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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

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
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