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• Stellantis calls for 2030 emissions targets for cars and vans to be met over a 2028–2032 compliance window, mirroring flexibility recently granted for 2025.• Proposal would reshape short-term EU...
• Parliament backs thresholds that limit sustainability reporting to companies above €450 million turnover and 1,750 employees.• Due diligence duties narrowed to firms with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5...
A few short years ago, sustainability appeared unstoppable. Investors pledged trillions toward net-zero portfolios; governments competed to launch green-industrial revolutions; corporate leaders declared that purpose had finally converged with profit....
A decisive start in Belém The global climate gathering in Belém, Brazil opened under a rare display of unity as delegates adopted the official agenda on day one and elevated...
In this interview, Michael Sheldrick, co-founder of Global Citizen and author of the new book “From Ideas to Impact,” sat down with ESG News CEO & Editor-in-Chief Matt Bird to...
Brussels Targets Airline Green Claims Twenty-one European airlines have agreed to overhaul their environmental marketing practices after EU consumer authorities found that many claims could mislead passengers about the climate...
The global banking group HSBC Holdings plc has published an updated Net Zero Transition Plan (NZTP), reaffirming its objective to become a net zero bank by 2050. Yet the move...
• The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) released its second draft of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 for public consultation, open from November 6 to December 8.• The revision aims...
What was rejected The European Parliament has narrowly rejected a compromise on its negotiating position for the European Commission’s Omnibus I package — a proposal aimed at simplifying and reducing...
Brussels moves to safeguard system readiness The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to recalibrate the implementation of the EUDR, the bloc’s flagship regulation aimed at ensuring that commodities such...
EU Moves to Cut Scope of Sustainability Rules The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) voted on October 13 to approve sweeping reductions to two cornerstones of the European Green...
Brussels Pushes Forward on SME Reporting Infrastructure The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has published two reports cataloguing more than 320 digital tools and platforms designed to help small...
The Trump administration has canceled $679 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects, a move that effectively derails several cornerstone initiatives launched under the Biden administration’s clean energy...
A federal judge in Texas has pressed pause on the state’s latest bid to rein in the use of environmental, social and governance considerations in corporate proxy advice, dealing a...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Environment Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to tighten cooperation in the rapidly expanding field of sustainable finance....
Assent Inc. has introduced a new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) solution aimed at helping manufacturers meet the bloc’s looming compliance deadline. The regulation, which takes effect December 30, 2025, requires...
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has issued a no-action letter addressing the application of ESG Pillar 3 disclosure requirements under its Implementing Technical Standards (ITS). The move aims to ease...
In 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) finalized climate disclosure rules for asset managers, life insurers, and FCA-regulated pension providers, requiring firms to report in line with the Taskforce on...
• SEC tells court it won’t review climate rule—and won’t commit to enforcing it• Commissioner Crenshaw: “The unspoken truth is the answer is no”• Legal uncertainty clouds future of U.S....
Anjinho demands answers on lack of public consultation, impact assessment, and climate review What’s happening In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Anjinho questioned the Commission’s justification...
In a significant blow to the European Commission’s anti-deforestation strategy, the European Parliament voted to reject the EUDR’s proposed country risk classification system—a key component underpinning its due diligence regime...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released its first Climate Transition Plan, marking a strategic shift to align its internal operations with the EU’s long-term climate goals and...
• Supervisory review finds shortcomings in SFDR compliance and risk integration• Report identifies issues at both entity and product levels• ESMA urges national regulators to increase scrutiny and follow up...
• Confirms continued commitment to anti-greenwashing law after confusion over withdrawal• Microenterprise exemption remains the key sticking point• Final outcome hinges on Council clarity and political consensus The European Commission...
The UK government has released exposure drafts of its new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), marking a significant step toward a modernised corporate reporting framework. The drafts are modeled...
In a formal letter to Commissioner Jessika Roswall, the European People’s Party (EPP) has called for the complete withdrawal of the EU’s proposed Green Claims Directive (GCD), citing significant concerns...
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has formally withdrawn two proposed rules central to the Biden-era ESG regulatory agenda—one requiring enhanced ESG disclosures from investment advisers, and another revising...
On June 13, 2025, California sued the Trump administration after it revoked waivers allowing the state to set stricter vehicle emission rules under the Clean Air Act. Governor Gavin Newsom...
The European Parliament’s lead negotiator on the Omnibus regulatory package, Jörgen Warborn of the European People’s Party (EPP), has released a proposal calling for significantly deeper cuts to the EU’s...
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a landmark framework for the issuance and listing of ESG debt securities, specifically targeting social bonds, sustainability bonds, and sustainability-linked...
The Competition Bureau of Canada has finalized its guidelines on environmental claims, marking a significant step in enforcing recent greenwashing provisions added to the Competition Act. “These guidelines are designed...
