The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement on new regulations aimed at significantly reducing food and textile waste across the European Union. The agreement introduces binding food waste reduction targets and mandates that textile producers cover the costs of waste management under new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Binding Food Waste Reduction…

Global sustainable bond issuance is expected to reach $1 trillion in 2025, maintaining 2024 levels as climate mitigation and adaptation financing drive demand. However, heightened greenwashing scrutiny, regulatory changes, and political resistance could slow market growth. Shifting ESG Priorities Climate adaptation and nature-based investments are gaining traction alongside mitigation efforts. Social bond issuance…

Biodiversity, the intricate web of life sustaining ecosystems and human survival, is under severe threat. According to global assessments, 1 million of the world’s estimated 8 million species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and unsustainable resource use. Billions of people depend on wild species for food, medicine, energy, and…

In a significant policy shift, Acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda has announced a request to pause legal proceedings related to the agency’s climate disclosure rule. Uyeda, who has been critical of the regulation, described it as “deeply flawed” and questioned its necessity, marking a stark departure from the SEC’s previous position under former Chairman Gary…

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), alongside 11 leading organizations in sustainable finance and corporate reporting, has called on UN Member States to uphold key sustainability disclosure provisions in the negotiations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). In a joint public letter, the coalition urges governments to retain provisions on double materiality-based…

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has taken a significant step toward enhancing ESG reporting transparency and reinforcing regulatory oversight with its latest Final Report on Greenwashing. In response to the European Commission’s directive, the report evaluates greenwashing risks and the effectiveness of sustainable finance policies, ensuring…

As climate change continues to reshape global business operations, the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) has issued new guidance on how private enterprises in Canada should assess and report climate-related risks and opportunities under the Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE). The shift towards sustainability and climate resilience is becoming increasingly important for businesses, with financial reporting…

The Platform on Sustainable Finance, an advisory body to the European Commission, has published a new report outlining evidence-based recommendations to simplify EU taxonomy reporting and improve its effectiveness in fostering sustainable finance. The report, developed after consultations with investors, banks, insurers, corporates, SMEs, auditors, and consultants, identifies key areas for improvement, focusing on simplification, data…

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has introduced the Global Ethics Sustainability Standards, a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to enhance the integrity and quality of sustainability reporting and assurance. The new standards encompass the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA), revisions to existing sustainability reporting protocols, and a new standard on…

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has introduced the Global Ethics Sustainability Standards, a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to enhance the integrity and quality of sustainability reporting and assurance. The new standards encompass the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA), revisions to existing sustainability reporting protocols, and a new standard on…

Today, the European Commission introduced the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing Europe’s economic strength by providing a clear framework to guide the Commission’s efforts in enhancing the continent’s global competitiveness. The Compass outlines a roadmap for Europe to become the leader in developing future technologies, services, and clean products while striving to…

The IFRS Foundation has released a new guide titled Applying IFRS S1 When Reporting Only Climate-Related Disclosures in Accordance with IFRS S2. The guide aims to assist companies in understanding how to report climate-related information using International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards when applicable. This guide is part of the ISSB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the…