News in the spotlight: Google Rolls Out Carbon Footprint Reporting for Advertisers
Digital transformation is becoming increasingly intertwined with climate action. Google is launching a new tool that enables advertisers to track the CO₂ emissions generated by their marketing activities in real time. This marks a breakthrough in transparency and the integration of climate goals into everyday business decisions.
Products and Services
Google Rolls Out Carbon Footprint Reporting for Advertisers
Google has introduced a new carbon footprint reporting tool for advertisers, designed to bring greater transparency to the environmental impact of digital marketing campaigns. The tool integrates greenhouse gas emissions data directly into campaign dashboards, allowing brands and media buyers to monitor the carbon intensity of their ad activity in near real time. By quantifying the emissions linked to digital advertising, Google aims to support companies under increasing regulatory and investor pressure to disclose and reduce Scope 3 emissions. The move aligns with growing industry scrutiny of data-heavy digital services, which contribute to rising energy demand. It also reflects broader trends in embedding carbon data into operational and marketing decisions rather than treating it as a separate reporting exercise. This development may signal a shift toward more accountable and climate-conscious advertising strategies.
(source: support.google.com).
ISO Launches New Biodiversity Standard
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has launched the first global standard focused on corporate biodiversity action. This framework aims to provide consistent guidance for companies on how to measure, manage, and report their impacts and dependencies on nature. It comes at a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating globally and investors are demanding more transparency on environmental risks. The standard outlines methodologies for impact assessment, disclosure practices, and alignment with global goals such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. By introducing a structured and comparable approach, ISO seeks to help businesses integrate biodiversity considerations into their broader ESG and risk management strategies. Experts see this as a significant step toward putting nature on par with climate change in corporate sustainability reporting (source: iso.org).
Worldly Acquires Apparel Sector Sustainability Data Platform GoBlu
Worldly has announced the acquisition of GoBlu, a sustainability data platform specializing in the apparel sector. The deal aims to strengthen Worldly’s data capabilities and expand its reach in a sector under growing scrutiny for its environmental footprint. GoBlu’s tools help fashion and textile companies track supply chain emissions, resource use, and ESG compliance. Integrating these capabilities into Worldly’s platform could accelerate the development of standardized, sector-specific reporting tools and better decision-making for brands facing increasing regulatory and consumer pressure. Industry observers see the move as part of a broader trend toward consolidation in ESG data services, as investors and regulators demand more reliable and comparable information. It underscores how data infrastructure is becoming critical to achieving decarbonization and circularity targets in fashion (source: worldly.io).
Regulations, Law and Frameworks
Overhauled SFDR to be Presented in November
The European Commission is preparing to present a revised version of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) in November. The overhaul follows years of criticism from market participants over vague definitions, inconsistent application, and lack of clarity around Article 8 and 9 fund classifications. The new proposal is expected to tighten anti-greenwashing measures, create clearer product categories, and streamline disclosure requirements. It may also introduce a more robust framework for sustainability impact claims, enabling investors to compare products more effectively. Analysts believe the revision could significantly reshape the sustainable finance landscape in Europe by providing more legal certainty and increasing investor confidence. The timing of the revision coincides with heightened political debate over ESG regulations in the EU, making it a pivotal moment for both financial institutions and corporates. If successful, the new SFDR could set a more credible and transparent standard for global sustainable finance markets (source: globalpccs.com).
EU to Delay CSRD Sustainability Reporting Standards for Non-EU Companies
The European Commission plans to postpone the implementation of CSRD sustainability reporting standards for non-EU companies, responding to concerns from international businesses about the complexity and pace of compliance. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires large companies operating in the EU to disclose detailed ESG information aligned with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Many foreign firms have argued that they lack sufficient time and guidance to meet these requirements. A delay would ease immediate compliance pressure while allowing the EU to clarify interoperability with frameworks like ISSB and GRI. However, some environmental groups warn the postponement risks slowing progress toward global reporting alignment and delaying transparency on climate impacts. The new timeline could influence multinational reporting strategies and signal the EU’s willingness to balance ambition with practicality in implementing ESG regulations
(source: csrhub.com).
SEC Chair Backs Giving Companies More Power to Block Politicized ESG Resolutions
The Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed support for new rules that would give companies more discretion to block shareholder ESG resolutions deemed “politicized” or immaterial to core business strategy. The proposal comes amid growing political polarization over ESG investing in the United States. Supporters argue it would reduce administrative burdens and protect companies from activist campaigns perceived as ideological rather than financially relevant. Critics counter that it could undermine shareholder rights and slow corporate progress on climate and social issues. If enacted, the change could reshape how investors influence corporate sustainability strategies, particularly in sectors facing regulatory or reputational pressure. The debate underscores deeper divisions in U.S. markets over the role of ESG factors in financial decision-making, governance, and fiduciary responsibility. It may also widen the transatlantic gap between the U.S. and Europe on sustainability regulation.
(source: waters.com)
ESG Data & Analytics
‘RHINO’ Nature Risk Framework Launched
A new initiative called RHINO has been launched to help financial institutions systematically assess and report nature-related risks. Developed by a coalition of experts and financial organizations, the framework provides tools to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem considerations into traditional risk management. RHINO aims to work in tandem with emerging frameworks like TNFD, offering practical methodologies for measuring exposure to deforestation, ecosystem degradation, and resource scarcity. The framework arrives amid growing recognition that nature loss represents a systemic risk to financial stability. Banks, insurers, and investors are increasingly being asked to consider these risks in their strategies and disclosures. Analysts see RHINO as a milestone in the evolution of nature-related finance, potentially accelerating the standardization of biodiversity risk reporting globally. If widely adopted, it could influence capital flows toward more nature-positive investments and strengthen corporate accountability for environmental impacts (source: iucn.org).
