Do MENA firms consider climate risks? Evidence from the relationship between ESG and firm performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT We investigate the moderating effect of climate risk, measured by Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a Global Climate Risk Index (CRI), on the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) score and firm performance using data on non-financial listed firms in the MENA region during the period 2006–2021. We perform the analysis in two stages, in the first stage, we examine the impact of ESG score on firm performance. The findings show that ESG score has a negative impact on operational and financial performance and a positive effect on market performance. Next, we hypothesize that ESG will have a more positive and stronger impact on firm performance in high than low climate risk countries. The results indicate mixed evidence. In further analysis, we have examined the effect of environmental performance index and net zero initiatives on the relationship of ESG on firm performance.