Banks might dodge EU’s supply chain sustainability regulations

The proposed carveout for financial institutions would exclude them from having to submit climate transition plans.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 14, 2023

ESG and sustainability conferences to keep on your radar for 2024

Upcoming events will cover sustainable finance, corporate strategy and governance, climate change, supply chain, social impact and more.

By Zoya Mirza , Lamar Johnson • Updated June 7, 2024

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

Making the case for women-owned banks

Three women-owned banks have emerged in the last several years with the shared goal of increasing access to capital for female entrepreneurs.

By Anna Hrushka • Nov. 13, 2023

CEO-worker pay gap rising and ‘bad for business’: report

Recent research indicates CEO pay practices lead to governance issues as they spur “executive recklessness” such as mass layoffs, tax evasion and more that puts the economy at risk.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 13, 2023

Election results bring potential social implications for Ohio corporations

The support for reproductive rights could have companies such as Kroger and Procter & Gamble, which are headquartered in the Buckeye State, evaluating their corporate social policies.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 9, 2023

Democrats take control of Virginia legislature, clouding governor’s climate, abortion plans

The election results mean stricter emission standards enacted two years ago will be the guidepost for Virginia-based auto manufacturers beginning in 2025 and more abortion protections could be on the way for all state employers.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 9, 2023

Gender-balanced workforces outperform rivals: BlackRock

A new study from the world’s largest asset manager found increasing the gender diversity of a workforce and investing in women leads to economic gains.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 8, 2023

Credit union regulator proposes rule loosening hiring restrictions

The National Credit Union Administration Board aims to expand career opportunities for individuals convicted of certain minor offenses and advance financial inclusion and equity within the credit union system.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 7, 2023

Conservative group takes aim at DEI policies of 3 major airlines

America First Legal alleged that American, United and Southwest Airlines engage in “overtly” discriminatory practices in their diversity hiring and retention programs for women and people of color.

By Laurel Kalser • Nov. 6, 2023

Estée Lauder says it has hit global pay equity target in select sectors

The beauty and fragrance brand also said it has reached carbon neutrality for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions for the fourth consecutive year during an earnings call.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 3, 2023

House Judiciary subpoenas ESG, net-zero advocates alleging antitrust violations

Chair Jim Jordan subpoenaed financial coalition GFANZ and advocacy group As You Sow, whose CEO called the warrant “unfounded” and said the underlying allegations are “twisting the facts.” 

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 3, 2023

The ‘less tangible’ social data in ESG creates reporting hurdles

Social issues have historically fallen behind environmental and governance factors, a setback experts attribute to the ambiguity of what the “S” really encompasses.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 1, 2023

Arkansas lawmakers urged to defund DEI programs

Diversity, equity and inclusion perpetuates racial discrimination and “feelings of disenfranchisement” and “animosity,” according to a witness who testified in front of the Arkansas State Legislature last week.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 30, 2023

Most Americans still uncertain about ESG, but consider it when making decisions: report

A majority of those surveyed feel there is a “trust gap” between what most companies say they do for ESG and their actual behavior.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 27, 2023

In 2024, HR could be asked to modernize hiring, reinvent DEI

Employers also will have to address evolving return-to-office concerns and work-life balance issues in the coming year, a panel of experts said.

By Laurel Kalser • Oct. 27, 2023

Walmart’s doula benefits go nationwide

Since Roe v. Wade’s reversal, many employers have been more active in championing workers’ reproductive health.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 26, 2023

Adidas case slapped with amended complaint for violating ESG policies

Shareholders amended the class-action lawsuit against the sportswear brand, which accuses it of failing to disclose ESG and DEI violations made by rapper Ye in a timely manner.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 25, 2023

7 ESG trends influencing corporate strategy

Developments in the ESG landscape directing investor decisions include the consolidation of reporting frameworks, the rise of AI and data metrics, social responsibility and impending regulation from the SEC.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

Citigroup’s $1B racial equity program gets Labor Department greenlight

The department’s advisory opinion clears the way for the investment bank’s program, which includes plans to subsidize investment management fees for minority- and women-owned plan managers.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 18, 2023

Climate change leading cause for excluding companies from portfolios: report

A coalition of nonprofits released a financial exclusions tracker of companies that have been blacklisted by banks and investors over factors such as climate change, weapon and tobacco use, and human rights violations.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 17, 2023

SEC investor panel pushes for increased workforce disclosures

The Investor Advisory Committee proposed a new rule to the agency that would require companies to disclose comprehensive labor data like compensation ranges and employment status.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 13, 2023

Greenwashing growing in frequency and complexity: report

“Social washing,” which is when companies make misleading claims of conduct on social issues, is also on the rise, according to a report from ESG data and research company RepRisk. 

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 11, 2023

DOJ files lawsuit against eBay for violating Clean Air Act

The online retailer is being accused of the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices, which increase auto pollution emissions and harm public health.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 29, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

From ‘ableism’ to ‘woke’: Institute of Hospitality publishes DEI glossary

The glossary, an industry first, looks to create a common vocabulary of diversity, equity and inclusion terms for the hospitality sector.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 14, 2023