ESG highlights for financial advisers
Record-breaking ‘super El Niño’ raises climate concerns – a record-breaking “super El Niño” weather event has reached its strongest level on record, with scientists warning that it could further elevate global temperatures and intensify extreme weather impacts worldwide, with the greatest effects expected to be felt during 2027. The development is a reminder that climate-related risks remain a key consideration for investors over the short and long-term.
South Korea unveils $750bn Korean Green Transformation Strategy - South Korea has launched a 10-year, $750bn decarbonisation strategy aimed at accelerating industrial emissions reductions, expanding renewable energy capacity, and supporting the transition to cleaner transport. Backed by significant public and private investment, the plan highlights how governments are increasingly linking climate action with long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
US climate policy faces another legal challenge – a coalition of 21 US states has launched legal action against the Trump administration’s decision to repeal greenhouse gas emissions limits for power plants. The case highlights the ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty around US climate policy and the potential implications for businesses, investors and the wider transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Nature-related reporting gains momentum – more than 800 companies and financial institutions across 57 countries have committed to reporting in line with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). As nature-related risks and biodiversity impacts move higher up the agenda, this growing uptake suggests nature reporting could follow a similar path to climate reporting in the years ahead.
Spotlight: sustainability remains a top business priority
Source: Deloitte, 2026 C-suite Sustainability Report
Why this matters
Despite political headwinds and competing business priorities, sustainability remains firmly on the corporate agenda.
A new Deloitte survey of over 2,100 global C-suite leaders found suitability remains one of businesses’ top priorities, second only to technology and innovation. The same survey shows that, although shareholder pressure around climate action is falling, businesses remain committed to change. In fact, 78% of those surveyed said their organisations have increased sustainability investment over the last 12 months.
Overall, the picture remains positive. Despite competing priorities and the change in political appetite for sustainability action – companies remain committed to action, planning to increase rather than decrease their efforts to fight climate change.
Parmenion Investment Management wins Best ESG Provider 2026 for the second year running
We’ve been committed to sustainable investing since 2012, with a well-established, multi-award-winning ethical proposition. Our ESG Growth range offers four distinct ESG styles, helping advisers match investments more closely with their clients’ individual views and beliefs while accessing a broad cross-section of the investible universe.
Read more here: Best ESG Provider for the second year running
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