Google, Blackstone back AI infrastructure venture to support data center demand

The private equity firm will invest $5 billion in a new AI-focused company offering data center capacity. The venture expects to bring 500 MW of capacity online by 2027.

By Lamar Johnson • May 19, 2026

Environmental performance a ‘core pillar’ of business strategy: report

Most companies say environmental planning delivers competitive advantage, increased investment, and cost savings, according to a survey conducted by sustainable solutions provider Onterris.

By Lauren Schenkman • May 18, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

The landscape for ESG continues to shift, as U.S. exits from major climate agreements and organizations are juxtaposed with states forging ahead with their own climate disclosure laws.

By ESG Dive staff

Crux gets $500M debt facility for clean energy investments

The company said it plans to use the funding to finance “tax-driven investments,” including “hybrid tax equity, accelerating the deployment of clean energy.”

By Diana DiGangi • May 15, 2026

Smurfit Westrock introduces 2030 sustainability goals

In its first sustainability report covering the integrated company, Smurfit Westrock laid out targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use and waste. It also teased that more goals could be coming.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 15, 2026

Florida AG subpoenas NFL over inclusive hiring practices, ‘Rooney Rule’

James Uthmeier is questioning whether the National Football League’s inclusive hiring policies are legal under state law, and whether alterations to how such policies are represented are misleading.

By Lamar Johnson • May 14, 2026

Coal-based steelmaking outpaces the industry’s low-emissions transition

Electric arc furnaces grew by 1% over the past year to comprise 34% of global capacity, as steelmakers invest in existing blast furnaces, the Global Energy Monitor found.

By Nathan Owens • May 14, 2026

Bill Gates-backed geothermal developer Fervo raises $1.89B in IPO

Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer rang Nasdaq’s opening bell Wednesday and said the company has “proven that geothermal deserves a spot among the major energy players.”

By Lamar Johnson • May 13, 2026

6 ways to reduce DEI programs’ legal risk

Despite claims to the contrary, diversity, equity and inclusion are very much alive, even if employers have tweaked their language and content, Epstein Becker Green attorneys said.

By Ryan Golden • May 13, 2026

Iran war inflation crimps profits, plans for investment, hiring: NABE

Half of the respondents to a National Association for Business Economics survey put the odds of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months at 26% or higher.

By Jim Tyson • May 12, 2026

Corporate clean energy demand remains ‘extremely strong’: CEBA CEO

Despite tax incentive rollbacks in 2025, the pace of new clean energy procurement is “accelerating,” the Corporate Energy Buyers Association’s CEO told ESG Dive.

By Lamar Johnson • May 12, 2026

SBTi promotes deputy director to lead climate target validation subsidiary

McKenna Smith will become managing director for SBTi Services. She was formerly a deputy director for the subsidiary and a target validation manager for SBTi.

By Zoya Mirza • May 11, 2026

AI helps firms with efficiency, but most don’t trust it to drive growth

Overcoming today’s weighty business challenges demands a re-assessment of automation’s cutting edge, EY counsels.

By David McCann • May 11, 2026

SEC works to rescind Biden-era climate disclosure rule

The agency’s staff is working on a recommendation to retract its 2024 climate rule at the direction of Chair Paul Atkins, an agency spokesperson said.

By Lamar Johnson • Updated May 11, 2026

California subpoenas Golden State Wind over Trump lease deal

The state's Justice Department is “investigating potential violations of law” associated with offshore wind lease buyouts and anticipates litigation, the California Energy Commission said.

By Diana DiGangi • May 7, 2026

Age fades as barrier to winning the CEO seat: NBER research

Yet ageism persists below the C-suite, with most U.S. workers aged 50 or older reporting bias, according to AARP.

By Jim Tyson • May 6, 2026

Climate data firm Risilience elevates former S&P, Moody’s exec to CEO

Angela Brown, formerly the company’s chief product officer, will succeed Andrew Coburn, who will become chair. The new role feels like “natural progression, but also a meaningful shift in perspective,” Brown told ESG Dive.

By Lamar Johnson • May 6, 2026

California publishes long-awaited packaging EPR rules

The milestone gives way to next compliance steps for SB 54, the sweeping extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Circular Action Alliance also published estimated fees for obligated producers.

By Maria Rachal • May 6, 2026

Arcadia acquires Engie Impact to create unified energy management platform

The combined company is expected to operate on a scale similar to a top-five U.S. utility and will serve around 25% of the Fortune 500.

By Lamar Johnson • May 5, 2026

Mondelēz CEO says Iran war could further erode consumer confidence

Dirk Van de Put said shoppers are already “very concerned” about affordability, the economy and job security.

By Christopher Doering • May 5, 2026

‘Energy security’ drives Schneider Electric growth: CEO

Revenue jumped in part due to the AI boom, while geopolitical uncertainty boosted the outlook for electrified, digitized building systems, executives said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call. 

By Brian Martucci • May 5, 2026

Republican state AGs probe Fitch, Moody’s and S&P over ESG ratings

The attorneys general are questioning whether credit downgrades for fossil fuel companies by these rating agencies were based on ESG factors and the legality of such decisions.

By Lamar Johnson • May 4, 2026

Organizations partner to develop corporate water stewardship guidance

The group plans to develop shared language and metrics for how companies track and measure water impacts and risks across their supply chain.

By Lamar Johnson • May 1, 2026

PepsiCo inks 10-year renewable energy deal to cut emissions across Europe

The food and beverage giant’s virtual power purchase agreement with Statkraft is expected to reduce 32,000 metric tons of its carbon dioxide emissions annually.

By Zoya Mirza • May 1, 2026

Climate tech startup Voltpost nabs DC grant to expand public EV charging: Exclusive

A company retrofitting lamp posts and utility poles with electric vehicle chargers was one of three companies awarded a grant to expand public EV charging in the nation’s capital.

By Lamar Johnson • April 30, 2026

General Mills faces setback in supply chain sustainability push

The food maker said total greenhouse gas emissions fell 14% in fiscal 2025 compared to 2020 baseline, less than the 19% drop in 2024.

By Antone Gonsalves • April 30, 2026