Sustainability and ESG News
Canada Introduces Mandatory Climate Disclosure Requirements for Large Companies
Canada is taking a bold step towards sustainability by introducing mandatory climate disclosure requirements for large companies. This move aims to enhance transparency and drive the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Australia Publishes Net Zero ‘Sector Pathways’ to Reach Net Zero by 2050
Australia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is mapped out in a comprehensive new report. This detailed analysis outlines the necessary steps and technologies to transition to a low-emissions economy.
Missouri Court Blocks Anti-ESG Rules
A Missouri Court has issued a permanent injunction against the state’s anti-ESG rules, marking a significant victory for proponents of ESG investing. The ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding ESG regulations and the implications for the financial industry.
Britain to Propose Law Regulating ESG Raters
The UK government is set to introduce legislation next year aimed at regulating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating providers. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in the ESG sector.
The European Union’s New Climate Regulation Puts Pressure on American Companies
A lack of US climate reporting regulation may pose negative side effects to US companies in the long run as they will have to adhere to stronger EU compliances.
The European Union’s New “Ecodesign” Framework Sets a High Bar for the Future of Product Design
The EU recently passed a new “eco-design” framework that will redefine the sustainability within product development for the future.
EU Proposing Amendments to Simplify and Extend Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations.
This week, the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), which includes the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), have proposed amendments to extend and simplify sustainability disclosures for financial market participants under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). These proposed amendments come from the ESA requesting a review of the SFDR's indicators for principal adverse impact (PAI) and financial product disclosures.
Biden proposes new law Requiring Emissions Disclosures from Federal Suppliers.
Big news in the world of ESG and Sustainability! The Biden administration announced a new proposal that will require federal contractors to disclose environmental data through CDP and set science-based decarbonization targets.
CDP to incorporate ISSB climate-related disclosure standards into global platform.
The week, CDP and the IFRS Foundation announced that CDP will incorporate the International Sustainability Standard Board’s (ISSB) climate-related disclosure standard into its environmental disclosure program. With 18,700 companies, worth half of global market capitalization, disclosing environmental information through CDP in 2022, this integration means there will be a rapid acceleration of early adoption of ISSB climate data disclosure across the global economy.
European Council requires zero-emission buildings by 2050.
The week, The European Council agreed on a proposal that revised the Energy Performance of Building Directives. These revisions will ultimately make it so that all new buildings should be zero-emissions buildings by 2030, and all existing buildings will be transformed into zero emissions buildings by 2050.
European Union Requires Universal Chargers by 2024
The week, the European Union passed a ruling that is requiring all phones and small devices such as cameras and tablets, to have a USB-C charging cable. This law has been in the works for about 10 years, starting initially Brussels after consumers complained about having to switch between chargers and the cost affiliated with having a different type of charger for each device. This law was passed in hopes to not only make life easier and most cost effective for consumers, but also to be more sustainable at the end of the day.
“The world has a long to do list” as the Sustainable Development Goals are not being met
The seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly opened on September 13th under the theme of “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”. This week marks the second week of the United Nations General Assembly and is the begging of the High-Level week. Yesterday, the SDG Moment was a 90-minute event that is meant to place a spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goals. In that 90 minute session, it became extremely clear that the world is not on track to reach these goals and we have a lengthy “to do” list to get back on track.
California Governor Signs Sweeping Legislation to fight Climate Change.
Last week, California governor Gavin Newsom signed on a package of legislation that will address a wide array of climate measures designed to ensure the state will reach it commitment of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 among other ambitious goals. Legislation includes bills to reduce carbon emissions, protect Californians from big polluters and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Indonesia Issues a Regulation to Increase Renewable Energy use
This week, Indonesia issued a new regulation that will encourage renewable energy use. This is a landmark regulation as Indonesia is one of the world’s top carbon emitters due to coal use. Along with encouraging renewable energy, a presidential decree said that Indonesia also plants to retire some of their coal plants early.