CSOs optimistic about direction of global sustainability progress: WEF

Policy may be more hindrance than help, but a stronger business case, increased private investment and AI and other tech is expected to give sustainability efforts a boost, the World Economic Forum found.

By Lauren Schenkman • Oct. 22, 2026

B Lab names first CEO to lead B Corp Certification

Peter Williams, who has led the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction since 2019, will become the nonprofit’s first CEO. He’ll take the helm on Nov. 2.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 21, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

The ESG landscape in the U.S. continues to shift, as federal agencies' efforts to recalibrate their approach to sustainability are juxtaposed with states forging ahead with their own climate disclosure laws.

By ESG Dive staff

Updated TRUE zero waste standard makes business case for certification

The U.S. Green Building Council has updated its TRUE standard to streamline requirements and make it easier for companies to document, track and reduce waste. Sports stadiums and major brands have the certification.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 21, 2026

Asset owners embed sustainability deeper into portfolios: LSEG

As the vast majority of asset owners now include sustainability in their investment strategies — and expect to do so even more in the near future — governance has emerged as a top issue.

By Lauren Schenkman • Oct. 20, 2026

JPMorgan updates interim targets, progress towards $2.5 trillion goal

The bank said it had also broadened criteria for its sustainable development financing target and launched a center for energy and environmental issues.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 19, 2026

NextEra’s $4M Trump ballroom donation muddies Dominion merger debate, watchdogs say

The donation, which advocates called “problematic” and “convenient” for the company, comes to light as federal regulators chosen by President Donald Trump consider whether to allow NextEra to merge with Dominion Energy.

By Robert Walton , Meris Lutz • Oct. 19, 2026

Women fall through the cracks at work, especially on boards, report says

Continued analysis of gender representation on corporate boards corroborates previous findings on the clock winding back for women at work.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 13, 2026

SEC closes CA100+ probe, signals increased scrutiny on climate groups

The agency said it won’t take enforcement action, but will put members of groups like Climate Action 100+ and Ceres’ investor network on notice for alleged shareholder activism.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 12, 2026

What the C-suite needs to know about AI governance

As AI adoption surges, executives are learning tough lessons about security, oversight and accountability.

By David Jones • Oct. 9, 2026

Ceres CEO to step down after 2027

Mindy Lubber, who has led the sustainability nonprofit as its chief executive and president since 2003, will prepare to pass the reins as the organization’s board of directors looks for its next leader.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 8, 2026

Supreme Court hears arguments in Boulder County, Colorado, climate case

In a case that could affect dozens of similar lawsuits nationwide, the justices are weighing whether cities and counties can use state courts to seek damages from fossil fuel companies.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Oct. 8, 2026

ESG and sustainability conferences to put on your calendar for 2027

Amid continuing regulatory shifts, professionals will gather in 2027 to discuss the energy transition, the risks and state of AI development and more ESG hot topics.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 6, 2026

Banks prioritize responsible AI, governance as use soars

JPMorgan Chase and Capital One ranked highest in AI maturity considering talent, leadership and transparency, according to Evident's annual AI index.

By Paige Gross • Oct. 6, 2026

SEC proposal poses ‘direct threat’ to investors: Dem state finance officials

The state officials, all Democrats, are calling on the Securities and Exchange Commission to extend the comment period for the proposal and to keep the rule governing shareholder resolutions.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 5, 2026

Most companies still publishing sustainability reports but publicizing less: report

Fewer companies are pairing their sustainability reports with press releases and even fewer are using the term “ESG,” according to new analysis from global advisory firm Teneo.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 1, 2026

AI skill levels drive workforce divide: PwC

More than half of workers surveyed said they are falling behind their AI-savvy colleagues, PwC said, noting that AI proficiency bolsters a sense of job security.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Oct. 1, 2026

Levi’s, Marks & Spencer launch renewable energy initiative for fashion suppliers

The apparel giants launched the “Fashion Renewable Collective” in collaboration with Schneider Electric to help suppliers across fashion supply chains adopt renewable electricity at scale.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 29, 2026

Firms’ AI leaders lack confidence in governance frameworks

They’re concerned about insufficient internal expertise, out-of-date risk protocols and the potential to run afoul of new regulations, finds a new EY report.

By David McCann • Sept. 29, 2026

Proxy advisor Glass Lewis and ESG platform Clarity AI announce merger

The governance and proxy advisory firm and the AI sustainability platform will initially keep their name and branding until the combined company introduces a new brand strategy in 2027.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 28, 2026

26 state attorneys general call on Congress to rein in AI, flagging risks

Legislation introduced in the Senate on Wednesday would pause AI research until the creation of a federal department that would regulate the technology.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 25, 2026

Sustainable fast fashion: paradox or possibility?

Fast fashion brands like H&M, Zara and Shein are loud about their sustainability goals and achievements. But their business models pose an inherent contradiction, experts say.

By Lauren Schenkman • Sept. 24, 2026

ISO draft net-zero standard doesn’t pass initial vote

The draft was sent back to the organization for revisions after it “did not receive the level of approval required to advance in its current form,” an ISO spokesperson told ESG Dive.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 24, 2026

Directors flag gaps in board expertise: PwC

The share of directors who see a fellow board member’s “insufficient expertise” as warranting their replacement nearly doubled this year, a PwC survey says.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Sept. 24, 2026

1 in 4 AI agents run unmonitored, giving way to operational risk

AI adoption is obscuring system visibility, putting the spotlight on observability tools, according to a New Relic report.

By Makenzie Holland • Sept. 23, 2026

Businesses sidestep AI governance policies as concerns mount

Senior AI leaders say frameworks have not been updated to accommodate the technology's specific risks, according to an EY report.

By Scarlett Evans • Sept. 21, 2026