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Category: ESG Policy
Key Impact Points: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged New York-based investment adviser WisdomTree Asset Management Inc. with making misstatements and failing to comply with its own investment...
Key Impact Points: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has launched its Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (PSTF) at Sibos 2024 in Beijing. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, including...
Key Impact Points: Canada’s Net-Zero Plan Takes Shape The Canadian government has advanced two significant sustainable finance initiatives to ensure the country meets its ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2050....
Key Impact Points: Plans to build the UK’s first deep coal mine in over three decades have been blocked by the High Court. The mine, proposed for Whitehaven in Cumbria,...
Key Impact Points: Carlsberg Group’s ESG Journey with Deloitte As a global brewery leader, the Carlsberg Group has made significant strides in meeting its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets....
Key Impact Points: Morningstar Sustainalytics has announced significant updates to its suite of tools designed to assist investors and corporations with the evolving ESG regulatory landscape under the EU Sustainable...
Follow ESG News on LinkedIn This week, the EU and the US seemed to swap roles as California advanced its climate disclosure law, maintaining the 2026 reporting deadline for large...
The European Union has officially pushed back the enforcement of its pivotal Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), a move confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Originally set...
The big picture: Italy’s antitrust agency has launched an investigation into Shein’s website operator, Infinite Styles Services Co., over potentially misleading environmental claims. The investigation targets Infinite Styles Services CO....
The European Commission is addressing gaps in the transposition of several EU directives across Member States. The lack of national measures hampers harmonized implementation and compliance with EU law. Here’s...
CFTC Introduces First Carbon Credit Market Guidelines The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has established its first-ever guidelines for trading voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts. This is a pivotal...
Deutsche Bank is set to strengthen its commitment to ocean conservation under its #BackBlue initiative, implementing updated due diligence requirements in Q4 2024. These updates mark a continuation of the...
Organizations are pushing forward with sustainability initiatives despite geopolitical turbulence. According to Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, A World in Balance 2024: Accelerating Sustainability Amidst Geopolitical Challenges, regulatory frameworks and...
The Growing Role of ESG Ratings With 94% of investors relying on ESG ratings at least once a month, the influence of these tools in financial markets has surged. Despite...
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has extended the deadline for sustainable fund marketing rules to April 2025. This extension applies to the “naming and marketing” rules designed to curb...
The Big Picture Australia’s mandatory climate reporting starts January 1, 2025, following the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill. Royal Assent is expected...
Texas is facing a legal challenge from the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), a nonprofit organization advocating for environmentally sustainable business practices. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in Austin’s federal...
India is on a path to significantly expand its bioeconomy, with projections indicating growth from $130 billion in 2024 to $300 billion by 2030. This expansion is driven by the...
TotalEnergies SE faced a significant setback when South Africa’s Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the company’s sustainability claims were “misleading,” marking the first such challenge in the country. Fossil...
In the quest for a more sustainable and efficient energy future, data access is becoming as crucial as the energy itself. The Green Button Explorer, a tool developed by Mission:data...
The oil and gas (O&G) sector faces an urgent call to decarbonize. Responsible for 85% of CO2 emissions and a significant portion of global methane emissions, this industry holds a...
The UK government is set to propose a law in 2025 aimed at regulating providers of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings, a move that could reshape the landscape of...
China has released a comprehensive plan to standardize carbon emission calculations across key sectors to meet its carbon reduction targets. By the end of 2024, China will publish 70 national...
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market announced that current renewable energy methodologies won’t qualify for the high-integrity CCP® (Core Carbon Principles) label. These methodologies, representing nearly a third...
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) introduced the Energy Transition Measures and Other Amendments Bill to Parliament, aiming to amend the EMA Act, Electricity Act, and Gas Act. These...
MioTech is leveraging tougher ESG disclosure rules to expand its sustainability data and software services. Founder and CEO Jason Tu outlined plans for more partnerships to help clients meet regulatory...
In a landmark ruling, Australia’s Federal Court ordered Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited to pay an $7.4 million penalty for misleading claims about the sustainability of its superannuation investment options. Mercer...
For more from Tim Mohin, sign up for his newsletter here While there are still many questions about how all of these policies will work and interact, the time for implementation...
The number of plastic bags found on UK beaches has plummeted by 80% over the past decade, following the introduction of a mandatory fee for single-use carrier bags. According to...
Air New Zealand Adjusts Emission Goals Air New Zealand has retracted its 2030 emissions reduction target, citing delays in the delivery of fuel-efficient aircraft and the high cost of green...
In 2024, shareholder proposals on ESG and anti-ESG issues soared to record numbers, reaching 998 among Russell 3000 companies, surpassing 2023’s total of 947. Despite the increase, support remains inconsistent,...
Market Dynamics Driving ESG Evolution Market forces, including shifting ESG regulations, U.S. anti-ESG sentiment, and increasing competition among ESG service providers, are reshaping asset managers and rating agencies’ ESG integration....
