Environment, Land & Resources

Tag Archives: UK

UK Transition Plan Taskforce Launches Full Disclosure Framework

The framework claims to set the “gold standard” for companies to contribute to the net zero transition while emphasising ambition, action, and accountability. By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee The UK Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) launched its transition plan disclosure framework (the Framework) at the London Stock Exchange on 9 October 2023. The Framework … Continue Reading

Greenwashing: Key Drivers, Risks, Enforcement, and Litigation

LIDW23 member-hosted event provided insights into current and future trends in the greenwashing space. By Sophie J. Lamb KC and Aleksandra Dulska Latham & Watkins recently hosted a panel discussion during London International Disputes Week on the topic of greenwashing and how English law continues to evolve and adapt in order to meet the needs … Continue Reading

UK Regulators Launch Discussion on Diversity and Inclusion

Discussion Paper opens debate on potential new rules to improve diversity in financial services. By Rob Moulton, David Berman, Paul Davies, and Charlotte Collins On 7 July 2021, the FCA, the PRA, and the Bank of England published a joint Discussion Paper on diversity and inclusion in the financial sector. The regulators, in particular the … Continue Reading

UK Prime Minister Announces 10-Point Plan to Boost Green Economy

The plan promises 250,000 jobs and emphasises a “green industrial revolution” to stimulate a post-pandemic economic recovery. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 17 November 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a ten-point plan as part of the government’s initiative to “build back better”. The plan aims to bolster the economy … Continue Reading

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures Publishes 2020 Status Report

The annual report shows a considerable uptake in the adoption of climate-centred financial disclosures. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) published its Annual Report on TCFD-aligned disclosures by firms (Annual Report), on 29 October 2020. The TCFD was established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) … Continue Reading

Financial Reporting Council’s Climate Thematic Report Encourages Better Practices in Climate-Change Reporting

The FRC prompts boards, companies, and auditors to improve responses to climate change challenges through improved governance structure and narrative reporting. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 10 November 2020, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published its findings (the Report) on its thematic review undertaken in 2020, concerning climate-related considerations that various … Continue Reading

Climate Assembly UK Publishes 2050 Net Zero Target Recommendations

The UK citizens’ assembly identifies overarching principles and makes specific recommendations for achieving the environmental goal. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green Background The Climate Assembly UK has published its report on how the UK can achieve its statutory target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The report, which was released on … Continue Reading

UK Carbon Pricing Updates: UK Emissions Trading System and Carbon Emissions Tax Consultation

The government provides further details on UK carbon pricing after Brexit. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 14 July 2020, the UK government published the draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020 (the Order), establishing a framework for the potential UK Emissions Trading System (UK ETS). Subsequently, on 21 July 2020, … Continue Reading

UK Publishes Proposed Emissions Trading System

The proposals outline the potential new UK system after Brexit, which could be linked to the EU Emissions Trading System.  By Paul Davies and Michael Green On 1 June 2020, the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published proposals outlining a new UK-wide Emissions Trading System (UK ETS) contained within a response … Continue Reading

UK Releases New Details on Net Zero Target Measures

The announcements signal how both the Net Zero Review and the IETF will impact the UK’s transition to net zero. By Paul Davies and Michael Green On 2 November 2019, the UK government announced further details on two initiatives focused on helping the UK reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The first of … Continue Reading

UK Government Outlines New Powers and Regulations in Environment Bill

The Bill proposes a post-Brexit system of environmental governance to oversee new powers and regulations in four environmental law areas. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 15 October 2019, the UK government published the final draft of Environment Bill 2019–20 (the Bill), which aims to set out the government’s environmental priorities post-Brexit. … Continue Reading

US House Financial Services Committee Holds Landmark Hearing on ESG Reporting

Building a sustainable and competitive economy: an examination of proposals to improve ESG disclosures. By James R. Barrett, Paul A. Davies and Kristina S. Wyatt The US House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets has held the first ever US Congressional hearing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. … Continue Reading

UK Government Publishes Green Finance Strategy

Green Finance Strategy builds on the Green Finance Taskforce report, highlighting the City of London’s role in delivering a green economy. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On July 2, 2019, the UK government published its Green Finance Strategy (Strategy), subtitled “Transforming Finance for a Greener Future.” The document outlines how the finance … Continue Reading

UK Treasury Committee Launches Inquiry Into Decarbonization And Green Finance

The seven-week inquiry will assess the potential impact of decarbonization on the UK economy, and examine opportunities for the growth of green finance. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On World Environment Day, June 5, 2019, the UK Treasury Committee (the Committee) launched an inquiry into the decarbonization of the UK economy and … Continue Reading

UK Adopts 2050 Net-Zero Greenhouse Gases Target

The UK is the first major economy and G7 country to adopt the target following the CCC’s May 2019 recommendation. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green Adoption of 2050 Net-Zero Target UK Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the UK government will adopt the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC’s) recommended net-zero target … Continue Reading

Committee on Climate Change Recommends UK Government Adopt 2050 Net-Zero Greenhouse Gases Budget

The Committee has recommended that the UK government take the lead in reaching net-zero, through social, financial, and policy change. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), a statutory body that advises the UK government on carbon budgets, has recommended that the UK government should commit to cutting … Continue Reading

Environment Agency Data Shows Spike in Enforcement Undertakings in England and Wales

The growth in the level of undertakings throughout 2018 tallies with a general increase in environmental enforcement. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green The Environment Agency has released data indicating that enforcement undertakings in England and Wales reached more than £2.2 million in 2018 — the highest-ever levels within a single year. The amounts … Continue Reading

Green Finance Institute to Launch in London

Initiative will advance the UK’s Paris Agreement targets by serving as a “one-stop shop for world-leading climate science, and for capital.” By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green UK Chancellor, Philip Hammond, has announced plans to launch a Green Finance Institute (GFI), through funding from both the UK government and the City of London Corporation. … Continue Reading

UK Government to Abolish CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

Relief from the mandatory scheme will reduce the administrative burden on non-energy intensive companies. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) — which first came into operation on 1 April 2010 — will be abolished at the end of the 2018-19 compliance year, pursuant to the CRC Energy Efficiency … Continue Reading
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