The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to tighten oversight of non-sustainable fishing practices by third countries, aiming to safeguard shared fish stocks and protect EU fishing...
Climate Impact Partners has submitted a formal response to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), urging adjustments to the draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS) Version 2.0 to better balance scientific...
Amid regulatory shifts and growing political scrutiny, 80% of major corporations are actively revising their ESG strategies, according to a new report from The Conference Board. The primary response? Messaging....
The European Union has officially approved a regulatory amendment that gives car manufacturers additional leeway to meet their CO₂ emissions targets. The Council of the European Union adopted the final...
The European Union’s Ombudswoman has opened an inquiry into the European Commission’s recent proposal to relax corporate sustainability rules—following accusations that the process lacked transparency and excluded public consultation. In...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing a sweeping regulatory rollback that would eliminate all federal greenhouse gas (GHG) limits on coal and gas-fired power plants, according to a draft...
The European Parliament has endorsed a major revision to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), exempting companies importing less than 50 metric tons of covered goods annually from the...
The European Commission has formally designated 44 oil and gas companies to develop CO₂ storage capacity across Europe, aligning with the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act and Industrial Carbon Management Strategy....
The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has endorsed key changes to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—a carbon pricing tool targeting high-emission imports like steel and cement. The move aims...
Air New Zealand has released revised 2030 climate targets, aiming to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 25% from 2019 levels—marking a shift from its earlier Science Based...
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly urged the European Union to cancel its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), signaling a potential reversal in Europe’s approach to ESG regulation. “We...
The Council of the European Union has endorsed a key amendment to CO₂ emissions regulations for new passenger cars and vans, granting automakers a more flexible path to meet 2025...
Capgemini has updated its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy to strengthen its long-term commitment to responsible growth, ethical leadership, and sustainable value creation. The policy now includes nine priorities,...
Euronext is leading a strategic shift in European capital markets by redefining ESG—traditionally known as Environmental, Social, and Governance—as Energy, Security, and Geostrategy. The move aims to channel investment into...
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against New York and Vermont, challenging their newly enacted “climate superfund” laws that seek to hold fossil fuel companies financially accountable for...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has unveiled two major regulatory developments poised to reshape ESG data integrity and sustainability reporting across the EU. ESG Ratings Regulation: From Supervision...
India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has introduced definitive guidelines for when and how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings can be withdrawn by registered...
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has proposed significant amendments to its climate disclosure standard (IFRS S2), offering new reliefs primarily for financial sector companies. These changes are designed to...
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has launched a new ESG dashboard, offering centralized, comparable climate risk indicators for EU/EEA banks. The dashboard aims to strengthen monitoring and benchmarking of transition...
CSA Backs Away From Mandatory Climate Rules—for Now The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) announced it is pausing its work on implementing mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements, citing heightened economic and geopolitical...
The European Commission has adopted a 2025–2030 work plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation, setting the stage for sweeping sustainability rules across key...
The European Commission has rolled out a set of revisions to simplify implementation of its EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aiming to ease compliance burdens while maintaining its environmental objectives. The...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published the findings of its 2024 Common Supervisory Action (CSA) on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures under the Benchmarks Regulation (BMR)....
What’s happening U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday directing the federal government to block state-level climate policies that restrict fossil fuel use or promote environmental...
The European Commission is weighing a major shift in its climate strategy — allowing international carbon credits to count toward its 2040 emissions goal, per sources familiar with the talks....
The EU is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050—while also driving global competitiveness. A new policy roadmap, The AI Opportunity for Europe’s Climate Goals, outlines how AI can help deliver...
The European Parliament has voted to adopt the European Commission’s “stop-the-clock” directive, delaying implementation timelines for key sustainability regulations: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due...
The SEC voted today to stop defending its rules requiring companies to disclose climate risks and greenhouse gas emissions. Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda called the disclosure requirements “costly and...
EU member states have approved the Council’s position on the “Stop-the-clock” mechanism aimed at simplifying EU sustainability regulations and enhancing business competitiveness. “Simplification is one of the priorities of the...
The SEC announced a six-month delay for funds to comply with the recently amended Investment Company Act “Names Rule,” which ensures fund investments match their advertised ESG or sustainability strategies....
This Week’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Headlines – U.S. & Europe | March 15, 2025. DEI policies continue to evolve across corporations in the U.S. and Europe, with some...
Britain’s top financial regulators have scrapped proposed new rules aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the financial sector, citing concerns over regulatory burdens on firms. The Prudential Regulation Authority...
Effective immediately, the Ontario government has imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States, targeting power supplies to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. This measure responds directly...
The United States has officially withdrawn from the board of the United Nations’ “loss and damage” fund, designed to support nations devastated by climate-driven disasters. This decision was disclosed in...
