4 trends that will shape ESG in 2026

After an eventful 2025, the next year holds further regulatory changes and a growing disclosure landscape, as companies quiet on sustainability talks.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Jan. 8, 2026

JPMorgan eschews proxy advisers for internal AI tool

After CEO Jamie Dimon railed against the advisers for years, the bank’s asset management unit cut firms like ISS and Glass Lewis out of U.S. voting decisions.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 7, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

This year has shaped up to be a formative one for ESG, from the U.S. pulling out of major climate agreements to federal agencies recalibrating their approach to sustainability under the new administration.

By ESG Dive staff

Honda buying LG Energy Solution’s stake in Ohio EV battery plant building for $2.85B

The transaction includes the building and infrastructure assets related to the battery joint venture, but excludes the land and equipment.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 7, 2026

Alphabet acquires clean energy developer Intersect for $4.75B

The acquisition follows a prior partnership between Google and Intersect and represents a new tactic being adopted by the tech giant’s parent company in its decarbonization journey.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 5, 2026

HSBC taps BNP Paribas exec to lead sustainable finance, transition in Asia

The London-based bank said Chaoni Huang would help its clients in the region “decarbonize and invest in new growth.”

By Zoya Mirza • Jan. 5, 2026

Mercedes settles emissions-cheating lawsuits for nearly $150M

The total value of the multi-state settlement could reach $347 million, according to one state attorney general.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 23, 2025

Ford cancels $6.5B battery supply contract with LG Energy Solution

Last week, the automaker also dissolved its BlueOval SK battery joint venture with SK On as it shifts away from EVs.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 23, 2025

Trump administration halts all large-scale offshore wind projects under construction in US

The action affects five major offshore wind farms under development in federal waters, including the 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind. The administration cited classified “national security risks” for the move.

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 23, 2025

NYC pension delays vote to drop BlackRock, Fidelity

Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander has urged the New York City Employees Retirement System’s trustees to replace BlackRock and Fidelity over climate policy deficiencies.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 22, 2025

Anti-DEI legal group asks EEOC to investigate Penguin Random House

While it is not clear that any previous appeal to EEOC has resulted in action from the agency, shifting priorities under the Trump administration may result in a different outcome.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 22, 2025

Court agrees to rehear $14B climate funding freeze case

The nonprofit recipients of $14 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants frozen by the EPA are scheduled to have their case reheard by the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in February. 

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 22, 2025

Whole Foods to launch in-store food waste infrastructure

The Amazon-owned specialty grocer will be the first to deploy Mill Industries’ automated, on-site food recycling technology.

By Peyton Bigora • Dec. 19, 2025

Ford scraps EV plans, shifts to stationary energy storage

The automaker will focus its North American EV development on a new family of smaller, highly efficient and less expensive models.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 18, 2025

EU Parliament approves pact to alter sustainability reporting laws

The bloc now awaits final approval from the European Council to substantially simplify the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 17, 2025

Despite political backtracking, net-zero commitments rise in 2025: Accenture

The number of the world’s largest companies setting net-zero targets has increased for the fourth year in a row.

By Lauren Schenkman • Dec. 17, 2025

JPMorgan conducted ‘fake’ interviews of Black candidates, lawsuit alleges

The bank’s treatment of the plaintiff is part of a decades-long “unbroken pattern of systemic race discrimination against African Americans,” per the lawsuit.

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 17, 2025

SBTi opens pilot for power sector net-zero standard

The Science Based Targets initiative is looking for companies in the energy industry to test the practicality and usefulness of the draft framework.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 16, 2025

Ford, EV battery manufacturer dissolve joint venture

The automaker’s planned investment in the joint venture announced in 2021 was the largest-ever manufacturing commitment in company history, Ford said at the time.

By Eric Walz • Dec. 16, 2025

Trump issues EO targeting proxy advisers, including ISS, Glass Lewis

The order is directed at the SEC, FTC and DOL with the aim of stymieing the reach of the two proxy advisers, particularly on ESG and DEI-related issues.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 15, 2025

Starbucks’ ‘illegal race-based’ DEI at center of Florida AG’s lawsuit

Starbucks said its hiring practices are “inclusive, fair and competitive, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate for every job, every time.”

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 15, 2025

Apple’s environmental, social chief to retire next month

Lisa Jackson, the tech company’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, will depart in late January 2026 without a direct replacement.

By Zoya Mirza • Dec. 11, 2025

New York targets power sector carbon allowances in proposed climate regulations

The amendments would reduce the annual budget of CO2 allowances through 2037, including the number of voluntary renewable energy purchases. 

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 11, 2025

CARB releases draft text for California’s climate disclosure regulations

The proposed text of the rules comes before the holiday season, and the agency expects a hearing on final adoption of SB 253 and 261 in late February.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 10, 2025

EU legislators reach agreement to simplify sustainability reporting

The revised agreement would remove around 90% of companies from the CSRD’s scope, and 70% of companies from the CSDDD’s remit.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 9, 2025

Amazon targets carbon emission cuts at grocery fulfillment centers

The e-commerce giant recorded a 15% reduction at three sites in a pilot deployment of Trane Technologies’ BrainBox AI tool, which will be deployed nationally.

By Philip Neuffer • Dec. 9, 2025