Starbucks’ DEI policies labeled ‘discriminatory’ in Missouri AG’s lawsuit

A spokesperson for the coffee chain denied the claim and said the company’s hiring and benefits programs are “open to everyone and lawful.”

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2025

Trump’s tariffs could raise onshore wind turbine costs by 7%, slow development: WoodMac

Wind generation deployments could be reduced by nearly a third by the end of this decade due to the tariffs, according to a Wood Mackenzie analyst.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 21, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

This year has shaped up to be a formative one for ESG, both on the regulatory and financial front, with the SEC’s climate disclosure rule and the battle over shareholder rights and proposal approvals.

By ESG Dive staff

HSBC delays net-zero emissions goal by 20 years

The U.K.-based bank said it was “revising [its] ambition” and delaying its target of hitting net-zero across its operations, business travel and supply chain from 2030 to 2050.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 20, 2025

Banks back away from DEI mentions

JPMorgan Chase, Citizens and Huntington have reduced or eliminated their references to diversity, equity and inclusion amid a White House crackdown, according to the banks’ latest annual filings.

By Caitlin Mullen • Feb. 20, 2025

Dems ask SEC, DOL to not issue anti-ESG rules: Exclusive

A coalition of 17 blue state finance officials sent a letter to the agencies to counter prior assertions made by their Republican colleagues.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 20, 2025

CSDDD is a ‘non-tariff barrier’ for US companies: House Financial Services Chair

Rep. French Hill said during a webinar that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will create costly barriers for U.S. corporations to do business in and engage with the bloc. 

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 19, 2025

Climate change should be incorporated into ‘daily decision-making’: JPMorgan

“Understanding climate risk is important for staying ahead in the financial landscape,” JPMorgan’s chief risk officer and global head of corporate advisory wrote in a new report.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 19, 2025

Manufacturers’ 2025 sustainability priorities

Companies are sticking with their long-term emissions goals and strategies amid changing federal regulations.

By Michelle No • Feb. 19, 2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro sues Trump admin over IRA funding freeze

The state’s agencies have limited access to over $3.1 billion in funding for activities including distributed solar deployment, well plugging and weatherization, according to the lawsuit.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 18, 2025

Comcast-NBCUniversal faces FCC probe over ‘invidious’ DEI policies

The agency’s new chairman says he’s concerned the cable TV, network and theme park operator continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

By Justin Bachman • Feb. 18, 2025

The SEC has requested to delay climate rule arguments. What’s next?

Sustainable investing experts are not surprised by the delay and say it is expected to have minimal immediate impact.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 13, 2025

Sustainability is a lasting fashion statement

Brands can build consumer trust and increase shareholder value by considering ESG impacts, writes Marco Valverde, apparel national practice leader at Moss Adams.

By Marco Valverde • Feb. 13, 2025

Accenture rolls back DEI goals to comply with Trump’s EOs

CEO Julie Sweet said the company would end its employee diversity representation goals and put “a greater focus on inclusion and a sense of belonging for all,” in an internal memo.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 12, 2025

Former EEOC commissioner weighs in on feds targeting private sector DEI

Chai Feldblum said employers may consider framing their programs on inclusion and preventing discrimination, but she also expressed confusion over some of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s enforcement priorities.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 12, 2025

Acting SEC chair asks court not to schedule climate rule arguments

“The Commission’s briefs previously submitted in the cases consolidated in the Eighth Circuit do not reflect my views,” Acting Chair Mark Uyeda said.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 11, 2025

HSBC taps global banking executive for chief sustainability officer role

Julian Wentzel — previously HSBC’s head of global banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey — becomes sustainability chief after serving as interim CSO.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 11, 2025

EPA funding freeze endangers $7B Solar For All program

“We don't know how much money got out the door, we don't know how much money the administration can seek to claw back,” said Vote Solar’s executive director, Sachu Constantine.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 11, 2025

US state legislatures take aim at fashion’s sustainability and safety concerns

The new regulations are designed to protect workers, consumers and the environment, but there are still hurdles to face between passing the bills and implementing them.

By Siera Nezaj • Feb. 10, 2025

Google moves away from aspirational diversity hiring goals

This move is on par with what attorneys have been recommending in a tense political landscape around DEI and compliance.

By Caroline Colvin • Feb. 10, 2025

Google contracts over $100M in carbon removal credits in 2024

“We’re encouraged by our progress, but the journey to catalyze carbon removal is just beginning,” Google Carbon Credits and Removals Lead Randy Spock said.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 7, 2025

Lego to increase solar capacity by 72% this year to cut emissions

The Danish toymaker calls solar expansion a “key initiative” to help meet its sustainability goals, which include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 7, 2025

‘A clarion call’: How employers should respond to Trump’s private-sector DEI order

Beyond clearly illegal practices like using preferences and quotas, employers need to dig into their DEI programs to see where the potential for other legal challenges might lie, writes Jonathan Segal, partner at Duane Morris.

By Jonathan Segal • Feb. 7, 2025

Sephora boosts DEI with new documentary

As others back away from DEI initiatives, the retailer said its film “reaffirms its commitment to fostering a world of inspiration and inclusion.”

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 6, 2025

New York reintroduces bills seeking climate risk, emissions disclosures

Senate Bills 3456 and 3697, if approved, would mandate climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the Empire State as early as 2027.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 6, 2025

ESG encountering widening ‘gulf’ between US and European investors: Morningstar

“We are definitely seeing a widening gap … between asset manager support for environmental and social-related voting initiatives," Morningstar Sustainalytics’ director of investment stewardship research said.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 5, 2025