Last-minute deals and a series of failed votes threatened to block the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD – also known as the CS3D), but a weakened version squeaked through the EU Council last month. There was no such drama when the EU Parliament made it official this week – passing the directive 374 to 235.  Although weakened, it is one of the most far-reaching sustainability laws in the world. When implemented, thousands of EU and non-EU companies must identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and human rights violations  – ranging from child labo ..read more

Exploring Nature Responsibly, One Cabin at a Time In the vast expanse of Southern Africa’s pristine landscapes, there lies a hidden gem: Stay Unique – Eco Cabins. Born from the shared passion of three travel enthusiasts, Stay Unique is not just a hospitality venture; it’s a movement towards sustainable tourism that leaves a positive footprint on the environment and local communities. A Vision for Change Stay Unique’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to redefine hospitality by offering unforgettable experiences in untouched natural settings. The company’s innovative business mod ..read more

The insurance industry has a crucial role to play in combating climate change. Recognizing this, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently launched a new initiative, the Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero (FIT), to accelerate voluntary climate action within the sector. This forum takes the place of the disbanded Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA). Why the Shift to FIT? The NZIA, while a significant first step, faced challenges. Butch Bacani, head of the insurance team at UNEP, explained, “The Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero is a new initiative altogether. It ..read more

Four final rules deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s day-one commitment to lead on climate action and to protect all communities from pollution The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a suite of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity. These rules, finalized under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, will significantly reduce climate, air, wa ..read more

Decarbonization Partners, a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek, successfully closed its first fund, Decarbonization Partners Fund I, at $1.4 billion. This figure surpassed the initial target of $1 billion, reflecting strong investor interest in accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. Launched in 2022, Decarbonization Partners focuses on late-stage venture capital and early-growth private equity investments in companies with proven decarbonization technologies. The firm has grown to a team of over 25 employees spread across offices globally. Broad Investor Participation and ..read more

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX) is set to become a global leader in sustainability reporting with the implementation of mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements for listed companies. These new requirements, known as the “New Climate Requirements,” were announced by HKEX after receiving “broad-based support” during a consultation process. Aligned closely with the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standards, the New Climate Requirements aim to bring transparency and standardization to sustainability reporting in Hong Kong’s capital markets. “With a st ..read more

Informed by its recent consultation on future priorities, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) will commence projects to research disclosure about risks and opportunities associated with: biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services; and human capital. The research projects will focus on the common information needs of investors in assessing whether and how these risks and opportunities could reasonably be expected to affect a company’s prospects. As with the approach to the ISSB’s inaugural Standards, the ISSB will look at how it might build from relevant pre-exi ..read more

The Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark will measure progress toward the initiative’s Investor Expectations of Companies.  Nature Action 100, the first global investor-led engagement initiative to address nature and biodiversity loss, has revealed a set of benchmark indicators that will be used to assess the nature-related ambition and action of the initiative’s 100 companies.  The Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark – which is based on the initiative’s Investor Expectations of Companies and developed in consultation with investors – is comprised of six indicators covering ..read more

Ahead of the anti-greenwashing rule coming into force on 31 May, the FCA is supporting industry with guidance to help them meet the standard. The new rule is designed to protect consumers by ensuring sustainable products and services they are sold are accurately described. Results from the latest Financial Lives survey shows significant consumer interest in sustainable finance as 81% of adults surveyed would like their investments to do some good as well as provide a financial return. This work supports the long-term growth and competitiveness of the sector by helping businesse ..read more

The latest issue of SEB’s The Green Bond report is dedicated to the question of how to scale energy transition investments at the speed required to reach net-zero emissions and in a manner that is socially inclusive. Amid rising populism and an escalating geopolitical race for clean technology competitiveness and energy security, green industrial policies may lead faltering energy transition investments and stagnating sustainable debt markets back to growth.  “The clean energy transition is showing no signs of a break with the past year’s stagnating trend,” says Thomas Thygesen, Hea ..read more