CPP Investments: Forward-Looking Insurance Pricing Needed for Climate Risk
CPP Investments has called for a shift in the insurance industry toward forward-looking pricing models that better account for physical climate risks. Traditional insurance pricing often relies on historical loss data, which may no longer reflect the accelerating frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. By integrating climate projections and scenario analysis, insurers can help investors and asset owners more accurately understand long-term exposure to events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. This approach would also support more resilient infrastructure planning and capital allocation. CPP argues that without forward-looking pricing, financial markets risk underestimating the true cost of climate impacts, leading to systemic vulnerabilities. The call reflects a broader trend of aligning insurance and finance with climate science, as regulators and investors push for improved risk transparency and more adaptive financial models (source: cppinvestments.com).
ESG- and Green Bond Issuances
WDP First Public Green Bond Seven-Times Oversubscribed
Belgian logistics property company WDP has successfully issued its first €500 million green bond, which was oversubscribed seven times. The strong demand reflects continued investor appetite for sustainable debt instruments, even amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Proceeds will be allocated to energy-efficient warehouses and renewable energy initiatives, supporting the company’s decarbonization strategy. The oversubscription highlights the role of green bonds as an attractive financing mechanism for climate-aligned investments. It also underscores the real estate sector’s growing exposure to regulatory requirements around energy performance and emissions. Analysts say this deal is further evidence that investors are prioritizing credible climate action in their portfolios, and that green bonds remain a key tool for mobilizing capital toward low-carbon infrastructure (source: wdp.eu).
First Abu Dhabi Bank Raises $20m from Second Blue Bond
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has raised $20 million through its second blue bond issuance, just months after its debut in this space. The proceeds will fund marine conservation projects and sustainable water initiatives, contributing to the growing global blue finance market. Blue bonds are gaining traction as investors look beyond traditional green instruments to address pressing ocean and freshwater challenges. FAB’s repeat issuance reflects growing investor confidence in water-related assets, which are increasingly seen as central to climate resilience and biodiversity protection. The move also highlights the Middle East’s emerging role in sustainable finance innovation. Analysts note that successful blue bond deals like this could help scale funding for ocean protection while diversifying sustainable finance portfolios (source: bankfab.com).
Amundi Mulls Role of Nature and Transition Debt in Follow-Up to EGO Fund
Amundi is exploring expanding the scope of its EGO blended finance fund to include nature-related and transition-themed debt instruments. This shift would move beyond traditional green bonds to finance projects focused on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and pathways to decarbonization. Analysts say the strategy reflects a broader evolution in sustainable finance, where investors are looking to support a wider range of environmental outcomes beyond carbon reduction alone. Nature and transition debt could help close funding gaps in sectors not yet fully green but critical to achieving net-zero goals. Amundi’s consideration signals growing institutional interest in these emerging asset classes. If implemented, it could set a precedent for other asset managers and expand the market for innovative climate and nature finance instruments (source: amundi.com).
Net Zero Commitments
Mars, Incorporated & Cargill Build 100+ Solar Projects in Europe
Mars and Cargill have announced plans to build more than 100 solar energy projects across Europe to decarbonize their operations. The initiative represents one of the largest corporate solar investments in the region to date, aimed at reducing Scope 2 emissions and supporting the companies’ net-zero goals. The projects are expected to supply renewable energy to manufacturing sites, logistics hubs, and other operations, lowering exposure to volatile energy prices. This commitment reflects a growing trend among multinationals to invest directly in clean energy infrastructure rather than relying solely on offsets. It also aligns with tightening EU sustainability regulations and growing investor scrutiny of corporate climate strategies. Analysts view the announcement as a strong signal of corporate leadership in the energy transition, particularly in sectors with significant operational emissions footprints (source: mars.com).
Morgan Stanley Backs Corvus Energy to Decarbonize Maritime Sector
Morgan Stanley has invested in Corvus Energy to accelerate decarbonization in maritime shipping, a sector responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Corvus specializes in energy storage systems and battery technology for hybrid and fully electric vessels, offering a pathway to reduce emissions from one of the hardest-to-abate industries. The investment reflects a growing appetite among financial institutions to support the energy transition in transportation sectors such as shipping and aviation. It also aligns with regulatory pressure on shipping operators to cut emissions in line with international climate goals. Analysts view the deal as a signal of growing confidence in maritime electrification and a step toward mainstreaming transition finance. If scaled successfully, projects like this could accelerate decarbonization across global supply chains and set new benchmarks for green shipping investments (source: morganstanley.com).
Deep Sky to Build 500,000-Tonne Carbon Removal Facility in Canada
Deep Sky has unveiled plans to build a large-scale carbon removal facility in Canada capable of capturing 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The project, among the largest in North America, will use direct air capture (DAC) technology to remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. Carbon removal has emerged as a critical component of climate strategies, complementing emissions reductions in hard-to-abate sectors. The Deep Sky project aims to demonstrate the commercial viability of DAC at scale, potentially supporting carbon credit markets and corporate net-zero strategies. While questions remain around cost and infrastructure, analysts say this development signals growing investor and policy interest in engineered carbon removal. If successful, the facility could pave the way for expanded DAC deployment and play a key role in achieving climate targets (source: deepskyclimate.com).