May. 13, 2022
I support the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed rule requiring publicly-traded companies disclose climate-related financial risk information (S7-10-22). Climate change is hurting every region of the world—this includes extreme weather events and climate-fueled disasters which are increasing in number and severity. Humans and wildlife alike are suffering the consequences of a changing climate and the resulting environmental degradation worsened by polluters. The death and destruction left in the wake of these weather related disasters are becoming harder to deal with. Maintaining a stable financial system and a healthy American economy is becoming more challenging. This is especially true when investors don’t have all the necessary information to make smart, climate investment decisions. I want to see a more transparent American market that gives investors the choice to support those companies that try their best not to harm the environment, and those that actively try to address climate change and related issues. Other countries are already requiring these types of climate-related disclosures from companies; so, it is past time for the U.S. to step up and do the same. The environment and all that it provides us is truly priceless. It is also irreplaceable. The natural landscape and its nearly extensive biodiversity of our nation provides under appreciated life-sustaining ecosystem services. With global average temperatures on the rise causing large losses in biodiversity, we are quickly losing all that. We need transparent information about climate-related investment risks. Thank you for proposing this rule, and I urge the SEC to finalize it as quickly as possible. Bruce Hlodnicki, MD