Jun. 01, 2022
June 1, 2022 I am writing as a biologist (1977 BS Biology, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and lawyer (1979 JD). Earth is already in the midst of its sixth mass extinction episode, which is driven by 1) over-population and continued population growth, and 2) over-consumption by the rich. https://pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1704949114 Included within those two drivers are the proximate causes of Earth's sixth mass extinction: Climate disruption, habitat conversion, over-exploitation, toxification, species invasions, disease, and (potentially) large-scale nuclear war. Im a supporter of the League of Conservation Voters writing in support of your agencys proposal to require Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. Climate change is an existential threat to our economy. The financial risks posed by climate change to investors, other market participants, and the economy are real and well documented. Not paying attention to climate change puts business and jobs at risk. This is the right step to provide investors and other market participants with clear, consistent, and comprehensive information so they can make informed investment decisions. Shareholders deserve to understand and be protected from the increasing climate-related risks of the companies they are investing in.