Fewer than 25% of the largest companies in the ocean economy disclose targets and measurements on their ocean-related impacts, according to a study published in Nature Sustainability.
Researchers, led by Baptiste Jouffray (Stanford University), analysed annual and sustainability reports published between 2018 and 2020 by 75 large companies across eight core sectors in the ocean economy - cruise tourism, marine equipment and construction, offshore oil and gas, offshore wind, port activities, seafood, shipbuilding and repair, and container shipping.
While 96% of the firms assessed mentioned energy utilisation, fewer than 55% mentioned types of ocean impacts linked with their respective industries.
In addition, 92% mention pollution and 71% disclose measurements on this topic, but only 24% include both measurements and targets for reducing pollution.
Similarly, most companies mentioned alterations to ocean habitats in their reports but only 7% disclosed both measurements and targets on this topic.
“Most companies focus narrowly on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, with limited attention to more ocean-specific impacts,” the study reads. “Where measurements are reported, the use of 443 distinct indicators limits comparability and suggests a lack of consensus on what should be disclosed
Companies:Stanford University
People:Baptiste Jouffray
