This week in ESG
Here’s what’s been making the headlines in the world of sustainability and responsible investing this fortnight, and what advisers should know:
Key highlights for advisers
COP30 opens in Brazil – COP30, the world’s key climate conference, kicked off last week in Brazil, on the edge of the Amazon. This year’s focus leans heavily towards climate change adaptation and dealing with the impacts clients are increasingly aware of. Negotiators will also be pushing for a fossil fuels phase-out – a move facing political resistance but with long-term implications for global energy markets.
US steps back from COP – With America preparing to exit the Paris Agreement, Trump has declined to send a US delegation to the conference in Brazil. California Governor Gavin Newsom will attend independently, representing a $4trn state economy and signalling continued sub-national momentum on climate policy.
A record-setting digital green bond from Hong Kong – Hong Kong has launched the world’s largest-ever digital green bond: a HK$10 billion (USD $1.3 billion) tokenised issue traded on blockchain. Oversubscribed more than 12 times, it shows sustained appetite for innovative, sustainability-linked financing – and growing comfort from institutions with digital green bonds being issued.
European crackdown on airline greenwashing – Following an EU investigation, over 20 major airlines – including Air France, Lufthansa, and KLM – have agreed to stop using misleading environmental claims, such as suggesting CO₂ emissions can be offset by extra fees or sustainable aviation fuel.
Ørsted sells offshore wind farm stake – Ørsted has sold a 50% stake in the UK’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm to asset management company Apollo, as it looks to firm up its finances amid Trump attacks. Apollo has also committed to fund half of the remaining construction costs on the 2.9 GW project, which is expected to complete by 2027 and will power over three million homes.
Chart spotlight - Net zero ambitions remain resilient
Source: Accenture, Decarbonization at a turning point, 2025
Why this matters
A new Accenture report, Decarbonization at a turning point, suggests that despite a turbulent year for global climate policy, corporate ambition hasn’t wavered. After a global slowdown in 2024 – driven by geopolitics and Trump’s appointment – the world’s largest 2,000 companies (the G2000) are once again accelerating their environmental commitments, including a renewed focus from North American firms.
The chart above shows 41% of the world’s largest companies, led by Europe, have now set net zero targets for their scope 1-3 emissions, which includes their full supply chain. With company supply chains often producing much greater levels of emissions than their direct operations, this is a really positive step forward. And one which will likely generate further efficiencies as investors start to scrutinise the area more closely.
Even more notable: an impressive 73% of the world’s 2,000 largest companies have now set net-zero targets at least covering their own operational emissions (scope 1-2). For advisers, this suggests sustained momentum behind corporate decarbonisation – and a continued pipeline of opportunities for companies offering sustainability solutions.
What Parmenion is doing
At Parmenion, we continue to strengthen our approach to responsible investing. Our governance framework, fund research and portfolio oversight are designed to make sure ESG considerations are applied consistently and transparently across our investment solutions. You can read more on this in the ESG investing section of our website.
As corporate ambition and regulation evolve, we’ll keep reviewing and refining our approach to support you and your clients. You can read more about what we’re doing in our Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report.
Best ESG Provider 2025
We’re delighted to share that Parmenion Investment Management has been named Best ESG Provider at this year’s Moneyfacts Group Awards.
A huge thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support our journey in making responsible investing simpler, smarter, and more accessible for advisers and their clients.
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Parmenion accepts no duty of care or liability for loss arising from any person acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of any information contained within this article. All investment carries risk. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than they put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
