Climate Governance Initiative

Directors’ Duties Navigator: Climate Risk and Sustainability Disclosures

Make informed decisions by understanding how climate change presents material financial and systemic risks which affect corporations and their investors, using this navigator.

Climate change is a material, systemic and financial risk to corporations and their shareholders. This navigator on directors' duties helps directors make informed decisions and understand their legal duties regarding how to manage that risk and understand the broader climate-related regulatory landscape in which they operate. This is the 4th edition of the previously titled ‘Primer on Climate Change: Directors’ Duties and Disclosure Obligations’ and is authored by the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative.

In this navigator, directors can dive into information on over 30 jurisdictions which is relevant to their board duties and responsibilities, including:

  • Government and regulatory approaches to climate change
  • Sustainability and climate-related disclosure requirements
  • Liability risks for companies and directors
  • Practical tips for directors  

A number of jurisdictions have an overview of the biodiversity risks directors should be aware of in their region to manage material financial risks and take advantage of the opportunities arising from them. By integrating the climate and nature-related risks and opportunities into the development of corporate strategy, risk management oversight, governance and disclosure, directors are better informed to make decisions with respect to climate and to fulfil their obligations to their companies.

Directors' Duties by Jurisdiction

Dive into information on over 30 jurisdictions which is relevant to their board duties and responsibilities, including region-specific information on: 

  • Legal and Regulatory Landscape Regarding Climate Change
  • Directors' Duties and Climate Change
  • Directors' Duties and Sustainability Disclosure Obligations
  • Practical implications for board directors

We have advice and guidelines available for the following countries and regions: