
Sustainability and ESG News
IFRS Publishes Near‑Final Climate‑Related Uncertainty Examples
On July 24, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation released near-final illustrative examples to help companies reflect climate-related uncertainties in their financial statements using existing IFRS Accounting Standards. These practical examples aim to close the gap between sustainability disclosures and audited financial reports.
Sustainability as a Core Business Opportunity: Key Insights From Morgan Stanley 2025 Survey
Morgan Stanley’s latest Sustainable Signals: Annual Global Survey of Corporates 2025 report confirms a pivotal shift in how global companies view sustainability. The findings reveal that sustainability is no longer treated as a compliance requirement or a reputational risk, it is increasingly seen as a core driver of long-term value creation.
EcoVadis Insights: U.S. Companies Double Down on Sustainability Amid ESG Backlash
Despite growing political scrutiny and regulatory uncertainty, U.S. companies are not backing down from sustainability. A new EcoVadis report reveals that 87% of large firms are maintaining or increasing their ESG budgets in 2025—even if they’re talking about it less.
EU Parliament Pushes Back on EUDR Deforestation Risk Ratings
The European Parliament rejected the Commission’s country-risk classification system under the EU Deforestation Regulation. Lawmakers say the current approach relies on outdated data, lacks transparency, and fails to reflect actual deforestation risks.
EU Pauses Sustainability Reporting: What the Two-Year Delay Means for Businesses
The European Union has officially delayed the implementation of enhanced sustainability reporting rules for large companies by two years. This move gives businesses more time to prepare for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), but it also raises questions about the EU’s climate and transparency ambitions.
GRI Launches New Climate-Focused Reporting Standards
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched two new climate-focused standards—GRI 102: Climate Change and GRI 103: Energy—to help organizations report their environmental impacts more effectively. These standards aim to streamline disclosures, align with global frameworks, and drive real-world climate action.
New IFRS Guidance Aims to Streamline Climate Transition Disclosures
The IFRS Foundation has released new guidance to help companies disclose their climate transition plans more effectively under IFRS S2. This move aims to reduce fragmentation in sustainability reporting and support global consistency in climate-related disclosures.
EFRAG Targets 50% Cut in Reporting Requirements
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) is taking bold steps to simplify sustainability reporting by aiming to cut required datapoints in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) by over 50%. This move is part of a broader EU initiative to ease compliance burdens while maintaining the integrity of corporate sustainability disclosures.
EU Sustainable Finance Platform Proposes Taxonomy Enhancements
The EU Platform on Sustainable Finance has proposed updates to the EU Taxonomy to simplify and expand its scope. These changes aim to enhance the usability and effectiveness of the classification system for sustainable economic activities.
ISSB to Focus on Rule Rollouts Over New Standards
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is prioritizing the implementation of its existing standards over developing new ones. This strategic shift aims to ensure widespread adoption and effective application of the current ESG reporting frameworks.
China Unveils Basic Standards for Corporate ESG Disclosure
In December 2024, China introduced its Basic Standards for Corporate Sustainability Disclosure, aiming to align with global ESG practices. This initiative marks a significant step towards a unified national ESG reporting system, with full implementation expected by 2030.
EY Institutional Investor Survey: Problems with Greenwashing in ESG Reporting
A recent EY survey reveals that 85% of investors view greenwashing as a growing problem in ESG reporting. Despite increased use of ESG data, trust in its accuracy and impact remains low, prompting calls for better sustainability reporting.
Switzerland Enforces Climate Transparency with New Net-Zero Disclosure Mandate
Starting January 2024, Switzerland will require large companies to disclose their climate-related risks and net-zero emission plans. This move aims to enhance corporate transparency and align with global sustainability standards.
Belgium Implements EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Belgium has recently adopted the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), marking a pivotal moment for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transparency in the region. This directive is set to transform how companies report their sustainability efforts, ensuring greater accountability and transparency.
EU’s New Initiative to Simplify ESG Reporting
On November 8, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a groundbreaking initiative to consolidate various ESG reporting obligations into a single regulation. This move follows the Budapest Declaration, which emphasized the need for a "simplification revolution" to create a clear, simple, and smart regulatory framework in the EU.
KPMG Releases 2024 ESG Due Diligence Study
A recent KPMG study reveals that 61% of investors in the European Market for Alternative Investment Funds (EMA) prioritize ESG due diligence, driven by the potential for monetary gains.
EU Commission Warns 17 Member States Over CSRD Implementation
The European Commission has issued warnings to 17 EU member states for failing to implement the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by the July 2024 deadline. This directive aims to enhance transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability reporting across the EU.
IFRS Foundation releases guide for voluntarily applying ISSB Reporting Standards
The IFRS Foundation has taken a significant step in promoting sustainability reporting by launching a comprehensive guide for companies. This guide is designed to help businesses voluntarily adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Sustainability Reporting Standards, ensuring they can meet the growing investor demand for transparent and comparable sustainability information.
Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report: A Surge in Global Sustainability Investments
Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report reveals a significant increase in sustainability investments among global executives. The report highlights the growing importance of sustainability in business strategies and the innovative approaches companies are adopting to address climate change.
Steering Sustainability Reporting: A Guide for European Boards from EY
A recent insight from EY outlines how European boards are navigating a monumental shift in corporate reporting due to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive offers a unique opportunity to align corporate strategy with sustainability goals, driving long-term value creation.