Welcome to this week’s edition of #ElevatingNews, where we cut through the noise and spotlight the ESG signals that matter.
This week showed us two realities running in parallel: the political pushback against regulatory ambition and the market’s determination to press ahead with climate solutions, smart capital, and scalable innovation.
Let’s get into it.
🌍 Policy & Regulation
- Germany’s CDU Leader Pushes to Scrap EU Due Diligence Law
Friedrich Merz, head of Germany’s CDU party, called for the full withdrawal of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), citing fears of overregulation. The statement lands amid rising tension in Europe over the future of mandatory supply chain accountability – a sign that ESG politics are entering campaign season. Read more→ - New York Approves $1B State Climate Plan in FY26 Budget
New York State passed a $1 billion climate plan focused on emissions reduction, green job creation, and public transit electrification. The funding will support community-led climate solutions and infrastructure upgrades, showing how subnational governments are embedding decarbonization into economic planning. Read more→
⚙️ Corporate Action & Innovation
- US–UK Deepen Collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
At the Sustainable Skies World Summit, the U.S. and U.K. agreed to intensify joint efforts on SAF development, including research, policy alignment, and investment. The message was clear: cleaner aviation is a strategic sector priority. Read more→ - Glimpact Launches Footprint Tool for Fashion Compliance
ESG tech firm Glimpact launched a new digital platform to help fashion brands calculate their environmental impact and prepare for incoming EU regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). With LCA and compliance integration, it’s a timely solution for an industry facing mounting scrutiny. Read more→
📈 Sustainable Finance & Metrics
- IEA: Over 25% of Global Car Sales in 2025 Will Be Electric
The International Energy Agency reported that EVs will account for more than 1 in 4 new vehicles sold globally this year – a record. China continues to lead, but the EU and U.S. are ramping up. Battery cost declines and expanding model options are accelerating the trend. Read more→ - Valeo Issues €650M Green Bond for Low-Carbon Auto Tech
Valeo raised €650 million through a green bond issuance to support projects in electric mobility, energy-efficient vehicle systems, and sustainable manufacturing. It’s a move that reinforces how the climate transition is reshaping supply chains. Read more→ - AXA IM Labels Fixed Income Funds under UK SDR Framework
AXA Investment Managers has adopted the UK’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) by categorizing several fixed income funds as “Sustainability Improvers.” These carbon transition strategies target real-world emissions reduction, offering investors products that go beyond ESG screening and into measurable decarbonization pathways. Read more→
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews!
While some are questioning how far ESG should go, others are busy proving what’s possible. The transition is not waiting for consensus, it’s being built in real time through capital markets, tech solutions, and public policy.
Which of these headlines felt most relevant to your work this week?
Let’s keep the conversation going 👇
