­related risk assessments and management, compounded by a lack of integration into
organizations’ financial reporting processes, could adversely impact implementation of therecommendations.
The Task Force believes that by encouraging disclosure of climate-­related financial informationin public financial filings, coordination between organizations’ climate risk experts and thefinance function will improve. Similar to the way organizations are evolving to include cybersecurity issues in their strategic and financial planning efforts, so too should they evolve forclimate-­related issues.

49

Thresholds for climate-­related financial disclosures should be aligned to the financial disclosure requirements more broadly in thejurisdictions where a preparer is incorporated and/or operates and is required to make financial disclosures.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

39

F Conclusion

F Conclusion
Figure 10

The Task Force’s recommendations are afoundation for improved reporting of climate-­
related issues in mainstream financial filings withseveral resulting benefits (outlined in Figure 10).
The recommendations aim to be ambitious, butalso practical for near-term adoption. The Task
Force expects that reporting of climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities will evolve over time asorganizations, investors, and others contributeto the quality and consistencyof the information disclosed.

Benefits of Recommendations–– Foundation for immediate adoption andflexible enough to accommodate evolving
practices–– Promote board and senior management
engagement on climate-related issues–– Bring the “future” nature of issues into thepresent through scenario analysis–– Support understanding of financial sector’s
exposure to climate-related risks–– Designed to solicit decision-useful, forwardlooking information on financial impacts

1. Evolution of Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
The Task Force recognizes that challenges exist, but all types of organizations can developA

disclosures consistent with its recommendations. The recommendations provide a foundation

Introduction

for immediate adoption and are flexible enough to accommodate evolving practices. As data

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

analytics and modeling for climate-­related information become more widespread, disclosures
can mature accordingly.
Organizations already reporting climate-­related financial information under other frameworks

C

may be well-positioned to disclose under this framework immediately and are encouraged to

Recommendationsand Guidance

do so. Those with less experience can begin by considering and disclosing how climate-­related
issues may be relevant in their current governance, strategy, and risk management practices.

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues
E

This initial level of disclosure will allow investors to review, recognize, and understand howorganizations consider climate-­related issues and their potential financial impact.

 ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

The Task Force also recognizes that organizations may want more experience with scenarioFand maturity, the Task Force would expect to see disclosure of more quantitative scenario

Conclusion

analysis before including this information in financial filings, but disclosure through otherchannels is still important. Qualitative explanations can come first, then, with more experience
analyses, including underlying assumptions, in financial filings.

Appendices2. Widespread Adoption CriticalIn the Task Force’s view, the success of these recommendations depends on near-term,widespread adoption by organizations in the financial and non-financial sectors. Throughwidespread adoption, financial risks and opportunities related to climate change will becomea natural part of organizations’ risk management and strategic planning processes. As thisoccurs, organizations’ and investors’ understanding of the potential financial implications
associated with transitioning to a lower-carbon economy and physical climate-­related risks
will grow, information will become more decision-useful, and risks and opportunities will be
more accurately priced, allowing for the more efficient allocation of capital. Figure 11 (p. 42)
outlines a possible path for implementation.
Widespread adoption of the recommendations will require ongoing leadership by the G20 and
its member countries. Such leadership is essential to continue to make the link between theserecommendations and the achievements of global climate objectives. Leadership from the FSB
is also critical to underscore the importance of better climate-­related financial disclosures forthe functioning of the financial system.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

41

Figure 11

Implementation Path (Illustrative)
Broad understanding of the concentration of carbon-related assets in theﬁnancial system and the ﬁnancial system’s exposure to climate-related risks

Adoption Volume

Greater adoption, further developmentof information provided (e.g., metrics and scenario
analysis), and greater maturity in using information

Organizations begin todisclose in ﬁnancial ﬁlings

Final TCFD
ReportReleasedA
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

More complete, consistent, andcomparable information formarket participants, increasedtransparency, and appropriate
pricing of climate-related risks
and opportunities

Climate-related issues viewed as mainstream
business and investment considerations by bothusers and preparers

Companies already reporting under other frameworks implement the Task Force’s
recommendations. Others consider climate-related issues within their businesses

Five Year Time FrameC
Recommendationsand Guidance

The Task Force is not alone in its work. A variety of stakeholders, including stock exchanges,

D

toward adoption of the recommendations. The Task Force believes that advocacy for theseinvestment consultants, credit rating agencies, and others can provide valuable contributions

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
WorkF

standards will be necessary for widespread adoption, including educating organizations thatwill disclose climate-­related financial information and those that will use those disclosures
to make financial decisions. To this end, the Task Force notes that strong support by the
FSB and G20 authorities would have a positive impact on implementation. Members of the
Task Force stand ready to support the FSB and G20 authorities in promoting adoption of therecommendations.

Conclusion
Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

42

AppendicesAppendix 1: Task Force Members
Chairman and Vice-Chairs
Michael Bloomberg
Founder
Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies
Denise Pavarina
Vice-Chair
Executive Director
Banco Bradesco

Graeme Pitkethly
Vice-Chair
Chief Financial Officer
Unilever

Christian Thimann
Vice-ChairGroup Head of Strategy,
Sustainability and Public Affairs
AXA

Yeo Lian Sim
Vice-Chair
Special Adviser
Singapore Exchange

MembersA
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Jane Ambachtsheer
Partner, Chair – Responsible
Investment
MercerMatt Arnold
Managing Director and Global Headof Sustainable Finance
JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Wim Bartels
Partner and Global Head of
Sustainability Reporting and Assurance
KPMG

Bruno Bertocci
Managing Director, Head of
Sustainable Investors
UBS Asset Management

David Blood
Senior Partner
Generation Investment Management

Richard Cantor
Chief Risk Officer
Moody’s

Koushik ChatterjeeGroup Executive Director, Finance andCorporate
Tata Group

Eric Dugelay
Global Leader, Sustainability Services
Deloitte

Liliana Franco
Director, Accounting Organization andMethods
Air Liquide GroupUdo Hartmann
Senior Manager, Group
Environmental Protection & Energy
Management
Daimler

Neil Hawkins
Corporate Vice President and Chief
Sustainability Officer
The Dow Chemical Company

