Global technology titan IBM scored highest, 79 on a scale of 100, when it came to the fight against Earth-warming gases, according to a report titled "Corporate Governance and Climate Change: Consumer and Technology Companies."

Britain-based grocery giant Tesco was ranked second most climate-conscious firm with 78 points and US computer maker Dell was third with 77.

More than half the companies evaluated scored less than 50 points.

While some companies were adapting the way they do business, many others "are still largely ignoring climate change, especially at the board and chief executive officer level," said the report authored by RiskMetrics Group and for the Ceres investor coalition.

It scrutinized governance practices at 63 of the world's largest consumer firms in arenas including retail, pharmaceutical, technology, and clothing.

"Overall responses among these companies are very spotty, especially in the restaurant, real estate and travel & leisure sectors where climate change is barely on their radar," said Ceres president Mindy Lubber.

The median score was a dismal 38 out of 100 on a scale weighing factors such as boosting energy efficiency, increasing reliance on renewable power sources, and setting goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"With or without a recession, climate change is a core business issue that all consumer and tech companies should be focused on," said Lubber.

Technology and pharmaceutical firms were among those best factoring climate change into business strategies, she added.

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