Garments burned for fuel in Cambodia factories causing health and environmental issues

Waste from 19 companies including Adidas, Gap and Lululemon has been identified by the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights.

By Lara Ewen • Nov. 21, 2023

Verizon launches annual industry wide climate risk survey

The telecommunications provider’s move to expand its risk analysis comes in the wake of an environmental and health scandal earlier this year.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 17, 2023

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

The ESG battle: 4 key states shaping regulatory discourse in the US

Left-leaning California and New York and conservative-led Florida and Texas have stepped up regulatory measures to underscore ESG’s role — or lack thereof — in their jurisdictions.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Nov. 16, 2023

‘It is everywhere’: Rooting out forced labor from supply chains

Only half of surveyed procurement executives feel they are making effective progress on modern slavery risks in their sourcing, according to a Gartner report. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Nov. 16, 2023

US not on track to meet global warming targets, report warns

Current climate adaptation efforts and investments are “insufficient” to reduce today’s climate-related risks, according to the Fifth National Climate Assessment.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 15, 2023

Is DEI losing its foothold in corporate America?

Although slight, the continued decrease in users reporting access to DEI programs may confirm 2023’s shift in DEI outlook.

By Caroline Colvin • Nov. 15, 2023

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

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