Thomas Kusterer
Chief Financial Officer
EnBW

Diane Larsen
Audit Partner, Global Professional
Practice
EY

Stephanie Leaist
Managing Director, Head of
Sustainable Investing
Canada Pension Plan Investment
Board

Mark Lewis
Managing Director, Head of European
Utilities
Equity Research
Barclays

Eloy Lindeijer
Chief, Investment Management
PGGM

F
Conclusion
Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

44

Members (continued)

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Ruixia Liu
General Manager, Risk Department
Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China

Masaaki NagamuraHead, Corporate Social Responsibility
Tokio Marine Holdings

Giuseppe Ricci
Chief Refining and Marketing Officer
ENI

Martin Skancke
Chair, Risk Committee
StorebrandAndreas Spiegel
Head Group Sustainability Risk
Swiss Re

Steve Waygood
Chief Responsible Investment Officer
Aviva Investors

Deborah Winshel
Managing Director, Global Head of
Impact Investing
BlackRockFiona Wild
Vice President, Sustainability andClimate Change
BHP Billiton

Michael Wilkins
Managing Director, Environmental &Climate Risk Research
S&P Global Ratings

Jon Williams
Partner, Sustainability and Climate
ChangePwC

Special Advisor
Russell Picot
Chair, Audit and Risk Committee,
LifeSight
Former Group Chief Accounting Officer
HSBCC
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

SecretariatE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Mary Schapiro
Special Advisor to the Chair
Former Chair, U.S. Securities andExchange Commission
Curtis Ravenel
Global Head, Sustainable Business& Finance
Bloomberg LP

Didem Nisanci
Managing Director
Promontory Financial Group

Stacy Coleman
Managing Director
Promontory Financial Group

Jeff Stehm
Director
Promontory Financial Group

Observers
Susan Nash
Member of Secretariat
Financial Stability Board

Joe PerryMember of Secretariat
Financial Stability Board

Rupert Thorne
Deputy to the Secretary General
Financial Stability Board

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

45

Appendix 2: Task Force Objectives and Approach
1. Objectives
The Task Force engaged with key stakeholders throughout the development of its
recommendations to ensure that its work would (1) promote alignment across existing
disclosure regimes, (2) consider the perspectives of users and the concerns of preparers ofclimate-­related financial disclosures, and (3) be efficiently implemented by organizations intheir financial reporting.

2. Approach
In addition to the expertise of its members, a broad range of external resources informed theTask Force’s recommendations, including existing voluntary and mandatory climate-­related
reporting frameworks, governance and risk management standards, government reports andresearch, expert resources, and various other stakeholders such as industry participants, tradeassociations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidancea. Leveraging Expertise
Task Force members come from a range of companies, including large financial companies,
large non-financial companies, accounting and consulting firms, and credit rating agencies, andbrought a range of practical expertise and global perspectives on preparing and using climate-­
related financial disclosures. Through six plenary meetings, Task Force members contributed
significantly to developing a consensus-based, industry-led approach to climate-­related
financial disclosure.
Due to the technically challenging and broad focus of its work, the Task Force also sought

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

input from experts in the field of climate change, particularly in relation to scenario analysis.
The Task Force engaged Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to inform its workby developing a technical paper on scenario analysis—The Use of Scenario Analysis inE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Disclosure of Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities. Several members of the Task Force,F

Economics and Political Science led a working group to oversee ERM’s technical considerations.

Conclusion
Appendicesjoined by representatives from 2° Investing Initiative (2°ii), Bloomberg New Energy Finance(BNEF), Bloomberg Quantitative Risk Experts, Carbon Tracker, CDP, and the London School of
A workshop was also held with experts from Oxford Martin School. Additionally, theInternational Energy Agency (IEA) provided input regarding how scenario analysis can be
conducted and used.

b. Research and Information Gathering
The Task Force’s work drew on publications and research conducted by governments, NGOs,
industry participants, as well as disclosure regimes with a focus on climate-­related issues. The
Task Force reviewed existing mandatory and voluntary reporting regimes for climate-­related
disclosure to identify commonalities and gaps across existing regimes and to determine areas
meriting further research and analysis by the Task Force. The work of organizations regarded
as standard setters, as well as several organizations active in developing reporting mechanisms
for climate-­related issues, served as the primary references for the Task Force in developing its
recommendations and supporting guidance. The Task Force also considered resources related
to sector-specific climate issues in the development of the supplemental guidancec. Stakeholder Engagement
Engagement with users, preparers, and other stakeholders in relevant industries and sectors
across G20 countries and other countries was important in developing the Task Force’s
recommendations. The Task Force conducted four types of engagement to support this effort:
public consultation, industry interviews, outreach events, and webinars.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

46

Such engagement served two primary purposes: (1) to raise the level of awareness and educate
stakeholders on Task Force efforts and (2) to solicit feedback from stakeholders on the Task
Force’s proposed recommended disclosures and supplemental guidance for specific sectors.
In total, more than 2,000 individuals in 32 countries were included in the Task Force’s outreachand engagement (Figure A2.1).

Figure A2.1

Global Outreach and Engagement
One-on-One
Industry
Interviews

128 Interviews
20 Countries

Webinars

7 Webinars
538 Attendees
23 Countries

PublicConsultation

203 Responses
24 Countries

Outreach
Events13 Outreach Events
1,243 Participants
12 Countries

AustriaA

Belgium

Introduction

Denmark
FranceB
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Germany
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands

C

NorwayRecommendationsand Guidance

CanadaChina

USA
MexicoIndia
Nigeria

Portugal
Spain

D

SwedenScenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

Switzerland
United Kingdom

E

Peru

Japan

TurkeySingapore

Hong Kong
Philippines
Indonesia

BrazilSouth Africa

Australia

Argentina
New Zealand ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

Public Consultation
Following the publication of the Task Force’s Phase I Report, the Task Force conducted a public
consultation to solicit additional feedback on the Phase I Report. In total, 203 participants from24 countries responded to the public consultation. Respondents represented the financial
sector, non-financial sectors, NGOs, and other organizations. Phase I Public Consultationcomments indicated support for disclosures on scenario analysis as well as disclosures tailoredfor specific sectors. Key themes from the Phase I Public Consultation, which informed the Task
Force’s recommendations and guidance, are included in Table A2.1 (p. 48).

