Detail Cantuman

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of female
representation on the board of directors on corporate
response to stakeholders’ demands for increased public
reporting about climate change-related risks. We rely on
the Carbon Disclosure Project as a sustainability initiative
supported by institutional investors. Greenhouse gas
emissions measurement and its disclosure to investors can
be thought of as a first step toward addressing climate
change issues and reducing the firm’s carbon footprint.
Based on a sample of publicly listed Canadian firms over
the period 2008–2014, we find that the likelihood of voluntary
climate change disclosure increases with women
percentage on boards. We also find evidence that supports
critical mass theory with regard to board gender diversity.
These findings reinforce initiatives being undertaken
around the world to promote gender diversity in corporate
governance while demonstrating board effectiveness in
stakeholder management.
Keywords Sustainability disclosure  Climate change 
Greenhouse gas emissions  Gender diversity  Corporate
governance  Board of directors