A number of important issues continued to make the world of environmental law go around in the second quarter of 2022. For example, a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute explained the link between climate change and the global security situation. Furthermore, the Municipal Court in Prague described the activities of the state in terms of taking mitigation measures as insufficient. Last but not least, the EU has achieved a 34% reduction in emissions compared to 1990, thus exceeding its climate target. For more information on these and other news, see our newsletter.
EU continues to meet climate target, plans 55% fewer emissions by 2030
The Green Deal for Europe commits the EU to implementing important structural energy efficiency measures. However, given the current geopolitical and market situation, companies themselves should actively seek opportunities to reduce energy consumption. Read about the EU’s progress in terms of reducing emissions, what the upcoming update of the Industrial Emissions Directive will bring and how the REPowerEU plan responds to the energy crisis.
Transparency as a corporate sustainability tool
Nowadays, companies operate in a highly transparent environment where environmental or social weaknesses can quickly surface and directly affect company performance. In this context, however, transparency can also be seen as a tool that promotes resilience and the ability to adapt to adverse environmental or social events. Read our summary of the most important reports, surveys and studies that address the issues of women’s equal representation in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, or the Sustainable Actions Index.
The Czech Republic is failing to combat climate change and must introduce sufficient and concrete measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a ruling by the Municipal Court in Prague. This decision is also important in light of the latest data on the climate crisis published by the World Meteorological Society. The International Panel on Climate Change also focuses its report on mitigation measures, their implementation, and effectiveness. Our article addresses also other effects of climate change not only on domestic and international legislation but also, for example, on the security situation.
EU strengthens nature protection and focuses on repairing damaged ecosystems
Although the EU adopted major measures in the past to protect nature and ecosystem services, no significant progress has been made so far. However, the European Commission is aware of the need for a comprehensive set of measures covering all affected ecosystems, not just selected habitats. At the same time, practical measures need to be set in the context of EU environmental policies and conceptual changes in relation to economic development and sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, the 8th Union Environment Action Programme 2030 and the proposal for a legal framework for nature restoration are major developments.
European Commission clarifies sustainability disclosure requirements
The European Commission has belatedly issued anticipated regulatory technical standards clarifying disclosure requirements for sustainability information on financial products. Another awaited standard, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, has also received a clear outline. The EU Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the wording of this regulation.
Seminars, webcasts, business breakfasts and other events organized by Deloitte.
