Welcome to this week’s edition of #ElevatingNews, where we cut through the noise and spotlight what’s actually shaping the ESG and sustainability landscape – across markets, policy, culture, and capital.
From engineered carbon removal guidance to new climate data tools and evolving disclosure frameworks, the focus wasn’t on flash. It was on credibility, clarity, and capacity – three things the sustainability movement desperately needs.
Here’s what stood out:
🔍 Standards & Disclosure
- Gold Standard Releases Framework for Engineered Carbon Removals
For the first time, Gold Standard has introduced formal requirements for engineered carbon removals (like DAC and BECCS). The guidance outlines quality criteria for permanence, risk mitigation, and traceability – a big step toward bringing scientific and market legitimacy to high-tech removals. Read more→
- SBTi Opens Consultation for Finance Sector Net-Zero Standard
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched its long-awaited consultation on a dedicated net-zero standard for financial institutions. The goal: to close current gaps in the way banks, insurers, and investors calculate and disclose their decarbonization pathways – and bring them into full alignment with science. Read more→
- EFRAG Launches ESRS Reporting & Statistics Portal
To support implementation of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under CSRD, EFRAG has published an online portal that aggregates data on sustainability disclosures. The tool offers early insights into what companies are actually reporting, and where the gaps lie. Read more→
- KPMG: Only 24% of Firms are Ready for ESG Assurance
A new report from KPMG reveals that just one-quarter of companies currently meet the bar for robust ESG assurance – a troubling stat as the CSRD gears up to mandate third-party verification across the EU. The finding highlights a growing gap between disclosure expectations and assurance readiness.
Read more→
🌡️ Climate Risk & Adaptation
- Abu Dhabi Launches Climate Adaptation Plan for Environment Sector
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has unveiled its first climate adaptation strategy for the 2025–2050 horizon. The plan includes biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and climate-resilient water management. Read more→
- Jupiter Intelligence Launches “Investment-Grade” Climate Risk Standard
Climate analytics firm Jupiter Intelligence rolled out a new standard for what it calls “investment-grade climate analytics,” aiming to help investors and insurers translate physical risk into financial metrics. Think flood risk meets portfolio exposure – now with more confidence intervals. Read more→
- GRI Advances Sector-Specific Standards for Fashion & Textiles
In its latest climate bulletin, the United Nations reported that 2023–2024 marked the hottest 12-month stretch on record, with significant sea level rise and glacier loss. The agency warns that adaptation planning must accelerate globally – not just in hotspots. Read more→
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews!
If last week was about bold pivots, this one was about staying the course, with smarter tools, tighter standards, and deeper resilience work.
Which of these foundational shifts do you think will matter most by year-end?
Let’s keep the conversation going! 👇