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

47

Table A2.1

Key Themes of Phase I Public Consultation
Key Themes

Survey Response

Components ofDisclosures

The majority of respondents were in agreement that disclosures should:–– be forward-looking,–– address an organization’s ability to set/achieve targets, with strategies forachievement, and–– align with material risks.

Sector-Specific
Disclosures

Respondents were in favor of
disclosures for specific sectors

62%

Scenario Analysis

Respondents see scenario analysis
as a key component of disclosure

96%

Industry Interviews
The Task Force conducted 128 industry interviews with users and preparers of financial
statements to gather feedback regarding the Task Force’s draft recommendations,
supplemental guidance for certain sectors, and other considerations. Industry interview

Aparticipants included chief financial officers, investment officers, other finance and accounting

Introduction

officers, risk officers, sustainability officers, and others. Forty-three percent of the participants

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

held finance, legal, or risk positions and 39 percent held environmental and sustainability roles.
Task Force representatives conducted two rounds of industry interviews. The initial round ofCinterviews focused on the second round emphasized specific recommendations and sector-

Recommendationsand Guidance

specific guidance. Organizations invited to participate in the interviews met two primaryD

risks and opportunities and (2) provided geographic diversity to ensure coverage from eachcriteria: (1) represented industry and sector leaders likely to be impacted by climate-­related

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
AppendicesG20 and Financial Stability Board (FSB) represented country. Figure A2.2 provides key industry
interview statistics.

Figure A2.2

Industry Interviews Overview
81

47

75

53

Preparers

Users

Financial

Non-Financial

334

128

20

19

Invitations Sent

Interviews Held

G20 Countries

Industries/Sectors

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

48

The interviews provided valuable information that informed the Task Force’s recommendations
and guidance. Figure A2.3 provides a summary of key themes from the conversations withusers and preparers.
Figure A2.3

Industry Interviews Overview
Users

Preparers

85%

All Sector

Indicated recommended disclosures would
provide decision useful information

65%
Agreed GHG disclosures and metrics would
be useful across all sectors

A
Introduction

70%

Majority receptive to implementing
recommendations

Sector Specific69%

Majority would consider implementing
supplemental guidance for certain sectors

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

63%
Indicated scenario analysis disclosureswould be useful across all sectors

C
Recommendationsand GuidanceD

Qualitative

61%

Quantitative

40%

Many conducted both qualitative andquantitative evaluations of climate-related
risks

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Track

76%

Publicly Disclose

73%

Majority track and publicly disclose GHG
emissions metrics

F
Conclusion
Appendices

When comparing preparer responses between non-financial companies (67 percent) andfinancial companies (33 percent), the responses closely align with the consolidated preparer
responses above with the exception of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions metrics, which have ahigher percentage of non-financial respondents that track and publicly disclose such emissions
metrics.
Preparers also raised other considerations including: (1) the relationship of Task Forcerecommendations to other reporting initiatives, (2) how to assess and disclose the financial
implications of climate change with a high degree of accuracy and reliability, and (3) reporting
GHG emissions associated with investments. Section E Key Issues Considered and Areas for
Further Work provides additional discussion of considerations identified during the industry
interviews.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

49

Users commented that establishing consistency in metrics reported would be beneficial andacknowledged challenges in regard to the quality of data disclosed by preparers. Regarding
scenario analysis, users indicated knowing how the scenario analysis process is applied by anorganization would be more important than the outcomes. In addition, they highlighted thatorganizations should use a range of scenarios rather than just one scenario and indicated theimportance of understanding how scenario analysis is used.
Outreach Events
The Task Force held 13 public outreach events in 12 countries for 1,243 individuals. The events
informed stakeholders of the Task Force’s work and included panel discussions and keynote
speeches by prominent climate-risk and financial experts. Attendees included representativesof financial and non-financial organizations who spanned a variety of corporate functions,
including strategy, risk, accounting, portfolio and investment management, corporate
sustainability, as well as representatives from industry associations, NGOs, government
agencies, research providers, academia, accounting and consulting firms, and media.
Webinars
Additionally, the Task Force offered seven webinars to educate and increase awareness ofA

the Task Force’s efforts as well as to collect additional feedback. The Task Force hosted four

Introduction

webinars and participated in three additional webinars by partnering with the following

Borganizations: Business for Social Responsibility, Global Financial Markets Association, andClimate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

the National Association of Corporate Directors. These webinars served to supplement

C

organizations) across 23 countries.

Recommendationsand Guidance

the in-person outreach events and offered global stakeholders, regardless of location, an
opportunity to engage with the Task Force. The webinars had 538 attendees (representing 365

After each webinar, participants were asked to provide feedback on the Task Force’s

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

recommendations through an online survey. Themes from the 71 survey responses included:
Preparers. The majority believe their industry/sector warrants sector-specific■■E ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion

recommendations, with most being receptive to implementing sector-specificrecommendations. The majority are very or somewhat willing to implement the
all-sector recommendations.
Users. Most users believe climate-­related disclosure will be very or somewhat useful in■■making financial decisions.

Appendices

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

50

Appendix 3: Select Disclosure Frameworks
To the extent there is corporate reporting of climate-­related issues, it happens through amultitude of mandatory and voluntary schemes. Although a complete and comprehensive
survey of existing schemes is beyond the scope of this report, the Task Force on Climaterelated Financial Disclosures (TCFD or Task Force) considered a broad range of existing
frameworks, both voluntary and mandatory. The tables in Appendix 3 outline selectdisclosure frameworks considered by the Task Force and describe a few key characteristics
of each framework, including whether disclosures are mandatory or voluntary, what typeof information is reported, who the target reporters and target audiences are, where thedisclosed information is placed, and whether there are specified materiality standards.50 These
disclosure frameworks were chosen to illustrate the broad range of disclosure regimes aroundthe world; the tables are broken out into disclosure frameworks sponsored by governments,
stock exchanges, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Note: The information presented in the tables below (A3.1, A3.2, and A3.3) is based on
information released by governments, stock exchanges, and standard setters and isA

supplemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “The Financial System

Introduction

We Need: Aligning the Financial System with Sustainable Development,” October 2015, andB

the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “Report to G20 Finance
Ministers and Central Bank Governors,” September 2015.

