Breaking news – Sustainable Finance - August 2024

What’s new in sustainable finance?

Asian sustainable bond issuance has surpassed $1 trillion, but 2024 may be the first year without a new record as issuance has slowed by one-third compared to the same period in 2023. China, Japan, and Korea account for the majority of this issuance.

Institutional investors recognize the negative impact of corporate lobbying that opposes climate action, urging for Paris-aligned lobbying instead. The European Climate Lobbying Working Group (CLWG) pushes for improved corporate climate lobbying transparency among European companies, leading to significant developments such as Unilever's top-rated Climate Policy Engagement Review. However, progress is still slow, and the CLWG continues to advocate for stronger corporate disclosures and alignment with the Paris Agreement.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released an opinion on the EU's sustainable finance regulatory framework, proposing long-term improvements. Key recommendations include expanding the EU taxonomy, integrating transition investments, enforcing minimum sustainability disclosures for financial products, and enhancing ESG data regulation.

The poll