Category: Policy & Regulators
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 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...
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...
The UK government has taken a significant step to regulate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings providers, aiming to bolster transparency and ensure robust oversight in a market set to...
The American Petroleum Institute (API), representing nearly 600 U.S. oil and natural gas companies, has released a policy wishlist for President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The platform focuses on reversing...
The European Parliament’s recent vote to delay the EU deforestation regulation signals a shift that could impact environmental and trade policies for years to come. While the law was originally...
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released its 2024 progress report on climate-related financial disclosures, underscoring the strides made by global jurisdictions in implementing International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) disclosure...
California regulators are preparing to vote on amendments to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), a move that could intensify the push for low-carbon fuels to meet aggressive climate...
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has released its final report on the prudential treatment of sustainability risks under Solvency II, recommending increased capital requirements for insurers holding...
The European Union’s climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, reiterated the EU’s commitment to ending sales of CO2-emitting cars by 2035 and enforcing stricter CO2 limits for carmakers next year. This comes...
A recent report from RSM International highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by 200 Latin American businesses in adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2 for sustainability. The...
The Canadian government’s proposed regulations aim to cut emissions in the oil and gas sector by 35% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault clarified, “This goes...
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released its 2024 European Common Enforcement Priorities (ECEP) Statement, setting strict guidelines on corporate reporting requirements. This year’s priorities focus heavily on...
Key Impact Points: Majority of European Fund Assets Are Sustainability-Related Sustainability-related funds continue to represent the majority of European fund assets, totaling around EUR 8 trillion out of EUR 14...
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....
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: 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...
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...
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...
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