UN-ESG

US States Ramp up Commitments to UN Climate Agenda

February 11, 2019

The New York Times reports that the launch of US House of Representatives Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal plan is highlighting the pursuit of ambitious climate initiatives by political leaders in US states aiming to sidestep federal policy by implementing the UN’s Paris climate accord.
“Green New Deal” Echoes UN Social, Environmental Wishlist

February 07, 2019

A nonbinding resolution for a “Green New Deal” published today by Member of the US House of Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and US Senator Ed Markey echoes the UN’s “sustainable development” agenda in its call for “10-year national mobilizations” aimed at eliminating the use of fossil fuels and guaranteeing job benefits for every American.
ISO Releases Standard on “Sustainable” Tourist Accommodations

February 06, 2019

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released a new global standard, as part of its promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, guiding tourist accommodation facilities on how to implement “sustainability management systems” to protect human rights and the environment in their operations.
NGOs Use Benchmarking to Prod Companies on Supply Chains

February 06, 2019

A press release from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility praising apparel companies for high rankings in an annual supply chain benchmarking report shows how activist groups are successfully using a carrot-and-stick technique to persuade companies to respect the business and human rights (BHR) agenda.
UK Lawmakers Rank Fashion Retailers' “Sustainability” Efforts

February 06, 2019

The BBC reports that the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee has ranked fashion retailers on their commitment to reducing their negative social and environmental impacts and on their involvement in initiatives aimed at achieving “sustainability” in the clothing industry.
Ben & Jerry’s Removes Plastic Products from Shops

February 05, 2019

As companies respond to pressure from environmental activist groups to jettison “single-use plastic” products, PR Newswire reports that ice cream chain and self-proclaimed “aspiring social justice company” Ben & Jerry’s will no longer offer plastic straws or plastic spoons in its locations beginning in early 2019.
German Body Seeks Closure of All Coal Plants

February 04, 2019

The Los Angeles Times reports that a German government commission has issued recommendations seeking the closure of all of the country’s coal power plants by the year 2038 in favor of a move to renewable energy and $45 billion in spending for regions affected by the policy, in line with the goals of the UN’s Paris climate accord.
EC Pressures Internet Companies on Anti-Disinformation Efforts

January 31, 2019

In response to the first reports submitted by internet companies on their efforts to combat “disinformation” on their online platforms under an agreed EU code of practice, the European Commission (EC) has called for a more “systematic approach” from the companies to limit disinformation campaigns prior to the 2019 European Parliament elections.
Canadian Court Considers Treatment of Corporate Conduct Overseas

January 31, 2019

The Washington Post reports that a case pending before the Supreme Court of Canada in which Eritrean refugees are suing a Canadian mining company for forced labor could have substantial impacts on how Canadian courts treat legal claims alleging illegal conduct by Canadian corporations in foreign countries.
WEF, UN Initiative Promotes Global LGBTI Employment Standards

January 31, 2019

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have partnered with several large companies on an initiative promoting corporate implementation of UN standards on LGBTI inclusion in the workplace and the creation of “due-diligence frameworks” to ensure alignment with these standards.