Originally posted on Skadden Publication I. ESG: 2024 Sees Greater Implementation in Europe and Increasing Divergence With the US In this article, we reflect on key trends in ESG over the second half of 2024 and look ahead at trends that may emerge in 2025. We analyze developments in the
Key Impact Points: A Shift to Value Architects The Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) role is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond financial stewardship to becoming a Value Architect. This shift is fueled by sustainability imperatives and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). In today’s “Age of And,” CFOs must
Key Impact Points: McDonald’s Shifts Focus to Inclusion McDonald’s has announced a significant shift in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy, emphasizing “inclusion” while phasing out the terms “diversity” and “equity.” The company’s updated approach is outlined in a letter from CEO Chris Kempczinski, who stated, “We are immensely
Key Impact Points: Consumer Expectations Drive Change Retailers are facing increasing pressure to meet consumer demands for availability and supply chain transparency. Shoppers not only want products when and where they need them but also expect insight into sourcing, logistics, and environmental impact. This creates a challenging balancing act for
Key Impact Points: Information sourced from PwC Article by Robert Kammerer, Nadja Picard, and Gilly Lord Building Trust Beyond Financials For decades, businesses have relied on high-quality financial reporting to build trust with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and consumers. Today, as sustainability reporting becomes a global priority, companies face a
Key Impact Points: Global and State Regulations Drive Sustainability Forward While federal policies may shift with the incoming administration, sustainability momentum is expected to endure. Historically, US corporations voluntarily built sustainability programs, driven by stakeholder demands, resource management needs, and opportunities for growth in sustainable products. “The most significant corporate
TIME and Statista highlight 500 companies excelling in growth and environmental stewardship Key Impact Points Shifting the Growth vs. Green Paradigm “People are deeply stuck in this trade-off mentality: growth versus green, jobs versus the environment. These are false dichotomies,” says John Sterman, co-director of MIT Sloan’s Sustainability Initiative. This
Key Impact Points Regulators Crack Down on Greenwashing The CSA is intensifying its oversight of ESG disclosures, highlighting concerns about potentially misleading environmental claims. In its Staff Notice 51-365, the CSA outlines common deficiencies, including overly promotional claims and insufficient substantiation. “The Notice warns that false, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims
Key Impact Points Secondhand Gifting Gains Momentum Merle Brown, a 53-year-old writer from Scotland, buys most of her gifts secondhand. “I love the thrill of finding something unique and special that I can’t get anywhere else,” she says. Her Christmas list includes vintage glassware, puzzles, and holiday cards — unique
Key Impact Points The Growing Business Case for Climate Action A new Deloitte report reveals a foundational shift in corporate sustainability, driven by climate risks, evolving regulations, and stakeholder demands. Record-breaking climate disruptions, such as extreme weather and rising insurance costs, are reshaping business strategies globally. “Seventy-nine percent of respondents