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

50

These tables were originally included in the Task Force’s Phase I Report and have been updated where appropriate.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

51

Table A3.1

Select Disclosure Frameworks, Governments
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
Required

Australia:

Financial andnonfinancial
firms that meetemissionsor energy
production or
consumption
thresholds

GeneralpublicMandatory if
thresholds are met

Based on emissions
above a certain
threshold

GHG emissions,energy consumption,and energy production

Report to government

Regulator may, by written
notice to corporation, require
an audit of its disclosures

Financial andnonfinancial
firms that meet
size criteria (i.e.,
have more than
500 employees)

Investors,
consumers,
and otherstakeholders

Mandatory; must
be effective in
Member States by
December 6, 2016

None specified

Land use, water use,greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, use ofmaterials,
and energy use

Corporate financial
report or separate
report (published withfinancial report or on
website six months
after the balance sheet
date and referenced infinancial report)

Member States must requirethat statutory auditor checks
whether the nonfinancial
statement has been provided.

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors,
general public

Mandatory

None specified

Consequences on climatechange of the company’s
activities and of the useof goods and services it
produces. Institutional
investors: GHG
emissions, contribution
to goal of limiting global
warmingAnnual report

Mandatory review on theconsistency of the disclosureby an independent third party,
such as a statutory auditor.

Investors,
general public

Voluntary

None specified

Materials,

Not specified;companies may furnish
a report or letter fromowner/chief executive
officer

Guidelines include third-party
assurance as a “leadershipindicator” of company’s
progress in implementing theprinciples

National
Greenhouse andEnergy Reporting Act(2007)

European Union(EU):
EU Directive 2014/95
regarding disclosureof nonfinancial anddiversity information(2014)

France:Article 173, Energy
Transition Law(2015)

India:
National Voluntary
Guidelines on Social,
Environmental,
and Economic
Responsibilities ofBusiness (2011)

Additional
requirements
for institutional
investors

Financial andnonfinancial
firms

energy consumption,water, discharge of
effluents, GHG emissions,and biodiversity

Member States may require
independent assurance for
information in nonfinancial
statement(Continued)

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

52

Table A3.2

Select Disclosure Frameworks, Governments (Continued)
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
RequiredUK:

Financial andnonfinancial
firms thatare “Quoted
Companies,” asdefined by theCompanies Act
2006

Investors

Mandatory

Information ismaterial if its
omission or
misrepresentation
could influence theeconomic decisions
shareholders takeon the basis of theannual report asa whole (section 5of the UK FRC June2014 Guidanceon the Strategic
Report).

GHG emissions

Directors report

Not required, but statutory
auditor must consider
whether information ismaterially incorrect ormaterially inconsistent withfinancial statements based on
information obtained during
financial statement audit

Insurers meetingcertain premium
thresholds

Regulators

Mandatory if
thresholds are met

None specified

General disclosuresabout climate changerelated risk management
and investment
management

Survey sent to state
regulators

Not specified

Financial andnonfinancial
firms subject
to SEC periodic
reportingrequirements

Investors

Mandatory

US securities law
definition

Climate-related:
requirements, treaties
and agreements,
business trends, andphysical impacts

Annual and otherreports required to be
filed with SEC

Not specified; depends on
assurance requirements for
information disclosed

Companies Act 2006
(Strategic Report andDirectors Report)
Regulations 2013

US:
NAICs,2010 Insurer
Climate Risk
Disclosure Survey
US:
SEC Guidance
Regarding Disclosure
Related to Climate
ChangeRecommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

53

Table A3.2

Select Disclosure Frameworks, Exchange Listing Requirements, and Indices
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
Required

Australia:

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors

Mandatory(comply or explain)

A real possibility
that the risk inquestion could
substantively
impact the listed
entity’s ability tocreate or preserve
value for security
holders over the
short, medium orlong term

General disclosure ofmaterial environmental
risks

Annual report must
include either the
corporate governancestatement or company
website link to thecorporate governancestatement oncompany’s website

Not specified; may depend on
assurance requirements forannual report

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors,
regulator

Voluntary(comply or explain)

Criteria explainedin Reference Form
(Annex 24) of theInstruction CVM nº
480/09Provide information onwhether they prepare asustainability report or
explain why not. Reportsocial and environmental
information disclosed;
methodology used; if
audited/reviewed by anindependent entity; andlink to information (i.e.,
webpage).

Discretion of company

Not specified

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors

Voluntary: social
responsibilities

None specified

Waste generation,
resource consumption,
pollutants

Not specified

Not specified;

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors

Material environmental,social and governance(ESG) factors,
performance, targets
and related information
specified in the Guide

Annual report or
standalone report,
disclosed through
SGXNet reporting
platform and company
websiteNational
Greenhouse andEnergy Reporting Act(2007)

European Union(EU):
EU Directive 2014/95
regarding disclosureof nonfinancial anddiversity information(2014)

France:Article 173, Energy
Transition Law(2015)

India:
National Voluntary
Guidelines on Social,
Environmental,
and Economic
Responsibilities ofBusiness (2011)

Mandatory:
pollutant discharge

Mandatory (comply
or explain)

Guidance provided
in the Guide,
paragraphs 4.74.11

Companies shall allocate
dedicated human resources
for regular inspectionof implementation ofenvironmental protection
policies.

