"I was part of the research team that worked with Columbia Business School Professors Bruce Usher and Geoffrey Heal on the Tracking the Transition research project. The data-driven initiative aims to assess, monitor, and predict the shift by businesses to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Many companies have responded to pressure from environmentally concerned investors, employees, and consumers by announcing significant pledges to reduce their carbon emissions in the coming years. However, questions remain on how companies will implement their transition plans, what they will cost and how effectively they will reduce the threat from climate change. The multi-year research project aims to document and evaluate the commitments made by S&P 500 companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and understand the impact of such targets. We also sought to assess the implementation of the pledges that affect the trajectory of GHG emissions and study investor reactions to these commitments — in terms of share price movements, press coverage, and analysts' commentaries. We built a database of commitments made by S&P 500 corporations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 50% by mid-century, together with an explanation of the exact nature of the targets and how the companies plan to meet them.

I joined the Tracking the Transition team in the spring semester and continued working on the project during the summer. Throughout, I utilized data analysis and quantitative research skills acquired in the MBA core curriculum and Excel and Bloomberg Terminal competencies sharpened while studying at Columbia Business School. In addition, my 10+ years of experience in journalism, including at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, were helpful with sourcing vetted information, considering research findings, and weighing potential future directions for the multi-year project.

As a fully remote research team, we faced challenges like others undertaking similar work in the pandemic. Although on the surface, the data we were trying to obtain was straightforward and quantitative, we soon realized that we faced several obstacles. For example, not all companies are forthcoming with details on their plans to reduce emissions. We also encountered the issue of double-counting in emissions scope 1, 2 and 3 data. For instance, scope 3 emissions for some corporations are scope 1 for others. Sourcing accurate and up to date data was also a hurdle. As a result, we decided to focus on first-hand sourced material from the companies themselves from regulatory filings, websites or information submitted to third-party organizations, such as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Against the backdrop of a summer of extreme weather conditions, it was fascinating to gain insight into the different strategies employed by many of America's largest corporations to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, I learned about the lack of transparency and regulation around these targets, carbon offsetting, and the challenge of establishing accurate data on emissions."