Investor interest in climate change grows

In its latest research, the CDP found more than three quarters of the 80 respondents to its latest investor survey factored climate change information into their investment decision and asst allocations.

Of this group, 80% also said they considered climate change to be important relative to other financial issues and many had gone further than 'simple' disclosure requests, with some actively requesting companies to reduce carbon emissions.

The research, analysed by consultants Mercer, also showed the number of CDP signatories' had risen to 475 from 385 last year, representing assets in excess of US$55trn.

CDP chief operating officer Paul Simpson said there were "clear indications" of a global change in attitudes towards the climate change regulation, citing the recent change of administration in the US and progress made in the area by other governments.

"This will increase the materiality of climate change for investors and drive up costs for companies unable to manage their greenhouse gas inventories and our research shows that investors are already including climate change related issues into their investment decisions."

He added: "In addition, a near 25% increase in signatories is a clear signal that institutional investors require listed companies to report to CDP as climate change related information becomes increasingly important to investment decisions."