Not required(Continued)

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

54

Table A3.2

Select Disclosure Frameworks, Exchange Listing Requirements, and Indices (Continued)
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
RequiredSouth Africa:

Listed financial
and nonfinancial
firms

Investors

Mandatory; Comply
or Explain

None specified

General disclosure
regarding sustainability
performance

Annual report

RequiredFinancial andnonfinancial
firms

Investors

Voluntary

None specified

GHG emissions, SOxemissions, energy
consumption, water,
waste generation,
environmental violations,electricity purchased,biodiversity, carbon,
and mineral waste
management

Nonpublic

Disclose whether external
assurance was provided andwhether it was pursuant to arecognized standard

Johannesburg Stock
Exchange
Listing Requirement
Paragraph 8.63;
King Code ofGovernancePrinciples (2009)

World, regional,
and countryspecific indices:
Dow Jones
Sustainability
Index, Sample
Questionnaires

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

55

Table A3.3

Select Disclosure Frameworks, NGOs
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
Required

Global:Pension funds,
insurers,
sovereign wealthfunds >$2bn
AUM

Asset
managers,
investment
industry,
government

Voluntary

None specified

GHG emissions,
CarbonSurvey responses;
respondents are asked
whether responses may bemade public

Disclose whether external
assurance was provided

Financial andnonfinancial
firms

Investors

Voluntary

None specified

Energy use, Carbon,

CDP database

Encouraged; information
requested about verification andthird party certification

Asset Owners
Disclosure Project
2016 Global Climate
Risk Survey
Global:CDP
AnnualQuestionnaire (2016)

GHG emissions(Scope 1-3),
Water (separate
questionnaire),
Forests (separate
questionnaire)

Global:CDSBClimate Change
Reporting
Framework, Ed. 1.1(2012)

Global:GRESBInfrastructure Asset
Assessment & Real
Estate Assessment

Financial andnonfinancial
firms

Investors

Voluntary

Allow “investors to
see major trends andsignificant events
related to climatechange that affect orhave the potential toaffect the company’s
financial condition
and/or its ability toachieve its strategy.”

GHG emissions

Annual report (or any
mainstream financial
report)No requirement unless ISA 720
requires the auditor of financial
statements to read informationaccompanying them to identify
material inconsistencies
between the audited financial
statements and accompanying
information

Real estate
asset/portfolio
ownersInvestors
and industry
stakeholders

Voluntary

None specified

Real estate
sector-specificrequirements
related to fuel/energy/water
consumption andefficiencies, aswell as low-carbon
products

Data collected throughthe GRESB Real Estate
Assessment disclosed toparticipants themselves
and:Disclose whether external
assurance was provided• In the case of non-listed
property funds andcompanies, to those ofthat company or fund’sinvestors that are GRESB
Investor Members;• In the case of listed realestate companies, to all
GRESB Investor Membersthat invest in listed realestate securities.

(Continued)
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

56

Table A3.3

Select Disclosure Frameworks, NGOs (Continued)
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
Required

Global:Any public or
private company

All
Stakeholders

Voluntary“May reasonably beconsidered important
for reflecting theorganization’s
economic,
environmental
and social impacts,
or influencing
the decisions ofstakeholders”

Materials, Energy,
Water,

Sustainability reports or“any type of document
which requires suchdisclosure.”

Disclosure of policy and practice
regarding external assurance

GRI
G4 Sustainability
Reporting Guidelines(2013)

Global:Biodiversity,
Emissions,
Waste

Oil and gas
industries

Investors

None specified

None specified

GHG emissions,Clean technologies
data

Not specified

Not specified

Automotive (2009)

Automotive
industry

Investors

None specified

None specified

GHG emissions,Clean technologies
data, Carbon

Company’s discretion

Not specified

Electric Utilities(2008)

Electrical utilities

Investors

None specified

None specified

GHG emissions,Electricity
production

Company’s discretion

Disclose how accuracy of GHG
emissions information wasverified

Global:Any publiccompany tradedon international
exchanges

Investors

Voluntary

Substantively affectthe organization’s
ability to create
value over the short,medium and longterm

General challenges
related to climatechange, loss of
ecosystems, andresource shortages

Standalone sustainability
or integrated report

Not specified; discussion paper
released on issues relating toassurance

IIGCC
Oil & Gas (2010)

IIRC
International<IR>Framework(2013)(Continued)

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

57

Table A3.3

Select Disclosure Frameworks, NGOs (Continued)
Region:Framework

TargetReporterTargetAudience

Mandatory
or Voluntary

Materiality
Standard

Types of
Information
Disclosed

Disclosure
Location

External Assurance
Required

Global:Oil and gas
industries

All
stakeholders

Voluntary

Material issues
for sustainability
reporting are those
that, in the view ofboth the company‘s
management
and its external
stakeholders, affectthe company’s
performance or
strategy and/or
inform stakeholder
assessments or
decisions about thecompany

Energyconsumption

Sustainability reporting

Not required but encouraged

Investors

Investors

Voluntary

None specified

Investor practices

Transparency report

Not specified

Any publiccompany tradedon US exchanges

Investors

Voluntary

A substantial
likelihood that thedisclosure of theomitted fact would
have been viewed
by the reasonable
investor as having
significantly altered
the “total mix” of theinformation madeavailable

Sector-specificrequirements

SEC filings

Conceptual Framework
encourages use of AT 101 forassurance on SASB disclosures;
assurance may be required,depending on circumstances

IPIECAOil and gas
industry guidanceon voluntarysustainability
reportingGlobal:PRI
Reporting
Framework 2016

US:
SASB
Conceptual
Framework (2013)
and SASB Standards(Various)

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

58

Appendix 4: Glossary and Abbreviations
Glossary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or BOARD) refers to a body of elected or appointed members who
jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Some countries use a two-tiered
system where “board” refers to the “supervisory board” while “key executives” refers to the“management board.” 51
CLIMATE-RELATED OPPORTUNITY refers to the potential positive impacts related to climatechange on an organization. Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change can produce
opportunities for organizations, such as through resource efficiency and cost savings, theadoption and utilization of low-emission energy sources, the development of new products
and services, and building resilience along the supply chain. Climate-related opportunities
will vary depending on the region, market, and industry in which an organization operates.
CLIMATE-RELATED RISK refers to the potential negative impacts of climate change on anorganization. Physical risks emanating from climate change can be event-driven (acute) suchas increased severity of extreme weather events, e.g., cyclones, droughts, floods, and fires.