The past week has seen significant developments in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies across multiple sectors, with corporations, government agencies, and public figures adjusting their approaches to DEI amid...
The European Commission has announced a plan to extend the compliance period for CO2 emissions targets from one year to three, giving automakers more time to meet stringent regulations and...
The past week has seen a significant shift in corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies across major industries, as companies respond to changing political and legal landscapes. High-profile firms,...
EU Simplifies Sustainability and Investment Rules The European Commission has unveiled two major legislative packages—Omnibus I and Omnibus II—aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, improving sustainability rules, and unlocking investment. The...
In an ESG News exclusive interview with Lawrence Paramasivam, the Senior Executive Director of Policy & Legal at the FSRA during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), highlighted UAE’s Strategic Evolution...
A new study by Workiva Inc. finds that despite policy uncertainty, corporate leaders are doubling down on sustainability integration, recognizing its financial and strategic value. Leaders remain committed to sustainability...
The Intersection of Tax Policy and Media Financing The entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as sustainable tax incentives and structured investment vehicles redefine how film and television projects...
Investors managing a combined €6.6 trillion in assets are calling on the European Commission to uphold the integrity of the EU’s sustainable finance framework. Concerns are mounting that the upcoming...
The European Commission has launched the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic roadmap to drive technological leadership, economic resilience, and climate neutrality. The initiative addresses Europe’s lag in productivity growth by focusing...
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) have introduced integrated standards to strengthen sustainability reporting and assurance practices. These measures...
The European Commission is set to propose a ban on PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in consumer products, targeting their widespread use in items like cosmetics, non-stick pans, and industrial applications. Health...
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has launched a consultation on its draft Guidelines on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scenario analysis. The guidelines aim to guide institutions in adopting forward-looking...
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released comprehensive guidelines on managing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks. These regulations target EU financial institutions, requiring robust governance to mitigate risks related...
The Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on updates to the EU Taxonomy, the EU’s classification system for defining sustainable economic activities. The...
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS released final rules for the Clean Electricity Investment and Production Tax Credits under sections 45Y and 48E of the tax code. These...
Navigating Stricter EU Emissions Rules To comply with the EU’s 2025 carbon emissions rules, major automakers are partnering with electric vehicle (EV) leaders like Tesla and Polestar to pool CO₂...
Modernizing EU Construction Standards The European Union’s new Construction Products Regulation officially takes effect, replacing the 2011 rules to modernize the industry and boost competitiveness across the EU Single Market....
New York state has enacted a groundbreaking climate law to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law...
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released updated plans for its sectoral standards targeting the oil and gas, chemicals, and power industries—three of the largest global emitters. These updates...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted California the authority to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations and low-NOx standards for heavy-duty and off-road vehicles. These...
The European Commission has introduced the Flight Emissions Label (FEL), a voluntary program offering airlines a standardized and transparent way to report flight emissions. Fully operational by July 2025, FEL...
Canada has entered a new era of sustainability reporting with the release of CSDS 1 and CSDS 2, now included in the CPA Canada Handbook – Sustainability. These standards, crafted...
The News: The European Parliament approved a one-year delay for the EU deforestation law, which aims to ban products sourced from deforested or degraded land. Initially set to take effect...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a Q&A to provide clarity on the Guidelines for funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms. This guidance ensures a consistent...
The News: The European Union has finalized ambitious regulations requiring all packaging to be 100% recyclable by 2030. The comprehensive rules target the full lifecycle of packaging,emphasizing re-use, recycling, and...
The Story: The Hong Kong government unveiled a roadmap to implement the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) across publicly accountable entities (PAEs) by 2028. This...
The Swiss Federal Council has launched a consultation on proposed updates to its sustainability-related disclosure rules, aimed at aligning with international developments and Switzerland’s climate targets. The consultation, initiated during...
The UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) is calling for mandatory regulatory mandates to address persistent challenges in Scope 3 emissions disclosure, which account for up to 75% of most...
The European Union has agreed to delay the enforcement of its deforestation regulation by 12 months, moving the application date to December 30, 2025. This decision aims to provide additional...
The Biden administration has reached a significant milestone by awarding more than $100 billion in grants from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), President Joe Biden’s signature climate legislation. This achievement...
EU Taxonomy FAQ: A Step Towards Usability The European Commission released a comprehensive FAQ document to aid in implementing the EU Taxonomy, its sustainability classification system. Aimed at reducing administrative...
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Rising ESG Challenges for Canadian CEOs According to KPMG’s 2024 CEO Outlook, Canadian executives are placing sustainability at the forefront, driven by extreme weather events, disruptive technologies, regulatory changes, and...
The Council of the European Union has approved a groundbreaking regulation to enhance the transparency, consistency, and comparability of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings. This move aims to bolster...
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