SEC takes first step toward requiring companies to disclose emissions and climate risks

The Securities and Exchange Commission will seek public input on establishing a regime for requiring corporations to disclose the risks they face from climate change and policies to curb emissions.

The request for comment, which acting SEC Chairwoman Allison Herren Lee announced Monday, is likely a first step toward the agency requiring such disclosures from companies. Investors, including large asset managers such as BlackRock, and environmental groups have strongly called for mandatory disclosures, especially as they say it becomes increasingly clear that climate change poses a serious risk to the financial system.