A

They can also relate to longer-term shifts (chronic) in precipitation and temperature andIntroduction

increased variability in weather patterns, e.g., sea level rise. Climate-related risks can also beBassociated with the transition to a lower-carbon global economy, the most common of which

Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

relate to policy and legal actions, technology changes, market responses, and reputational
considerations.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

FINANCIAL PLANNING refers to an organization’s consideration of how it will achieve andD

to assess future financial positions and determine how resources can be utilized in pursuit

fund its objectives and strategic goals. The process of financial planning allows organizations

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWorkof short- and long-term objectives. As part of financial planning, organizations often create“financial plans” that outline the specific actions, assets, and resources (including capital)
necessary to achieve these objectives over a 1-5 year period. However, financial planning isbroader than the development of a financial plan as it includes long-term capital allocationand other considerations that may extend beyond the typical 3-5 year financial plan(e.g., investment, research and development, manufacturing, and markets).

F
Conclusion

GOVERNANCE refers to “the system by which an organization is directed and controlled in the

Appendicesinterests of shareholders and other stakeholders.” 52 “Governance involves a set of relationships
between an organization’s management, its board, its shareholders, and other stakeholders.
Governance provides the structure and processes through which the objectives of theorganization are set, progress against performance is monitored, and results are evaluated.” 53

OECD, G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2015.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264236882-en.
A. Cadbury, Report of the Committee on the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance. London, 1992.
http://www.ecgi.org/codes/documents/cadbury.pdf.
53
OECD, G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2015.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264236882-en.
51

52

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

59

GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS SCOPE LEVELS 54
Scope 1 refers to all direct GHG emissions.

■■

Scope 2 refers to indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat,■■or steam.
Scope 3 refers to other indirect emissions not covered in Scope 2 that occur in the value■■

chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.
Scope 3 emissions could include: the extraction and production of purchased materials
and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting
entity, electricity-related activities (e.g., transmission and distribution losses), outsourced
activities, and waste disposal.55
INTERNAL CARBON PRICE is an internally developed estimated cost of carbon emissions.
Internal carbon pricing can be used as a planning tool to help identify revenue opportunities
and risks, as an incentive to drive energy efficiencies to reduce costs, and to guide capital
investment decisions.
MANAGEMENT refers to those positions an organization views as executive or senior
management positions and that are generally separate from the board.

A
Introduction

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) refers to the post-2020 actions that a

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

country intends to take under the international climate agreement adopted in Paris.

C

consolidated financial statements are prepared, including subsidiaries and jointly controlled

Recommendationsand Guidance

entities.

D

PUBLICLY AVAILABLE 2°C SCENARIO refers to a 2°C scenario that is (1) used/referenced

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

and issued by an independent body; (2) wherever possible, supported by publicly available

E

calculators, and mapping tools) that can be applied by organizations. 2°C scenarios that

ORGANIZATION refers to the group, company, or companies, and other entities for which ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWorkF

datasets; (3) updated on a regular basis; and (4) linked to functional tools (e.g., visualizers,
presently meet these criteria include: IEA 2DS, IEA 450, Deep Decarbonization Pathways
Project, and International Renewable Energy Agency.
RISK MANAGEMENT refers to a set of processes that are carried out by an organization’s

Conclusionboard and management to support the achievement of the organization’s objectives byAppendicesaddressing its risks and managing the combined potential impact of those risks.
SCENARIO ANALYSIS is a process for identifying and assessing a potential range of outcomesof future events under conditions of uncertainty. In the case of climate change, for example,
scenarios allow an organization to explore and develop an understanding of how the physicaland transition risks of climate change may impact its businesses, strategies, and financial
performance over time.
SECTOR refers to a segment of organizations performing similar business activities in an
economy. A sector generally refers to a large segment of the economy or grouping of businesstypes, while “industry” is used to describe more specific groupings of organizations within asector.

54

55

World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development, The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate
Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition). March 2004. http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard.
IPCC, Climate Change 2014 Mitigation of Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, 2014. https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/
ar5/wg3/ipcc_wg3_ar5_full.pdf.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

60

STRATEGY refers to an organization’s desired future state. An organization’s strategy
establishes a foundation against which it can monitor and measure its progress in reachingthat desired state. Strategy formulation generally involves establishing the purpose and scopeof the organization’s activities and the nature of its businesses, taking into account the risks
and opportunities it faces and the environment in which it operates.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT is an organizational report that gives information about economic,
environmental, social, and governance performance and impacts. For companies andorganizations, sustainability—the ability to be long-lasting or permanent—is based on
performance and impacts in these four key areas.
VALUE CHAIN refers to the upstream and downstream life cycle of a product, process,or service, including material sourcing, production, consumption and disposal/recycling.
Upstream activities include operations that relate to the initial stages of producing a good orservice, e.g., material sourcing, material processing, supplier activities. Downstream activities
include operations that relate to processing the materials into a finished product and delivering
it to the end user (e.g., transportation, distribution and consumption).

Abbreviations

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work
F
Conclusion
Appendices

2°C

IASB

2° Celsius

International Accounting Standards Board

ASC

IEA

Accounting StandardsCodification

International Energy Agency

BNEF

IIGCC

Bloomberg New Energy FinanceInstitutional Investors Group on Climate Change

CDSB

IIRC

Climate DisclosureStandards Board

International Integrated Reporting Council

ERM

IPCC

Environmental Resources Management

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

EU

NGO

European Union

Non-governmental organization

FASB

OECD

Financial Accounting

Organization for Economic

Standards Board

Co-operation and Development

FSB

R&D

Financial Stability Board

Research and development

G20

SASB

Group of 20

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board

GHG

TCFD

Greenhouse gas

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

GICS

UN

Global IndustryClassification Standard

United Nations

GRI

UNEP

Global Reporting Initiative

United Nations Environment Programme

IAS

WRI

International Accounting Standard

World Resources Institute

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

61

Appendix 5: References“Communiqué from the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting inWashington, D.C. April 16-17, 2015.” April 2015. g20.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/
April-G20-FMCBG-Communique-Final.pdf.
Cadbury, A. Report of the Committee on the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance.
London, 1992. http://www.ecgi.org/codes/documents/cadbury.pdf.
Carney, Mark. “Breaking the tragedy of the horizon—climate change and financial stability.”
September 29, 2015. Lloyd’s, London. Speech. http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/
publications/Pages/speeches/2015/844.aspx.
Ceres. Power Forward: How American Companies Are Setting Clean Energy Targets
and Capturing Greater Business Value, 2014. www.ceres.org/resources/reports/
power-forward-supplement-climate-and-energy-targets-set-by-fortune-500-companies/view.
Enhanced Disclosure Task Force. Enhancing the Risk Disclosures of Banks. October 2012.
http://www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/r_121029.pdf.
Environmental Protection Agency Victoria (EPA Victoria). “Resource Efficiency Case Studies,A
Introduction

Lower your impact.” www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/lower-your-impact/
resource-efficiency/case-studies.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Recommendationsand Guidance

FSB. “FSB to establish Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.” December 4, 2015.
https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/12-4-2015-Climate-change-task-

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Conclusion
Appendiceswww.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-25/investors-demand-climate-risk-disclosure-in-2013proxies.html.

