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NLJ this week: ESG risks

21 March 2025
Issue: 8109 / Categories: Legal News , ESG
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This week’s NLJ boasts a double helping of ESG (environmental, social and governance)

In the first article, Paul Henty, partner, Beale & Co, looks at CBAM, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, ‘proposed legislation from the EU and UK, which—in the name of combatting climate change—will effectively impose tariffs on certain targeted, imported goods’.

Businesses need to prepare for this now and ensure their systems can adapt. Henty also highlights possible disruption ahead, in the shape of a potential backlash from the US. He writes: ‘Given the importance of strategically significant industries—such as steel from Pennsylvania and aluminium exports—CBAM could be interpreted as a direct challenge to US competitiveness. The risk of trade disputes, tariffs or even diplomatic escalation cannot be ignored.’

Next, Richard Reichman, partner, BCL Solicitors, looks at the overlap between the failure to prevent fraud offence and ESG failings. Greenwashing (overstating environmental claims) is one example of the risks. Reichman writes that, given the public appetite for corporate accountability, ‘the risk areas will almost certainly continue to grow’.

 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Suzanne Porter

Freeths—Suzanne Porter

Firm launches trusts, estates and tax practice in the north with senior hire

Fieldfisher—Guy Forster

Fieldfisher—Guy Forster

Personal injury and medical negligence team strengthened by partner hire

mfg Solicitors—Richard Port

mfg Solicitors—Richard Port

Firm appoints partner and head of family in Birmingham office

NEWS
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
CILEX has called for a review of conveyancing fees and stronger regulation of the high-volume residential property sector, in its response to government proposals for homebuying reforms
Pension provision should be considered during all divorce proceedings in order to repair gender inequality, the Pension Policy Institute (PPI) charity and workplace pensions provider now:pensions have said
‘Over-regulating’ the cryptoassets sector could stifle growth when the government brings regulations into force in 2027, a digital assets lawyer has warned
Solicitors received a new year’s boost this month with the announcement of an uplift to the guideline hourly rates
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