The words "climate change" trigger vigorous debate. Many Americans view alterations to global climate as an existential threat to our planet and demand immediate implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures with potential far-reaching consequences to our economy. Yet others treat climate change as if it were a hoax, an exaggerated prediction from scientists with an allegedly political agenda, or an international problem over which our nation can have scant influence. These competing views complicate financial disclosure regulation because imposing climate-related disclosure obligations on public companies may necessitate acknowledging that climate risks are real and amenable to evaluation.