C

F

Fellow, Avery. “Investors Demand Climate Risk Disclosure.” Bloomberg, February 2013.

force-press-release.pdf.
FSB. “Proposal for a Disclosure Task Force on Climate-Related Risks.” November 9, 2015.
www.fsb.org/wp-content/uploads/Disclosure-task-force-on-climate-­related-risks.pdf.
G20 Green Finance Study Group. G20 Green Finance Synthesis Report. 2016.
http://unepinquiry.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Synthesis_Report_Full_EN.pdf.
Ganci, N., S. Hammer, T. Reilly, and P. Rodel. “Environmental and Climate Change Disclosure
under the Securities Laws: A Multijurisdictional Survey.” Debevoise & Plimpton, March2016. http://www.debevoise.com/~/media/files/insights/publications/2016/03/20160316_
environmental_and_climate_change_disclosure_under_the_security.pdf.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol. “Calculation Tools, FAQ.”
http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/faq.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Fifth Assessment Report (AR5),
Cambridge University Press, 2014. http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/.
International Energy Agency (IEA). “Global energy investment down 8% in 2015 with flows
signaling move towards cleaner energy.” September 14, 2016. https://www.iea.org/
newsroomandevents/pressreleases/2016/september/global-energy-investment-down-8-in2015-with-flows-signalling-move-towards-clean.html.
Maack, J. Scenario Analysis: A Tool for Task Managers. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/
INTPSIA/Resources/490023-1121114603600/13053_scenarioanalysis.pdf.
Mercer LLC. Investing in a Time of Climate Change. 2015. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/
EXTSOCIALDEV/Resources/3177394-1167940794463/ScenarioAnalysisMaack.pdf.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

62

Moody’s Investors Service. “Heat Map Shows Wide Variations in Credit Impact Across Sectors.”November 30, 2015. http://www.moodys.com/viewresearchdoc.aspx?docid=PBM_1010009.
Norton, T., M. Ryan, and F. Wang. “Business Action for Climate-Resilient Supply Chains: A
Practical Framework for Identifying Priorities to Evaluating Impact.” 2015. BSR working
paper. San Francisco, BSR. www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Report_Climate_Resilient_Supply_
Chains.pdf.
OECD. G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. OECD Publishing, Paris, 2015.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264236882-en.
Randall, T. “Leapfrogging to Solar: Emerging Markets Outspend Rich Countries for the FirstTime.” Bloomberg, November 23, 2015.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-23leapfrogging-to-solar-emergingmarkets-outspend-rich-countries-for-the-first-time.
S&P Global Ratings. “How Environmental and Climate Risks Factor Into Corporate
Ratings.” October 21, 2015. https://www.globalcreditportal.com/ratingsdirect/
renderArticle.do?articleId=1467885&SctArtId=348528&from=CM&nsl_
code=LIME&sourceObjectId=9373730&sourceRevId=1&fee_ind=N&exp_date=2025102017:15:34.

A
Introduction

Seley, Peter. “Emerging Trends in Climate Change Litigation.” Law 360. March 7, 2016.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C

wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Phase_I_Report_v15.pdf.

Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related IssuesE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Appendices

Climate Risk.” Working draft. 2016. http://using.sasb.org/sasb-climate-risk-framework.
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.” March 31, 2016. https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/

D

Conclusion

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). “SASB Technical Bulletin 2016-01—
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. “Phase I Report of the Task ForceRecommendationsand GuidanceF

http://www.law360.com/articles/766214/emerging-trends-in-climate-change-litigation.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Financial System We Need: Aligning the
Financial System with Sustainable Development. 2015. http://unepinquiry.org/wp-content/
uploads/2016/09/The_Financial_System_We_Need_From_Momentum_to_Transformation.pdf.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. ”The Paris Agreement,” Dec. 2015,
http://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/convention/application/pdf/english_paris_
agreement.pdf.
World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
“The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard”(Revised Edition). March 2004. http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard.
WRI and UNEP FI. Carbon Asset Risk: Discussion Framework. August 2015.
http://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/carbon_asset_risk.pdf.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

63

Appendix 6: Fundamental Principles for Effective
Disclosure
To underpin its recommendations and help guide current and future developments inclimate-­related financial reporting, the Task Force developed a set of principles for effective
disclosure.56 As understanding of, and approaches to, climate-­related issues evolve over time,
so too will climate-­related financial reporting. These principles can help achieve high-qualityand decision-useful disclosures that enable users to understand the impact of climate change
on organizations. The Task Force encourages organizations adopting its recommendations to
consider these principles as they develop climate-­related financial disclosures.
The Task Force’s disclosure principles are largely consistent with other mainstream,internationally accepted frameworks for financial reporting and are generally applicable tomost providers of financial disclosures. They are informed by the qualitative and quantitative
characteristics of financial information and further the overall goals of producing disclosuresthat are consistent, comparable, reliable, clear, and efficient, as highlighted by the FSB inestablishing the Task Force. The principles, taken together, are designed to assist organizations

Ain making clear the linkages and connections between climate-­related issues and their

Introduction

governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

Principle 1: Disclosures should present relevant information
The organization should provide information specific to the potential impact of climate-­relatedrisks and opportunities on its markets, businesses, corporate or investment strategy, financial
statements, and future cash flows.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance

Disclosures should be eliminated if they are immaterial or redundant to avoid obscuring■■

D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

relevant information. However, when a particular risk or issue attracts investor and market
interest or attention, it may be helpful for the organization to include a statement that therisk or issue is not significant. This shows that the risk or issue has been considered andE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

has not been overlooked.
Disclosures should be presented in sufficient detail to enable users to assess the■■organization’s exposure and approach to addressing climate-­related issues, whileF

understanding that the type of information, the way in which it is presented, and theConclusion

accompanying notes will differ between organizations and will be subject to change

Appendicesover time.
Climate-related impacts can occur over the short, medium, and long term. Organizations■■

can experience chronic, gradual impacts (such as impacts due to shifting temperaturepatterns), as well as acute, abrupt disruptive impacts (such as impacts from flooding,drought, or sudden regulatory actions). An organization should provide information fromthe perspective of the potential impact of climate-­related issues on value creation, taking
into account and addressing the different time frames and types of impacts.
Organizations should avoid generic or boilerplate disclosures that do not add value to■■users’ understanding of issues. Furthermore, any proposed metrics should adequately
describe or serve as a proxy for risk or performance and reflect how an organization
manages the risk and opportunities.

