Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures: 2019 status report

This status report provides an overview of the extent to which companies in their 2018 reports included information aligned with the core TCFD recommendations published in June 2017.

To better understand current climate-related financial disclosure practices and how they have evolved, the Task Force reviewed reports for over 1,100 companies from 142 countries in eight industries over a three-year period. In addition, the Task Force conducted a survey on companies’ efforts to implement the TCFD recommendations as well as users’ views on the usefulness of climate-related financial disclosures for decision-making.

Key themes and findings from the report:

• Disclosure of climate-related financial information has increased since 2016, but is still insufficient for investors. 
• More clarity is needed on the potential financial impact of climate-related issues on companies.
• Of companies using scenarios, the majority do not disclose information on the resilience of their strategies. 
• Mainstreaming climate-related issues requires the involvement of multiple functions. 

Overall, the Task Force found signs of progress in implementing the recommendations among companies traditionally engaged on climate-related issues. These companies demonstrate that disclosing climate-related information consistent with the TCFD recommendations is possible and is a journey of continuing improvement. Despite some encouraging results, the Task Force has concerns that not enough companies are disclosing decision-useful climate-related financial information.