Real effects of proposed scope 3 disclosures

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Carter, Mary Ellen; Lee, Lian Fen; Yu, Enshuai
• 署名单位: Boston College
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING & ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0165-4101; 1879-1980
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacceco.2025.101820
• 发表日期: 2026-02
• 页码: 101820
• 关键词: Climate disclosure; ghg emissions; supply chain; Real effects; Scope 3; Manufacturing firms; CONFERENCE CALLS; performance; SLACK

摘要

We examine whether the threat of requiring Scope 3 emissions disclosures increases affected firms' preference for greater control over production and GHG emissions, which renders outsourcing to foreign countries less desirable. Using the SEC's March 2021 request for input on climate-related disclosures as a shock to the probability that Scope 3 emissions disclosures would be required, we find that affected firms reduce imports relative to unaffected firms. The reduction is concentrated in firms for which disclosing Scope 3 emissions are likely costlier and among firms with greater ability to reduce foreign outsourcing. Further, the reduction is more pronounced among firms facing Scope 3 disclosure pressures from the EU and California. Finally, we find some evidence that affected firms increase in-house production and improve their environmental efforts. Collectively, our findings suggest that the threat of Scope 3 disclosures induces real changes in corporate operations.