May. 13, 2022
We support the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed rule to require publicly-traded companies to disclose climate-related financial risk information (S7-10-22). Climate change is impacting every region of the world, and its effects are accelerating. Humans and wildlife being impacted by the consequences of an unstable climate and environmental degradation caused by polluters. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and severity, the death and destruction left in the wake are becoming harder to address. The promise of a stable financial system that supports the American economy is becoming more challenging to ensure. Investors and other market actors do not have the necessary information to make smart, climate- and community-forward investment decisions. We want to see a sustainable American market that gives investors and other market actors the choice to support companies that strive to not harm the environment, and those that actively try to address climate change and related issues. Other countries are requiring these types of climate-related disclosures from companies. It is time for the U.S. to step up and do the same. The environment is priceless—we enjoy national and state parks that offer us inspiring views and glances at wildlife, and the biodiversity found across our nation provides life-sustaining ecosystem services. Global average temperatures are rising causing large losses in biodiversity. We need transparent information about climate-related investment risks. Thank you for proposing this rule, and we urge the SEC to finalize it as quickly as possible. Linda Mack, Trustee Monmouth County Audubon