Today’s ESG Updates:
- Google to Appeal Monopoly Case: The tech giant has been found liable for illegally dominating multiple advertising markets.
- New ESG Credit Scheme from UK Government: The directive is focused on growing carbon and nature markets to meet 1.5C temperature target.
- Trump Stops Green Investment: The President has halted wind development that could power 500,000 homes.
- General Motors Hires Dell ESG Leader: Cassandra Gardber has joined GM in an effort to achieve ESG goals.
Google to Appeal Antitrust Ruling Over Online Ad Monopoly
A U.S. judge ruled that Google illegally maintained monopoly power in online advertising by dominating publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, violating antitrust laws. While the court found some of Google’s practices non-antitrust, including its advertiser tools and certain acquisitions, it agreed with the DOJ that Google excluded rivals using its publisher tools. Google plans to appeal the “adverse” parts of the decision. The DOJ has suggested that Google should be forced to divest key ad tech units like Google Ad Manager. To track developments like these and navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, see ESG solutions.
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Further reading: Google to appeal against part of US court’s decision in monopoly case
UK Launches Integrity Principles to Strengthen Carbon and Nature Credit Markets
The UK government has launched a consultation on six new “integrity principles” for carbon and nature credits to boost trust, transparency, and quality in voluntary carbon and nature markets. With the markets projected to grow to $250 billion (carbon) and $69 billion (nature) by 2050, the initiative aims to address issues like inconsistent data and unclear standards. The principles focus on ensuring credits deliver real environmental benefits, promoting accurate reporting, and integrating credit use into broader climate goals. The move supports the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in green finance and drive investment toward net-zero targets.
Photo Credit: Marcin Jozwiak
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Further reading: UK Releases Carbon Credit “Integrity Principles” to Advance Carbon Markets
Empire Wind Project Halted by Federal Order Amid Climate Policy Clash
The U.S. Department of the Interior has ordered a halt to construction on the Empire Wind project off New York’s coast, citing concerns that the Biden administration approved it without proper analysis. The project, led by Equinor and expected to power 500,000 homes by 2027, is part of New York’s clean energy goals. Governor Kathy Hochul vowed to fight the federal order, calling it an overreach. The pause is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reverse Biden-era climate policies. Equinor, which has invested heavily in the project, is considering legal action to challenge the order.
Photo Credit: Karsten Würth
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Further Reading: Trump Admin Halts $5 Billion New York Offshore Wind Project
GM Appoints Cassandra Garber as Chief Sustainability Officer to Lead Zero-Emissions Push
General Motors has appointed Cassandra Garber, formerly Dell Technologies’ sustainability head, as its new Chief Sustainability Officer, starting April 22 (Earth Day). Garber succeeds Kristen Siemen, who retired after nearly 30 years with GM. At Dell, Garber led global sustainability strategy and social innovation programs, and previously held ESG roles at McKesson, 3M, and Coca-Cola. She aims to accelerate GM’s push toward a zero-emissions future and circular-economy solutions. Under Siemen, GM set ambitious climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2040 and 100% renewable electricity at U.S. sites by 2025. Garber called sustainable business both challenging and transformative. Companies can use the ESG index to stay up to date on the latest ESG news and legislations.
Photo Credit: Elishia Jayye
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Further reading: General Motors taps Dell sustainability head to become new CSO
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Rajeshwar Bachu
