Financial Reporting and Climate Risk: An Empirical Study of Disclosure Practices in Emerging Markets

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Provides empirical evidence on TCFD disclosure determinants in emerging markets, contributing to the literature on voluntary disclosure.

🏢実務担当者:Offers insights on factors that drive climate disclosure, useful for firms seeking to improve their reporting.

🏛政策担当者:Recommends stronger regulatory frameworks and targeted support for smaller firms to enhance climate transparency.

Abstract: This study examines the extent and determinants of climate risk disclosure among publicly listed firms in emerging markets, with a specific focus on financial reporting aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Using a purposive sample of 100 firms from environmentally sensitive sectors across Nigeria, India, Brazil, and South Africa, the study applies content analysis to annual and sustainability reports from 2019 to 2023. A disclosure index was developed based on 20 TCFD indicators across governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics/targets. Descriptive results reveal that while 76% of firms disclosed climate-related governance structures and 68% reported board oversight, only 35% provided scenario analysis and 47% reported specific climate-related metrics and targets. The average overall disclosure score across firms was 58.2%, indicating moderate but uneven transparency. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between disclosure levels and firm size (r = 0.52), board size (r = 0.39), and foreign ownership (r = 0.44), while profitability had a weaker association (r = 0.28). Multiple regression results confirmed that firm size (β = 0.462, p < 0.001), foreign ownership (β = 0.399, p = 0.001), board size (β = 0.321, p = 0.003), and profitability (β = 0.213, p = 0.019) were all significant predictors of disclosure. The model explained 48% of the variance in disclosure scores (Adjusted R² = 0.45). A robust regression model yielded consistent results, affirming the reliability of the findings. The study concludes that while climate risk disclosure in emerging markets is gaining traction, significant gaps persist, particularly in forward-looking disclosures. Internal governance structures, external ownership dynamics, and firm capacity play key roles in shaping reporting behavior. The paper recommends the adoption of stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced ESG governance, and targeted support for smaller firms to foster climate transparency and resilience in emerging economies.