10HUNDRED TAKEOVER
EARTH DAY
Why is Earth Day Important?
Earth Day is recognized by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes. The first Earth Day took place in the US in 1970, when over 20 million Americans called for increased protections for our planet. Held annually on April 22 around the world, Earth Day now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally. There is no other comparable annual event to highlight the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and climate change more specifically.
Earth Day highlights the increasing importance of ESG considerations to global businesses, particularly as new ESG regulations and guidelines emerge seemingly every day. At the same time, customers, employees and investors are exerting ever more pressure on companies to engage in business on ethical, accountable terms. Accordingly, Mayer Brown is joining thousands of organizations worldwide on this significant day to raise awareness and take action as we look to “Restore our Earth” – the theme of Earth Day 2021.
Recognising Earth Day Globally
READ
Biden Administration Pledges 50-52% GHG Reduction by 2030
President Biden committed the United States to a 50-52 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) “pollution” from 2005 levels by 2030.
Looking Ahead | How ESG may affect refinancings and restructurings of Covid-Era Debt
As businesses emerge from COVID with a significant amount of corporate debt, the landscape in the financial markets have also evolved: The focus on ESG issues has intensified. It is timely to take stock of where we are and consider how ESG issues could affect refinancings and restructurings of debt going forward. This article highlights seven key potential development areas through considering recent legal developments, market practices and trends.
The Nagoya Protocol & Access and Benefit Sharing
Organizing the Supply Chain Toward Protection of Biodiversity Globally.
Advertising “Sustainability” and “Green Claims” in Products and Services in the EU: Fancy Commercial Practice Can Be a Real Legal Challenge
The EU Green Deal announces the circular economy goal, which can only be achieved with the full mobilization of society and industry through the implementation of an integral EU policy for sustainability.
European Commission Adopts EU Taxonomy and Other Measures to Facilitate Sustainable Transition
On April 21, 2021, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of measures to help improve the flow of money toward sustainable activities across the European Union.
NextGen supports Earth Day
The NextGen Committee supports Earth Day with local litter picking and shares what Earth Day and its theme “Restore our Earth” means to them.
Mayer Brown Hong Kong supports Earth Day
Mayer Brown Hong Kong supports Earth Day with a virtual run and food wastage webinar.
ESG and Directors’ Duties
As the world marks Earth Day 2021, and global leaders, and society at large, call for urgent action to combat “the coming disasters of climate change and environmental destruction”, it is an apposite time to consider the role of company directors in promoting positive environmental practices.
BCBS Issues Two Climate-Related Reports
On April 14, 2021, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) issued two climate-related reports—one on climate-related risk drivers and their transmission channels and a companion report on measurement methodologies for financial risks.
ESG Investment Risks In Southeast Asia
In an article published by IFC Review, Mark Uhrynuk and Alexander Burdulia help asset owners make better sustainable investment decisions in Southeast Asia by outlining ESG investment risks in the region, as well as relevant risk mitigation strategies in public and private markets.
Brazil Ratifies the Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization will come into force on June, 2, 2021
TAKE PART
Ecolabels Survey & Overview
Whether ecolabels are an unfamiliar concept, or your business is beginning to undertake, or already underway with, an ecolabelling project we would be interested to hear your thoughts on this topic.
New York Regulator Issues Proposed Guidance for Insurers on Managing Financial Risks from Climate Change
On March 25, 2021, the New York Department of Financial Services issued for public comment “Proposed Guidance for New York Domestic Insurers on Managing the Financial Risks of Climate Change”. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
WATCH
Carbon Emissions in Brazil: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Luiz Gustavo Bezerra discusses carbon emissions in Brazil.
Net Zero: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Tim Baines and Luiz Gustavo Bezerra discuss Net Zero and Carbon Markets.
Introduction: Recognising Earth Day Globally
J. Paul Forrester provides an overview on Earth Day and why it’s important.
Sustainable Development in Asia: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Mark R. Uhrynuk discusses sustainability and related regulatory developments across Asia.
Climate Change and the Biden Administration: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Christina Thomas and Jonathan Becker discuss the recent changes that the Biden Administration has implemented, as well as the changes on the horizon, in relation to climate change.
Corporate Strategies to achieve Net Zero (Portuguese): Recognising Earth Day Globally
Luiz Gustavo Bezerra discusses corporate strategies to achieve Net Zero (in Portuguese).
Green Claims: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Pavlina Chopova-Leprêtre discusses the significant changes that are expected relating to Green Claims rules.
Biodiversity: Recognising Earth Day Globally
Thomas Delille and Luiz Gustavo Bezerra discuss the Nagoya Protocol to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the Brazilian Biodiversity Law.
LISTEN
ESG and Directors’ Duties
In this audio clip, James Whitaker briefly discusses the important role of company directors in promoting positive environmental practices.
UK Pensions Law: Podcast on Climate Risk Reporting Requirements
Mayer Brown Counsel Beth Brown provides background on the Pension Schemes Act 2021 and outlines the regulations in the consultation paper, as well as considerations for trustees seeking to understand and prepare for these future requirements.
