The ASCOR Tool (Assessment of Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks) is an investor-led framework of indicators designed to assess how countries manage the low-carbon transition and the impacts of climate change. It provides a structured approach for finance professionals to evaluate sovereign climate performance across multiple dimensions. The tool aims to support investment decision-making by offering transparent data on country-level climate actions and pathways.

Organisation behind the tool

The tool was developed by the TPI Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science, in partnership with a group of asset owners, asset managers and investor networks known as the ASCOR Partners.

What the tool does

The tool assesses countries across three main pillars: Emissions Pathways, Climate Policies and Climate Finance. Users can view and analyse assessment results for thirteen topic areas, including emissions trends, net-zero targets, carbon pricing and adaptation. Key features include the ability to compare up to 10 countries simultaneously, evaluate emission trends using absolute or intensity-based metrics, and assess transparency in climate spending and costing.

Target audience

The primary audience consists of finance professionals, specifically asset owners, asset managers and investor networks. It is also relevant for researchers and policymakers focused on sovereign climate-related risks and opportunities.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – evaluating sovereign exposure to climate-related risks and the robustness of national adaptation plans.
• ESG analysis – providing metrics on climate legislation, carbon pricing and international climate finance for sovereign bond analysis.
• Investment context – understanding long-term national emission pathways and transition targets to inform capital allocation.
• Transparency – accessing clear data on climate spending to verify sovereign climate claims and progress.