Lack of access to comparable climate-related data remains a significant barrier to informed decision-making. Data exists, but it is fragmented.
The Climate Data Utility (formerly the Net-Zero Data Public Utility) seeks to improve the accessibility and comparability of company-level climate-related data, helping companies, investors, and governments access information to assess risk, allocate capital, and plan for transition and resilience.
In its November 2022 Recommendations, the CDSC found that by making high-quality private sector climate data more accessible and comparable, nations, financial institutions, and non-financial companies can more readily measure their progress toward targets, develop and implement transition plans, and manage climate-related impacts, risks, and opportunities.
Even when company-level climate data is publicly disclosed, it may not be easily accessible or comparable. The methodologies used, scope of reporting, and granularity of data can vary widely and evolve frequently. Companies often do not have comprehensive access to data within their supply chain or technology solutions for data management. Credibility of progress toward climate targets can be difficult for users to assess, particularly where data is not reported in a consistent manner.
Building on important work done by the One Planet Data initiative and other organizations, the Climate Data Utility aims to address this opportunity and become a global solution and a global public good by creating the necessary infrastructure for centralizing company-level climate data in a global, open repository.