ESG News

Growing ‘Greenlash’ Fuels Fears for Europe’s Environmental Ambitions

A growing ‘greenlash’ against Europe’s environmental agenda has not so far derailed its decarbonization plans, but looming elections could put future climate and nature measures at risk. The European Union (EU) has burnished its role as a leader on climate …

Kellogg’s ‘Woke’ Workplace Diversity Programs Are Illegal, Group Claims

A conservative legal group on Wednesday urged a U.S. anti-discrimination agency to investigate Kellogg over workplace diversity policies that it says are unlawful, and accused the cereal maker of sexualizing its products. This is the second complaint filed this week …

Texas Legislature Takes Aim at the Use of ESG-Related Factors by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are increasingly incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their underwriting processes when they examine risk. However, despite the increasing adoption of ESG-related factors by insurers, political polarization and divergent political stances on the utility of ESG …

Rising ‘Anti-ESG’ Sentiment in US Is Impacting Funds, HSBC Says

The backlash against investing strategies that factor in environmental, social and governance issues is rising in the US and is impacting the way managers are thinking about integrating such considerations into their funds, according to a survey by HSBC Holdings …

‘Climate Washing’ Lawsuits Jump as More Activists Challenge Corporate Claims: Report

“Climate washing” litigation has risen sharply in the last two years as environmental groups and governments grow frustrated with corporate claims about their contribution to tackling climate change, a report published on Thursday showed. The report, compiled by London’s Grantham …

Companies Face Less Pressure for Climate and Social Reforms

Shareholder support for proxy resolutions on topics including climate change and workforce diversity dropped significantly this spring, analysts said, as tough proposals from activists met with growing political pressure on fund firms’ voting. Halfway through the shareholder annual meetings of …

Kansas Passes Anti-ESG Bill

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A proposal designed to thwart investing that considers environmental, social and governance factors has cleared the Kansas Legislature, but divisions within its GOP majorities kept the measure from being as strong as some conservatives wanted. Lawmakers …

A Class-Action Wave Is Coming for ESG Claims

Lawyers are bracing for an increase in ESG-related cases as corporate disclosure requirements stiffen around the world. A survey by the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright found that 28% of more than 430 general counsel and in-house litigation leaders said …

Texas Lawmakers to Consider TWIA Funding, ESG This Legislative Session

Texas lawmakers returned to Austin this week for the start of the 88th Legislature, which portends to be a relatively quiet legislative session for hearing property and casualty concerns. “I think insurance is probably not a top priority,” said Albert …

Investor Group, Unions Push Hyundai to Address Child Labor at U.S. Suppliers

A group that works with union pension funds is pressing Hyundai Motor Co to respond to reports of child labor at U.S. parts suppliers, warning of potential reputational damage to the Korean automaker. SOC Investment Group, which works with union …