EAGAN, Minn. – Thomson Reuters released a new report – Global 500 Greenhouse Gases Performance 2010-2013: 2014 Report on Trends – revealing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from the world’s 500 largest businesses (Global 500). The report was written in collaboration with BSD Consulting, a global sustainability consultancy.

Among the data included in the report, the Global 500 is responsible for more than 10 percent of the world’s GHG emissions, which are concentrated among the top 50 firms, who account for 79 percent of all Global 500 emissions.

From 2010 to 2013, GHG emissions from the Global 500 have increased 3.1 percent, a concerning trend given that GHG emissions should have seen a 4.2 percent reduction to meet standards outlined in the 2014 UNEP Emissions Gap Report intended to provide a path through 2050 to keeping global temperatures within a two degrees Celsius average increase.

“As we saw during the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru, there’s an urgency to curb greenhouse gas emissions worldwide so we can reduce the impact of climate change,” said Tim Nixon, director of Sustainability at Thomson Reuters, and a co-author of the report. “While we hope this report accelerates the discussion related to GHG reductions among the Global 500, it’s important to remember that as global consumers of industry, we all play a part in this conversation.”

Data was gathered from self-reported GHG emissions data from businesses and from estimates pulled from Thomson Reuters Asset4 – a leading provider of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) data. Asset4 gathers standardized, objective, quantitative and qualitative ESG data on more than 4,800 publicly listed companies.

“The conclusion of the report is that increased awareness of global GHG data can foster transparency, innovation and a better understanding among companies and stakeholders that can lead to further reductions in GHG emissions,” said John Moorhead, executive manager of BSD Consulting, and co-author of the report. “We want to support better decision-making by global businesses and stakeholders alike, improving GHG emissions goals into 2015 and beyond.”

Thomson Reuters supports the essential operating systems for governments, business and society that can foster a more transparent, fair and ethical world. For more on our commitment to Corporate Responsibility and Inclusion, visit thomsonreuters.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/.

To review the full report, or for more on the methodology and analysis of Global 500 data, visit Global 500 Greenhouse Gases Performance 2010-2013: 2014 Report on Trends [PDF].

BSD Consulting
BSD is a global sustainability consultancy that provides thought leadership and customized solutions for the management of sustainability issues to international business and governmental organizations. For more information, go to www.bsdconsulting.com.

Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.