Corporate climate strategies often fail to reduce emissions

A study of 146 large companies across 30 countries between 2012 and 2023 reveals that most corporate climate mechanisms do not lead to successful emission reductions. Researchers Michael King from the University of Victoria and Paul Beamish from Western University evaluated eight different mechanisms, including developing climate strategies, assigning responsibility to boards, and linking executive pay to environmental goals.

The findings indicate that only one mechanism showed a significant relationship with successful reductions: having targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The research suggests that the lack of measurable results is often due to the level of rigor, oversight, and the ability to maintain commitments over time, rather than a lack of initial promises.