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.

Spain’s Real Decreto (Royal Decree) 214/2025 is set to start on June 12, 2025, strengthening climate regulations through emissions tracking, reporting, and transparency. Carbon footprints and emission reduction plans will now be mandatory for large companies and public entities.

The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) now includes over 600 financial institutions worldwide. The group continues to drive transparency and consistency in financed emissions reporting.

The European Commission has proposed a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The goal signals ambition, but EU countries remain split on how to make it happen.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has proposed simplified ESG disclosure requirements for small and non-complex institutions (SNCI). The changes aim to reduce the compliance burden while maintaining data quality and transparency.

Singapore has released a new guidebook to improve the quality and consistency of sustainability reporting training. This move supports its broader goal to enhance ESG capabilities across industries.

New York's FY26 budget introduces a groundbreaking $1 billion climate plan aimed at reducing emissions and creating green jobs. This initiative marks the state's most ambitious environmental agenda to date, focusing on clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced outdoor recreation.

The European Commission is reviewing the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to make it simpler, more effective, and less burdensome. A public consultation is now open to gather views on how to reshape the rules.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released draft technical standards to regulate ESG rating providers under a new EU regulation. These rules aim to bring greater consistency, transparency, and accountability to a rapidly growing industry that influences trillions in investment decisions.

The ISSB is proposing targeted amendments to IFRS S2 that would ease Scope 3 reporting obligations for the financial sector. These changes aim to address implementation challenges while maintaining transparency for investors.

BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2025 reveals an energy landscape shaped by economic competitiveness, data center growth, and maturing clean technologies. While global emissions may have peaked in 2024, the path to net zero demands faster action and broader policy support.

Germany’s new coalition agreement outlines major shifts in energy and climate policy. It reinforces the country’s path toward decarbonization with specific targets, timelines, and investment plans.

Global efforts to decarbonize transport are advancing, with corporate commitments and policy support driving momentum. However, critical barriers, including infrastructure gaps and limited vehicle availability, must be addressed to rapidly scale impact.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are key players in Europe’s sustainability transition but face challenges in accessing green finance. A proposed SME Sustainable Finance Standard aims to streamline financing processes, making it easier for SMEs to secure funding for sustainability efforts.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released the consultation draft of its Net-Zero Standard V2, aimed at helping businesses set clear, science-backed targets to reach net-zero emissions. This draft outlines the necessary steps and criteria for companies to follow in reducing their carbon footprint and achieving net-zero by 2050.

The "Sustainability Value Triangle" report shows how businesses can unlock value by integrating sustainability with finance and IT. The key to success lies in collaboration, data, and new technologies like AI.

The Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) has issued its first set of sustainability disclosure standards aimed at aligning Japanese practices with international benchmarks. These standards, rooted in the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) framework, aim to ensure comparability and enhance transparency in corporate sustainability disclosures.

The 2024 KPMG U.S. CEO Outlook Pulse Survey reveals that CEOs prioritize sustainability initiatives despite challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions. It also reports that CEOs anticipate significant returns from these investments within three to five years, recognizing sustainability as a core business strategy for revenue growth. CEOs also focus on digitization, talent management, and addressing generative AI's challenges, emphasizing responsible deployment. Overall, the survey highlights CEOs' commitment to integrating sustainability into core business practices and leveraging technology for long-term value creation.

Europe's finance industry remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental and socially responsible investments (ESG), despite political pressures leading some U.S. counterparts to backtrack. European investors prioritize sustainable funds, supported by robust regulations like the EU's Taxonomy. Though facing challenges, including regulatory adjustments and slight dips in investor demand, European financial firms maintain focus on ESG implementation, underscoring a continued dedication to advancing ESG principles in finance.

The Biden-Harris Administration's plan, "Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector," led by the DOE, aims to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. With targets of 65% reduction by 2035 and 90% by 2050, the plan aligns with Biden's climate strategy. It emphasizes affordability, equity, and resilience, foreseeing savings of over $100 billion annually for consumers and $17 billion in health-related costs. The plan focuses on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, grid integration, and sustainable materials. Coordinated federal actions include research funding and support for low-carbon solutions and building codes, with initiatives like the Affordable Home Energy Shot™ making upgrades more accessible.