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published an Opinion on enhancing the Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework, highlighting potential long-term improvements. Current Framework ESMA recognizes the robust development of...
The EU has introduced a comprehensive law aimed at enhancing the sustainability of products in the market. The new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation expands on the existing Ecodesign Directive,...
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has established a Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions to design and implement policies that create a fair and affordable energy system. This initiative...
BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, updated its decarbonization investment guidelines on July 2, allocating $150 billion for funds screened for energy transition risks and opportunities. Though based in...
The SEC, in collaboration with CFA Institute and CFA Society Thailand, hosted a training seminar to advance the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors into securities analysis and...
EU Imposes Provisional Duties on Chinese BEVs The European Commission has imposed provisional countervailing duties on battery electric vehicle (BEV) imports from China, nine months after initiating an anti-subsidy investigation....
Dr Luiz Amaral will step down from his role as CEO for personal reasons. Susan Jenny Ehr, currently Chief Legal Officer, will step in as interim CEO, with dedicated support...
In recent years, leaders in climate-vulnerable countries have reinforced the call for urgent climate action: earlier this year through the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0 and the Vulnerable 20 (V20) Ministerial Dialogue...
ISO is developing its first international standard on net zero to provide clarity and robust requirements for the global net zero transition. Expected to launch at COP30 in November 2025,...
It seems that the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) makes a new announcement about ‘harmonizing’ corporate sustainability reporting every other week. This week, there was an update on the strengthening...
Canada has amended the Competition Act to address greenwashing, imposing strict requirements for substantiating environmental claims. Businesses face substantial penalties and increased litigation risks if found non-compliant. Urgent review of...
Denmark is set to become the first country to impose a CO2 tax on agricultural emissions, targeting livestock. This groundbreaking policy, achieved through extensive negotiations among various stakeholders, aims to...
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has launched Spring, a stewardship initiative backed by over 200 investors managing $15 trillion in assets. The initiative focuses on reducing the financial risks...
At the IFRS Foundation Conference coinciding with London Climate Action Week—ISSB Chair Emmanuel Faber will announce further harmonisation of the sustainability reporting landscape, as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) embarks on...
Rules provide clarity and certainty for prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act and ensure clean energy jobs are good paying jobs. The U.S. Department of the...
Key Points: A majority of U.S. voters support key climate policies, according to recent research by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the Center for Climate Change Communication...
Key Impact Points: Green Claims Directive: Council Moves ForwardThe Council has adopted its stance on the green claims directive, aiming to combat greenwashing and empower consumers to make informed, eco-friendly...
The Council formally adopted the – first of its kind – regulation on nature restoration. This law aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20% of the...
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) recognized a critical gap between companies’ sustainability commitments and their policy engagement strategies. A recent InfluenceMap report found that 58% of the...
Helps investors monitor and report on portfolio risk and captures enhanced corporate disclosure driven by regulation ISS ESG, the sustainable investment arm of ISS STOXX, launched its enhanced Modern Slavery solution which...
Public comment on revised GRI Standards for employment practices and working conditions How are organizations responding to their responsibilities to ensure decent working conditions and fully disclose their impacts on...
Key Impact Points: • Nippon Life’s framework supports high-emitting industries’ transition to decarbonization.• Emphasizes alignment with Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.• Framework ensures transparency and accountability in transition finance. Nippon Life...
Key Impact Points: • New appointments enhance the Committee’s capacity for consistent IFRS application.• Diverse expertise and experience brought by new members.• Strengthened guidance and interpretation of accounting standards. Committee...
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has introduced the first high-integrity carbon credits labeled under the Core Carbon Principles (CCP). This announcement marks a significant advancement in...
The European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – ESAs) published their Final Reports on Greenwashing in the financial sector. Key Impact Points: The European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA,...
Key Impact Points: Sumitomo Corporation has updated its material issues and policies to align with its goals for sustainable growth and addressing social challenges, particularly climate change. These updates reflect...
Key Impact Points: Climate change is an urgent issue impacting the global economy and human societies through extreme weather events and their economic repercussions. Deloitte’s ESG Preparedness Survey highlights the...
44% of these funds are invested in assets that breach the Paris-aligned benchmark (PaB) exclusionary criteria In the first of a two-part series examining ESMA’s name rule restricting the use...
The Council has adopted a directive promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, also known as the right-to-repair (or R2R) directive. This legislation will make it easier for consumers to...
The SBTi releases revisions and new resources to enable financial institutions to set ambitious near-term emission reduction targets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is unveiling a suite of revisions...
In a significant move to bolster the credibility of the carbon offset market, the Biden administration has unveiled a new policy designed to enhance transparency and integrity in carbon credit...
The Council has adopted a regulation on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem, better known as the ‘net-zero industry act’. This is the last...
The Council adopted a regulation on tracking and reducing methane emissions. It is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. The regulation introduces new requirements on measuring, reporting and verifying...