56

These principles are adapted from those included in the Enhanced Disclosure Task Force’s “Enhancing the Risk Disclosures of Banks.”

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

64Principle 2: Disclosures should be specific and complete■■An organization’s reporting should provide a thorough overview of its exposure topotential climate-­related impacts; the potential nature and size of such impacts; theorganization’s governance, strategy, processes for managing climate-­related risks, andperformance with respect to managing climate-­related risks and opportunities.
To be sufficiently comprehensive, disclosures should contain historical and future-oriented■■

information in order to allow users to evaluate their previous expectations relative toactual performance and assess possible future financial implications.
For quantitative information, the disclosure should include an explanation of the■■definition and scope applied. For future-oriented data, this includes clarification of the key
assumptions used. Forward-looking quantitative disclosure should align with data used by
the organization for investment decision making and risk management.
Any scenario analyses should be based on data or other information used by the■■organization for investment decision making and risk management. Where appropriate,
the organization should also demonstrate the effect on selected risk metrics or exposures
to changes in the key underlying methodologies and assumptions, both in qualitative andquantitative terms.

A
Introduction
B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts
C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

Appendicesinformation and use text, numbers, and graphical presentations as appropriate.
■■ ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for Further
Work

Conclusion

Disclosures should show an appropriate balance between qualitative and quantitative■■

Fair and balanced narrative explanations should provide insight into the meaning ofEF

Principle 3: Disclosures should be clear, balanced, and understandable■■Disclosures should be written with the objective of communicating financial informationthat serves the needs of a range of financial sector users (e.g., investors, lenders,insurers, and others). This requires reporting at a level beyond compliance with minimum
requirements. The disclosures should be sufficiently granular to inform sophisticatedusers, but should also provide concise information for those who are less specialized. Clear
communication will allow users to identify key information efficiently.

quantitative disclosures, including the changes or developments they portray over time.
Furthermore, balanced narrative explanations require that risks as well as opportunities
be portrayed in a manner that is free from bias.
Disclosures should provide straightforward explanations of issues. Terms used in the■■disclosures should be explained or defined for a proper understanding by the users.

Principle 4: Disclosures should be consistent over time■■Disclosures should be consistent over time to enable users to understand thedevelopment and/or evolution of the impact of climate-­related issues on the organization’s
business. Disclosures should be presented using consistent formats, language, and metrics
from period to period to allow for inter-period comparisons. Presenting comparative
information is preferred; however, in some situations it may be preferable to include a new
disclosure even if comparative information cannot be prepared or restated.
Changes in disclosures and related approaches or formats (e.g., due to shifting climate-­■■

related issues and evolution of risk practices, governance, measurement methodologies,
or accounting practices) can be expected due to the relative immaturity of climate-­related
disclosures. Any such changes should be explained.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

65Principle 5: Disclosures should be comparable among organizations within a sector,
industry, or portfolio■■Disclosures should allow for meaningful comparisons of strategy, business activities, risks,and performance across organizations and within sectors and jurisdictions.
The level of detail provided in disclosures should enable comparison and benchmarking of■■risks across sectors and at the portfolio level, where appropriate.
The placement of reporting would ideally be consistent across organizations—i.e., in■■financial filings—in order to facilitate easy access to the relevant information.

Principle 6: Disclosures should be reliable, verifiable, and objective■■Disclosures should provide high-quality reliable information. They should be accurate andneutral—i.e., free from bias.
Future-oriented disclosures will inherently involve the organization’s judgment (which■■should be adequately explained). To the extent possible, disclosures should be based on
objective data and use best-in-class measurement methodologies, which would include
common industry practice as it evolves.
Disclosures should be defined, collected, recorded, and analyzed in such a way that the■■A

information reported is verifiable to ensure it is high quality. For future-oriented

Introduction

information, this means assumptions used can be traced back to their sources. This does

B
Climate-Related
Risks, Opportunities,
and Financial Impacts

not imply a requirement for independent external assurance; however, disclosures should
be subject to internal governance processes that are the same or substantially similar to
those used for financial reporting.

C
Recommendationsand Guidance
D
Scenario Analysis andClimate-Related Issues

Principle 7: Disclosures should be provided on a timely basis■■Information should be delivered to users or updated in a timely manner using appropriate
media on, at least, an annual basis within the mainstream financial report.
Climate-related risks can result in disruptive events. In case of such events with a material■■

financial impact, the organization should provide a timely update of climate-­relatedE ey Issues ConsideredK
and Areas for FurtherWork

disclosures as appropriate.
Reporters may encounter tension in the application of the fundamental principles set out

Fabove. For example, an organization may update a methodology to meet the comparability

Conclusion

principle, which could then result in a conflict with the principle of consistency. Tension can

Appendicesalso arise within a single principle. For example, Principle 6 states that disclosures should beverifiable, but assumptions made about future-oriented disclosures often require significant
judgment by management that is difficult to verify. Such tensions are inevitable given the
wide-ranging and sometimes competing needs of users and preparers of disclosures.
Organizations should aim to find an appropriate balance of disclosures that reasonably
satisfy the recommendations and principles while avoiding overwhelming users with
unnecessary information.

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

66

Recommendationsof the Task Forceon Climate-related
Financial Disclosures

www.fsb-tcfd.org | @FSB_TCFD