Greening the Path to Success: Exploring ESG Performance and Voluntary Disclosure Practices

Abstract

The escalating global climate change has led to more severe environmental problems, which now serve as a major constraint on sustainable economic growth. This study focuses on analyzing the ESG performance and carbon information disclosure of Chinese A-share listed businesses from 2012 to 2020. It also investigates the influence of corporate ESG performance on their disclosure of carbon emission information. Studies have revealed that a company’s ESG performance has a notable and positive impact on its disclosure of carbon-related information. When companies are non-state-owned ones, in non-heavily polluting industries, and located in areas with stricter environmental regulations, companies with superior ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance are more likely to provide information about their carbon emissions. The research findings offer empirical evidence for enhancing the transparency of carbon-related data by Chinese publicly traded enterprises and attaining the objectives of “dual carbon”.