Carbon disclosure project report 2008: Global 500

"We actively speak with leading experts in the field of climate change to ensure we understand what sectors and technologies will succeed, which markets will grow the fastest etc. in order to select the companies with the best potential for growth". — Henderson Group

This report provides insight into how the 383 listed companies in the, Global 500 track their carbon footprint and consider the risks and opportunities of carbon on their business. It also shows how companies compare against their peer group and who is leading the field.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), to which PwC has been appointed global adviser and report writer, and now in its sixth year, aims to provide investors with a unique analysis of how the worlds largest companies are responding to the challenge of climate change. Over 380 institutional investors sign up to CDP with combined assets under management of US$57 trillion.

Highlights include:

• European and North American companies set the pace in reporting carbon activity
• Carbon intensive sectors performed slightly better in most aspects of disclosure
• 74% of respondents reported that they have emissions reduction targets in place
• Carbon intensive companies now account for 44% of Global 500 population, up from 40%