An exploratory analysis of monetary incentives' role in the carbon performance of Brazilian companies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-8069.2022.e83185Keywords:
Carbon Performance, Executive Compensation, Carbon Emissions, BrazilAbstract
There is plenty of information about mechanisms that can motivate companies’ voluntary reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, there needs to be more investigation of the effects that fixed and non-fixed monetary incentives could bring to executives (who make decisions on these issues). We analyzed 31 B3-listed companies that disclosed emissions inventories (GHGs) between 2012 and 2019. We conducted an exploratory analysis using a documental analysis of non-financial disclosures and a two-stage dynamic panel (GMM-SYS) to control for potential endogeneity problems. The results are robust and suggest the effectiveness of these monetary incentives to reduce GHG emissions. Our main results are i) A positive and contemporary relationship exists between monetary incentives and carbon emission reductions. ii) The variables ROA and Total Assets showed a positive and significant relationship with emissions so the larger and more profitable the firm the higher the emissions; iii) Despite ineffective GHG environmental laws, Brazilian companies seem to offer incentives to reduce carbon emissions voluntarily. Our results are relevant especially for regulators and shareholders, as they provide subsidies for emissions control in developing countries like Brazil and align interests.
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