1. Japan Updates Emission Reduction Targets, Net-Zero Carbon by 2050
Intro
The Japanese government announced updated nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 and achieve 75% reduction by 2040.
Article Content
This move aims to accelerate achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and emphasizes the importance of energy transition. Japan plans to strengthen renewable energy deployment while advancing hydrogen technology development to address climate change challenges.
Link: Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
2. Taiwan Stock Exchange Promotes Sustainability Disclosure Practice Workshops
Intro
The Taiwan Stock Exchange is holding sustainability disclosure practice workshops starting March 20 to help listed companies improve their sustainability governance capabilities.
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The activities cover sustainability report preparation standards, material topic disclosure guidelines, and ESG digital platform applications, with expert speakers invited. This initiative aims to promote Taiwan's capital market toward internationalized sustainability transformation.
Link: Economic Daily News
3. EU Simplifies Sustainability Reporting Requirements
Intro
The European Commission released simplification legislation to reduce corporate compliance burden in sustainability reporting.
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The new legislation includes raising CSRD application thresholds and reducing disclosure requirements, expected to affect 80% of companies. For SMEs, more voluntary frameworks are provided to reduce administrative costs.
Link: Linklaters
4. SBTi Launches Net-Zero Standard Revision Work
Intro
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announced the establishment of expert working groups to revise corporate net-zero standards.
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Revision focuses include Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas target setting, and standardization of carbon removal and neutralization measures. The draft will be released in 2025 with pilot testing.
Link: ISS Governance
5. Goldman Sachs Launches First Biodiversity Bond Fund
Intro
Goldman Sachs Asset Management launched its first biodiversity-focused bond fund, targeting $500 million in fundraising.
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The fund aims to support ecosystem protection projects while providing investors with fixed income options. This is a major innovation by financial institutions in the ESG investment field.
Link: GreenScope
6. Taiwan Hosts 2025 ESG Summit
Intro
The 2025 ESG Summit hosted by the Accounting Research and Development Foundation of the Republic of China will be held in August, focusing on sustainability disclosure and innovation.
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The event will explore the 2050 net-zero goal and digital technology applications in sustainability transformation, showcasing best practice cases. Multiple international experts will participate in speeches and panel discussions.
Link: PDF Download
7. EBA Identifies ESG Data Gaps
Intro
The European Banking Authority (EBA) noted that while ESG data has made progress, significant gaps remain.
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EBA emphasizes the need to improve data collection methods to support standardized credit risk analysis. It also calls on banks to strengthen data transparency to meet regulatory requirements.
Link: GreenScope
8. French Senate Report Explores AI and Environment
Intro
The French Senate released a report exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance climate adaptation strategies.
Article Content
The report indicates AI can be used to optimize energy use and improve disaster prediction models, but technology costs and environmental benefits need to be balanced. This provides new perspectives for technology and ESG integration.
Link: GreenScope
9. UK Launches ISSB Standards Consultation
Intro
The UK government announced it will launch consultation on adopting ISSB standards in March.
Article Content
Consultation focuses include company transition plan requirements and ISSB standards applicability in the UK. This may affect future corporate sustainability disclosure frameworks.
Link: GreenScope
