The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has officially launched a generational review of its Sustainability Framework — a landmark update that will shape the future of environmental and social (E&S) standards across emerging markets. Influencing more than $4.5 trillion in financial flows globally, the IFC framework serves…

Europe’s Hottest Year on Record: 2024 Brings Unprecedented Heat, Floods, and Human Impact Europe endured its hottest year ever recorded in 2024, marked by record-breaking heatwaves, widespread flooding, and escalating climate damages, according to the European State of the Climate 2024 report released by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization…

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) have announced new funding support for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)’s Nature-related Disclosure Projects. The initiative, backed through BMUV’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), represents a significant expansion of the ongoing partnership between…

In a major move to ease compliance and promote sustainability, the European Commission has introduced new guidance and simplification measures to support the effective implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into force at the end of 2025. The updated guidance is designed to reduce the administrative burden on companies and ensure a…

The Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) is ramping up its push for a greener economy by enhancing the mandate and structure of the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Sustainable Finance (ITSF), widely known as the “Green Force,” as it lays out strategic priorities for 2025. Led jointly by the DOF and the Climate Change Commission…

In a pivotal shift for corporate sustainability, businesses worldwide are moving beyond greenwashing, driven by increased scrutiny and demand for measurable environmental and social impact. For years, companies have relied on vague sustainability claims, green logos, and buzzwords to present an eco-friendly image without delivering substantial results. This practice, known as greenwashing, is now under…

In a pivotal shift for corporate sustainability, businesses worldwide are moving beyond greenwashing, driven by increased scrutiny and demand for measurable environmental and social impact. For years, companies have relied on vague sustainability claims, green logos, and buzzwords to present an eco-friendly image without delivering substantial results. This practice, known as greenwashing, is now under…

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published the findings of its 2024 Common Supervisory Action (CSA) on ESG disclosures under the Benchmarks Regulation (BMR), marking a significant step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and consistency in sustainable finance. The review, conducted in collaboration with national competent authorities, represents ESMA’s first…

In a significant shift from its long-standing domestic emissions strategy, the European Union is considering the inclusion of international carbon credits as part of its 2040 climate plan—a move that could reshape the region’s climate policy and ripple across global carbon markets. What’s on the table? ▫️ A potentially lower domestic emissions reduction target ▫️…

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sectors covered under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) declined by 5% in 2024, marking a major milestone—a 50% reduction since the system was launched in 2005, according to a new report published by the European Commission. The ETS, the EU’s flagship carbon pricing mechanism, targets high-emission sectors including…

In a pivotal decision, the European Parliament has officially voted to delay key deadlines for upcoming ESG regulations, providing companies across the EU with more time to prepare for compliance. Key Changes in EU ESG Regulation Timelines: CSRD Reporting Postponed Large companies and listed SMEs have been granted an additional two years to comply with…

The European Commission has directed the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to expedite revisions to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The move aims to ease compliance burdens for businesses while maintaining alignment with the European Green Deal’s sustainability objectives. The Commission has set a firm deadline…