The Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) has announced its first-ever Sustainability Disclosure Standards, marking a significant step toward enhancing transparency and international comparability in corporate ESG reporting. The new framework closely aligns with the ISSB’s IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to global sustainability practices. Key Developments: Three new disclosure standards introduced: …

The European Commission has announced an extension of the compliance period for automakers to meet CO2 emissions targets, shifting from one year to three. The move aims to provide car manufacturers with more flexibility in meeting stringent climate regulations while avoiding significant fines. Industry Relief vs. Environmental Concerns Automakers Welcome the Change – Volkswagen and…

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its 2025 Global Risks Report, identifying environmental threats and misinformation as the most pressing global challenges. Key Findings: Environmental Risks Dominate – Five of the top ten long-term risks include extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and critical Earth system disruptions. The report emphasizes the increasing impact of climate-related challenges…

The European Commission has announced two sweeping legislative packages, Omnibus I & II, aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying compliance, and driving investment while maintaining the EU’s sustainability commitments. Key Measures: €6.3 billion in cost savings – Streamlined reporting and compliance measures will reduce administrative burdens for businesses. CSRD scope cut by 80% – Small…

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released a new report assessing the availability of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data and the feasibility of a standardized methodology for identifying credit exposures to ESG risks. While data availability has improved in recent years, significant gaps remain, posing challenges for financial institutions. The report highlights key regulatory…

Canada’s financial regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), has announced a three-year delay for banks and insurance companies to report financed and insured emissions under its climate-related financial disclosure framework. Originally set to begin in 2025 for large institutions and 2026 for smaller firms, Scope 3 emissions reporting will now start…

The staggering USD $4.2 trillion annual financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is more than just a figure—it represents an urgent challenge requiring action and innovation. Addressing this gap extends beyond mobilizing private capital; it necessitates a fundamental shift in how organizations measure progress, manage their impact, and transform sustainability ambitions into…

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…