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.

China is signaling interest in joining a Brazil-led global forest protection fund, a move that could reshape international climate finance and forest conservation. This potential partnership underscores growing South-South cooperation in tackling deforestation and climate change.

Germany is reinstating its Sustainable Finance Beirat, signaling a renewed commitment to ESG-driven financial policy. This move aims to streamline sustainable investment strategies and position Germany as a global leader in green finance.

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.

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.

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 Lawmakers say the current approach relies on outdated data, lacks transparency, and fails to reflect actual deforestation risks.

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.

A pivotal vote at the UN Human Rights Council has spotlighted global divisions over climate action, as countries debate whether to formally commit to phasing out fossil fuels. The outcome could redefine the pace and sincerity of international climate commitments made since COP28.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has unveiled its first Climate Transition Plan, setting ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2027 and 2030. This move signals a strong internal alignment with the EU’s climate goals and sets a precedent for regulatory bodies across Europe.

France has taken a bold step to curb the environmental and social impacts of ultra-fast fashion by introducing new penalties and advertising restrictions. While not a total ban, this move signals a growing global appetite for regulating the fashion industry’s most aggressive players.

The European Commission has proposed a new climate target: a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious move aims to solidify Europe’s leadership in clean energy, boost industrial innovation, and ensure a fair, resilient transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

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.

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.

In 2025, corporate sustainability is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting regulations, stakeholder expectations, and emerging global risks. From AI integration to biodiversity and water stewardship, companies are rethinking how ESG is embedded across their operations. A recent report from the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance highlights the top 10 corporate sustainability priorities for 2025.

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.

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.

At Cannes Lions 2025, the UN Global Compact unveiled a bold new initiative: the CMO Blueprint for Sustainable Growth. This framework empowers Chief Marketing Officers to lead the charge in aligning brand strategy with sustainability and long-term impact.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially withdrawn two major ESG-related rule proposals, signaling a shift in regulatory momentum. These withdrawals reflect broader political and legal pressures reshaping the future of ESG oversight in the U.S.

Despite political uncertainty, UK organizations remain firmly committed to ESG and sustainability. New research highlights the importance of clear, credible communication to maintain trust and avoid reputational risk.

India has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), aiming to boost transparency and accountability in ESG debt markets. The new rules, issued by SEBI, mark a significant step in aligning India’s financial instruments with global ESG standards.