The latest insights from CDP, the global environmental disclosure system  

At the end of 2021, CDP celebrated the companies and cities leading the way on environmental disclosure and action.  

A record-breaking 13,000+ companies disclosed to CDP last year. 272 companies, with a combined market value over US$12 trillion, made the CDP A List, with a record number achieving a triple A score for their performance across climate change, water security and deforestation.  

These high disclosure rates partly reflect the influence of financial institution (FI) engagement, with 56% more FIs participating in the 2021 Non-Disclosure Campaign compared to 2020. Across all three themes, companies were found to be 2.3 times more likely to disclose if requested to do so.  

The next few years of climate action will be decisive and crucial. Time is fast running out to prevent catastrophic climate change, and an irreversible loss of nature and habitats. Our 2021–25 strategy sets out how CDP will respond to these interlinked crises, accelerating change through disclosure, insight and action. 

The financial sector needs to report on nature risks, and here’s why 

Climate change and nature loss are intrinsically linked. We cannot solve one crisis without addressing the other. The World Economic Forum estimates over half of global GDP (US$44 trillion) is potentially at risk because of businesses’ dependence on nature and what it provides. Financial institutions’ exposure to nature-related risks, and their impact on nature, come almost entirely from the activities they finance or insure in the wider economy. Starting this year, CDP will request information on forests and water security from financial institutions. 

How our accredited solutions providers can support you through next year's disclosure 

Following an unparalleled number of corporate disclosures, CDP's recent score release has shown just how many businesses have achieved or are progressing towards environmental leadership. It is crucial that we continue to improve this level of transparency and performance as we enter the next decisive few years of environmental action. Our accredited solutions providers offer a wide range of services and sector expertise that can support you to do just that. 

What companies should take away from COP26 

Shortly after COP26, CDP hosted its first ever COP debrief for companies. Companies were invited to a series of panel discussions; the first focused on the formal outcomes of COP negotiations and the second on corporate action during COP26. This blog explores the key takeaways from the debrief. 

The value of landscape and jurisdictional approaches (LA/JA) to achieving sustainability

Systemic deforestation drivers, that time and time again fail to be addressed, can only be adequately tackled if all stakeholders take a united approach under a collective goal. This is where LA/JA come in, providing a management framework that can integrate the actions of multiple stakeholders within a landscape towards a shared goal. Learn more about how companies can meet their no-deforestation commitment while aligning their goal with the local government's vision for a sustainable future.