The European Union has taken a significant step towards its green transition goals with the final approval of the Ecodesign Regulation by the Council. This regulation aims to enhance the...
Energy Security Secretary has told Parliament that with growing geopolitical tension, the best agricultural land must be protected for food security. The best agricultural land should be prioritised for food...
The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), which brings together 300+ members managing over £19 trillion in global assets under management (AUM), has released a report showing that the...
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released the Terms of Reference of the major revision to the Corporate Net-Zero Standard outlining the objectives, scope, deliverables, provisional timeline, and opportunities for engagement...
Key Impact Points: EU Watchdog, The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has finalized guidelines aimed at curbing greenwashing in the investment sector. These new rules are designed to protect...
The Council formally adopted the regulation on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, amending and strengthening the existing EU rules. The updated rules will further reduce CO2 emissions from road transport and will introduce...
The first phase of the U.K.’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), known as the anti-greenwashing rule, comes into effect at the end-of-May and will be followed by a series of substantial...
The IFRS Foundation and EFRAG have published guidance material to illustrate the high level of alignment achieved between the International Sustainability Standards Board’s IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) and...
The LME is committed to supporting and advancing responsible and sustainable practices in the metals industry. Having implemented responsible sourcing rules in 2019 and launched their digital sustainability credentials register,...
The UK’s fight against climate change hit a roadblock after the High Court ruled its Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (CBDP) unlawful. This plan, outlining how the country would achieve its...
After a green voting marathon, the EU Parliament closed its final plenary of this term before its June elections. The huge voting sessions yielded a plethora of new policies, including...
Sustainability Regulation Propelling Transformation in Corporate Reporting, According to New Survey by Workiva Survey Finds Companies Planning to Voluntarily Comply With the CSRD; Practitioners Believe Integrated Reporting Has Positive Impact...
Following an alert from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), the European Commission and EU consumer authorities (Network of Consumer Protection Cooperation – CPC – Authorities) sent letters to 20 airlines identifying...
The Government of Canada is implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce plastic pollution, improve how plastic is made, used, and managed across its life cycle, and move toward a circular...
The revised law aims to reduce air pollution in the EU for a clean and healthy environment for citizens, and to achieve the EU’s zero air pollution vision by 2050....
On Wednesday, Parliament gave a final green light to new rules obliging firms to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and the environment. The European Parliament approved with 374...
The IFC-facilitated Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) has unveiled its 2024 Global Progress Brief and launched the innovative SBFN Data Portal, offering the most comprehensive benchmarking of sustainable finance trends and initiatives...
The global wind industry installed a record 117GW of new capacity in 2023, making it the best year ever for new wind energy. Despite a turbulent political and macroeconomic environment,...
Key Impact Points: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, but a recent report sheds light on the significant hurdles they face in...
Final rule will reduce the number of people with elevated cancer risk by 96% in communities near plants that emit ethylene oxide and chloroprene, advancing President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative...
New guidance published on production of hydrogen from water using electrolysis The Environment Agency has published guidance on emerging techniques for the production of hydrogen from water using electrolysis. The guidance – developed...
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. introduced the Safeguarding Investment Options for Retirement Act, legislation to prohibit tax-advantaged retirement plan trustees from considering factors other than financial risk and return when making...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, launched a consultation on Draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) related to the registration and supervision of external reviewers...
Europe continued its leadership in sustainability policy with the approval of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) late last week. The new policy requires companies to identify and mitigate...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final national pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032 and beyond. These standards will avoid...
The District Court of Amsterdam has found KLM’s greenwashing in its advertising illegal, setting a major legal precedent with ramifications across the international aviation sector and for all companies advertising...
Climate change has arrived, with severe impacts emerging at lower temperatures than expected. The distribution has shifted – historic tail risks are now expected. ‘Climate Scorpion – the sting is...
JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation (“JX”; President & CEO: Toshiya Nakahara) and Chevron New Energies, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (“MOU”)...
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has published its 2030 EU Policy Roadmap, outlining key recommendations for European policy makers to accelerate private investment in the economic transition. The report presents...
Parliament has adopted its position on establishing a verification and pre-approval system for environmental marketing claims to protect citizens from misleading ads. The green claims directive would oblige companies to...
Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on revamped rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging, increase safety and boost the circular economy. The new measures aim to make packaging...
ISS-Corporate, a leading provider of compensation, governance, cyber risk monitoring, and sustainability offerings to help companies improve shareholder value and reduce risk, released an analysis of key themes, trends, and...
ISS ESG, the sustainable investment arm of ISS STOXX, released a report summarizing the results of its inaugural ESG Corporate Rating Survey, which was undertaken between September 25 and October 20,...
Dutch pension fund ABP aims to achieve €30 billion in investments by 2030 that yield double returns: financial and societal impacts, especially in areas like climate and biodiversity solutions. The...
The EU has long been the leading edge of sustainability policy – though some might quibble with their approach. But in recent months, European ESG policy has encountered growing opposition...
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