More US Companies Discussing Climate In Wake Of Hurricanes, Wildfires

"NEW YORK - The bankruptcy of major California utility PG&E Corp as a result of over $30 billion in costs from California wildfires sparked by the state’s prolonged drought will likely prompt more companies to discuss how they will respond to the effects of climate change on their businesses.

Already, the trend is increasing. Nearly 50 companies mentioned climate change as a factor in their risk outlook or strategic decision-making on corporate earnings calls with analysts and investors over the last 12 months, more than double the number of companies discussing climate change 4 years ago, a Reuters analysis found.

Among companies focusing on climate change were not only those in the utility or energy sectors that are significant emitters of carbon, but companies ranging from casino operator Caesars Entertainment Corp to tool maker Stanley Black & Decker Inc that tend to cater to consumers and are feeling the effects of more extreme weather patterns."

David Randall reports for Reuters January 31, 2019,

Source: Reuters, 02/05/2019