New Poll: Public Supportive of Companies Disclosing Climate Risk

(Washington, D.C. – December 16, 2020) Today, Environmental Defense Fund released a national poll that shows broad public support for requiring companies to disclose climate risk and spending on climate-related advocacy. The top reasons voters gave for supporting disclosure were to assist the environment and climate, improve corporate transparency, protect consumers and to promote economic growth.

Key Findings:

• 71% of voters support requiring companies to disclose climate risk, including two-thirds of independents and moderate Republicans as well as 76% of young people (18-34).
• Nearly two-thirds of voters say disclosure should be a priority for the Biden administration within the first 100 days, including 87% of Trump-Biden voters, 56% of moderate Republicans as well as 76% of young people (18-34).
• 71% of voters support a requirement for companies to disclose the money they spend to influence climate policy, including 80% for Democrats and 59% of Republicans as well as 74% of young people (18-34).

Explore the polling memo here.

“The public wants more transparency from companies on the risks they face due to climate change, and how they are addressing those risks, including their lobbying and political spending. Disclosure is an essential tool to hold companies accountable to consumers and investors and will accelerate progress on climate solutions,” said Elizabeth Gore, Environmental Defense Fund Senior Vice President for Political Affairs. “People of all walks of life, and particularly young people, understand that transparency from companies is paramount if we’re going to tackle the climate crisis head on while ensuring we have a just and thriving economy.”

Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to companies’ operations, value chains, employees and communities. Assessing climate risk — including physical risk from damage to facilities and disruptions to supply chains – is essential in order for companies to proactively reduce that risk. It also enables consumers and investors to understand which companies are leading the transition to a low-carbon future.

Finally, the most powerful tool that companies have to fight climate change is their political influence. To date, it has been very difficult to assess corporate spending on climate policy. Yet as this poll reveals, more than 70% of voters want this to change.