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.
This week brought a mix of ambition and hesitation. While the Green Climate Fund backed adaptation with new capital and Turkey set aviation fuel mandates, Europe and Switzerland showed signs of regulatory fatigue. Meanwhile, standards bodies continued to fine-tune the global ESG reporting architecture – under pressure to deliver relevance and clarity.
Let’s unpack the stories.
🌍 Policy & Regulation
- Switzerland Hits Pause on Sustainability Reporting Reforms
The Swiss government announced it would delay a planned revision of its corporate sustainability reporting framework, originally intended to align more closely with global norms. Officials cited the evolving situation in the EU and IFRS jurisdictions as key reasons for holding off. The decision adds Switzerland to the list of countries opting to “wait and see” amid increasing complexity and fragmentation in the ESG disclosure space. Read more→
- Green Claims Directive Still Alive – But in Limbo
Despite earlier reports of its demise, the EU’s proposed Green Claims Directive (designed to clamp down on misleading environmental marketing) has not been formally withdrawn. EU officials confirmed the directive remains under review. While some member states push for its advancement, political deadlock has left companies unsure how to future-proof their sustainability communications. Read more→
- ESMA Warns of Weak ESG Disclosures in Investment Sector
The European Securities and Markets Authority flagged serious shortcomings in ESG disclosures by asset managers, including vague language, inconsistent methodologies, and poor alignment with SFDR requirements. ESMA called for stronger regulatory oversight and better-quality data – raising pressure on the financial industry to back ESG claims with credible, decision-useful information. Read more→
📈 Standards & Strategy
- ISSB to Update SASB Standards for Global Relevance
The IFRS Foundation announced that the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) will launch a comprehensive review of the SASB Standards, aiming to improve their global applicability and industry-specific relevance. While SASB’s sector-based approach remains popular among companies, its U.S.-centric roots have long needed a rethink. Read more→
✈️ Sector-Specific Climate Action
- Turkey Introduces SAF Mandates for Airlines and Fuel Suppliers
Turkey will require airlines and fuel suppliers to meet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets beginning in 2030, making it one of the first emerging markets to set sector-wide mandates. The regulation is designed to support both climate goals and domestic SAF production capacity. Read more→
💰 Finance & Adaptation
- UNEP and Green Climate Fund Launch $120M for Climate Resilience
The Green Climate Fund and the UN Environment Programme announced a $120 million initiative focused on nature-based climate adaptation in vulnerable countries. The program will support the restoration of critical ecosystems (such as mangroves, wetlands, and forests) while delivering food security, biodiversity, and disaster risk reduction benefits. Read more→
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews!
From adaptation funding and SAF mandates to delayed policy and disclosure gaps, this week reflected both the momentum and the messiness of the transition. One thing’s clear: ESG is under more scrutiny – and more expectation – than ever.
Which headlines do you think will have the biggest long-term impact?
Let’s keep the conversation going 👇
