Shareholder resolutions calling on companies to integrate climate and emissions plans into their corporate strategies continue to increase. Ceres, a national network of investors and environmental organization working to address corporate sustainability, tracks the success and failure of such resolutions, and also follows the dynamics of the votes.

Ceres found that in 2010, 101 resolutions were submitted to 88 US and Canadian companies – 50% more than last year. Shareholders withdrew 51 resolutions after companies agreed to positive climate change and energy related changes, which is similar to reaching a settlement in a court case.

Of 42 resolutions that went to a vote, 16 garnered over 30% support. That represents almost three times the number that breached 30% compared to last year, suggesting that such resolutions are gaining traction with a wider swath of voters. 

Overall, the trend continues to be towards greater disclosure, trans-parency, and action on environment and climate-related issues. Early action on these fronts could streng-then the position of companies as they continue to develop their relationship with shareholders.

By Jeff Beyer, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)